The New School in VA

[Anonymous]

Any feedback on them?

seems like a pretty cool school. http://www.newschoolva.com/index.php

Thinking about moving DS out of MCPS for MS.


TIA!

[Anonymous]

The school and the teachers are amazing. The teachers are really passionate about their areas of expertise and truly care about the kids. Classes are small and there is a feeling of acceptance that simply doesn't exist in most schools. As my DD said, for the first time I can be who I am and not feel judged.

High school is very similar to college. Lots of in-depth seminars where subjects are studied deeply rather than year-long classes that covers way too much where you end up forgetting everything a year later.

Honestly, I can't say enough great things about this school. It's really great for kids who like intellectually challenging material, but despise all of the busywork and stress of public school.

That being said, the school is not for everyone. If your kid likes to be lost in the crowds, enjoys the feeling of a big school, or needs to be on a competitive sports team, then look elsewhere. Some people might be turned off from the progressive nature of the school (eg., calling teachers by first names, kids who don't look cookie-cutter). Also, you really need to visit to get a feel for it. In fact, they require potential students to take classes there for several days to make sure it is a good fit.

[Anonymous]

We live nearby and have heard only good things about it -- I wish we could afford to send DDs there when they are older.

[Anonymous]

OP here. 8:17 - from what I have read on their website, they are quite inclusive with respect to children with learning differences...kids who have difficulty in a traditional public school setting.

would you agree with this statement?

My DS is not at all about sports and would thrive in a smaller environment and he is not cookie-cutter at all. He's witty and sometimes shy. Very kind as well. But he is ADHD/Inattentive with LDs that just about always seem to go along with ADHD....language, auditory processing etc.

thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Is it a special needs school?

[Anonymous]

It is definitely not a special needs school and they don't provide remediation. So if remedial tutoring is needed, it will need to be arranged privately. They also may not accept students if the special need involves behavioral issues. This is all decided on a case by case basis.

That being said, it is a fantastic school for kids who have learning differences, but are bright and curious learners. So in that regard, they are inclusive. Kids don't get overlooked and fall between the cracks. In fact, they meet each week with their advisor who reviews their grades and makes sure they are on track.

The small class size, amazing and compassionate faculty, interesting classes, and mutual respect make it so much different than public school. What really helped me to make the decision to enroll was talking to other parents. I encourage you to do the same.

Also, if your child loves art, he will absolutely love the school. They have an amazing art studio which allows artistic freedom and self-expression.

OP, it sounds like your DS would blossom at the school.

[Anonymous]

Understand they don't provide remediation, but will they work with parents to provide accommodations recommended by neuropsych? (nothing too arcane, just previewing, sitting near teacher, extra time on some things, etc)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is definitely not a special needs school and they don't provide remediation. So if remedial tutoring is needed, it will need to be arranged privately. They also may not accept students if the special need involves behavioral issues. This is all decided on a case by case basis.

That being said, it is a fantastic school for kids who have learning differences, but are bright and curious learners. So in that regard, they are inclusive. Kids don't get overlooked and fall between the cracks. In fact, they meet each week with their advisor who reviews their grades and makes sure they are on track.

The small class size, amazing and compassionate faculty, interesting classes, and mutual respect make it so much different than public school. What really helped me to make the decision to enroll was talking to other parents. I encourage you to do the same.

Also, if your child loves art, he will absolutely love the school. They have an amazing art studio which allows artistic freedom and self-expression.

OP, it sounds like your DS would blossom at the school.

Thanks! he is tutored twice a week already. The "special needs" designation is always a tough one as it means different things to different people. He IS special needs in that he has an IEP and is pulled out for math and reading. His only behavioral issue is the occasional calling out. other than that, very sweet natured boy.

As we are in MD, I wonder if there is a school of like-kind on this side of the river. Although New School sounds dreamy

[Anonymous]

13:24 - Teachers will accommodate naturally, but are very open to doing whatever a testing report might recommend (as long as it's nothing cumbersome that might take away from the class). Extra time, preferred seating, etc. would not be a problem.

There's lots of kids who live far away. They have a bus that picks up at the Vienna metro if that is an option.