Wanting to start a school for my 11 year old autistic son

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[Post New]04/02/2014 11:03
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Anonymous
I have decided the current school options don't work for us and am working to begin our own school for him based on a mixture of ideas from FloorTime therapy, Reggio Emilia education philosophy and what is generally referred to as an holistic education. I have begun putting all the ideas on paper but it is far from figured out. Looking for anyone else that might be interested in the same ideas to be part of our "school". We are looking to start as soon as possible but, to do that, we are limited in that the beginning phase will be an "educational facility" and not a school by name. Again, in very early stages of the idea but if anyone is interested in helping create a co-op time situation where we work together to create an educational environment for similar aged children, please let me know. The school would be located someplace in Northwest DC.
[Post New]04/02/2014 11:24
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Anonymous
I don't mean to be discouraging but don't you have to go through an accredidation process? You can't just hang a school shingle out.
[Post New]04/02/2014 11:36
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to be discouraging but don't you have to go through an accredidation process? You can't just hang a school shingle out.


Home school co-op.
[Post New]04/02/2014 13:03
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Anonymous
A school like this?:

http://www.rebeccaschool.org/
[Post New]04/02/2014 13:20
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cchristy
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:A school like this?:

http://www.rebeccaschool.org/


Almost exactly like this. Generally my go-to idea of what to follow as I create our facility.
[Post New]04/02/2014 13:34
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Anonymous
Did you know that Diener and Newton were both founded by moms? It takes lots of hard work and lots of money to do this. You may want to contact the founders to network and get advice. Good luck!
[Post New]04/02/2014 13:50
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cchristy
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:Did you know that Diener and Newton were both founded by moms? It takes lots of hard work and lots of money to do this. You may want to contact the founders to network and get advice. Good luck!


Thanks so much! I did know that the Diener School had been started by a mom. Did not know about Newton. As much as I can get that this takes a whole lot of time, money and hard work, I understand that. I keep wondering why I am doing this but then realize, if I can get it done, it will be the best situation for our family. I figure having a child with special needs has never been easy so why would I expect that now? Thanks for the advice.
[Post New]04/02/2014 14:51
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Anonymous
guess I'm not the only one who finds the show Parenthood mirrors my life. Christina is also starting a school...

Wish you the best of luck. You are a great parent.
[Post New]04/02/2014 15:14
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Did you know that Diener and Newton were both founded by moms? It takes lots of hard work and lots of money to do this. You may want to contact the founders to network and get advice. Good luck!


Lab was founded by a mother too although she's passed away. I think know knows what their kid needs better than a mom.

In addition to the $$$, one of the biggest obstacles is space. You may want to consider an organization where you could partner and share existing space. Diener for example shares or rents space from a synagog.

Good luck to you, OP in your endeavors.
[Post New]04/02/2014 15:35
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Did you know that Diener and Newton were both founded by moms? It takes lots of hard work and lots of money to do this. You may want to contact the founders to network and get advice. Good luck!


Lab was founded by a mother too although she's passed away. I think know knows what their kid needs better than a mom.

In addition to the $$$, one of the biggest obstacles is space. You may want to consider an organization where you could partner and share existing space. Diener for example shares or rents space from a synagog.

Good luck to you, OP in your endeavors.


Now wouldn't that be a convenient school to attend if you also have to go to hebrew school!
[Post New]04/02/2014 16:24
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I have decided the current school options don't work for us and am working to begin our own school for him based on a mixture of ideas from FloorTime therapy, Reggio Emilia education philosophy and what is generally referred to as an holistic education. I have begun putting all the ideas on paper but it is far from figured out. Looking for anyone else that might be interested in the same ideas to be part of our "school". We are looking to start as soon as possible but, to do that, we are limited in that the beginning phase will be an "educational facility" and not a school by name. Again, in very early stages of the idea but if anyone is interested in helping create a co-op time situation where we work together to create an educational environment for similar aged children, please let me know. The school would be located someplace in Northwest DC.


I would be interested in the concept, but not in the location.
[Post New]04/02/2014 18:32
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Anonymous
I have nothing to add here other than that most good things in the world are because someone noticed a need and worked hard to find a solution to it. I wish you every success in your efforts.
[Post New]04/02/2014 20:51
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Anonymous
Charter school!
[Post New]04/03/2014 12:46
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have decided the current school options don't work for us and am working to begin our own school for him based on a mixture of ideas from FloorTime therapy, Reggio Emilia education philosophy and what is generally referred to as an holistic education. I have begun putting all the ideas on paper but it is far from figured out. Looking for anyone else that might be interested in the same ideas to be part of our "school". We are looking to start as soon as possible but, to do that, we are limited in that the beginning phase will be an "educational facility" and not a school by name. Again, in very early stages of the idea but if anyone is interested in helping create a co-op time situation where we work together to create an educational environment for similar aged children, please let me know. The school would be located someplace in Northwest DC.


I would be interested in the concept, but not in the location.


The other potential location would be the Rockville area. Not sure if that is any better for you or not.
[Post New]04/03/2014 13:53
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Anonymous
One thing that I do think is important is that you want to have this school not just for your son but due to a true mission to serve kids with needs like his. The founder of Newton is clearly dedicated to her school for the long haul. The founder of another of the mom founded schools left when her son did. I would be thoughtful about approaching other families if you are not in it for the long haul. Otherwise you may as well homeschool.
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