Lab School for gifted child w/some needs?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone offer any advice on whether the Lab School would be a good place for a child who has very strong academic ability, but needs assistance with fine motor tasks and learning to 'fall into step' with a classroom? Can't get a grasp of that school from just touring.

[Anonymous]

Have not had a child attend, but hear that they make an effort to reach children at all abilities, but kids who have not yet reached them.

[Anonymous]

My impression is that the Lab school takes a lot of kids whose parents refuse to let them go to DCPS and hire lawyers to get them in there instead so they take a lot of kids that otherwise would be in public school.

[Anonymous]

Lab has lots of kids who, while bright, are severely learning disabled. The curriculum is great - lots of hand-on learning - but moves somewhat slowly. A child who is academically advanced already would probably not be a good fit.

[Anonymous]

What I've heard is that each class has its own personality. Some classes have highly gifted kids with learning needs, in others the group has more challenges. Often they get gifted kids what they need so they can go on to another school. I can think of two children off the top of my head who went to Lab and eventually transferred to competitive private schools.

[Anonymous]

PP, do you know how long (or to what age/grade level) the two kids stayed?

[Anonymous]

One was there through 8th grade, the other I'm not sure about the other (it was a long time ago, when i met him he was in college, at Brown) but I think it was about the same. My sense is that they teach a real range of learners.

[Anonymous]

I will be attending a Lab School open house, and will ask the questions--as my kid needs learning accommodations, but is above average-superior in ability.