boarding schools for kids with learning differences

[Anonymous]

Our son is currently in a supportive private school in DC. He has ADHD and executive functioning issues. We are thinking of a boarding school to add more structure to his learning. We've tried to provide a structured support system at home without much luck. We've working with tutors, consultants, therapists and his executive functioning skills just seem to get worse as he goes along. He is in 9th grade.

[Anonymous]

1. What measures have you taken to institute structure at home?

2. How does he respond? And then what happens?

[Anonymous]

I don't think a boarding schools provides more structure than parents can provide at home. There is quite a bit of on your own time at boarding schools that kids that live at home do not have. BTDT The only ones I know that provide more "structure" are military schools. I don't think there are military schools for children with special needs.

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine that any boarding school will offer him as much help as you have allowed him to have at home. They'll let him know what he needs to do, and see to it that it gets done. Don't he surprised if he begs to come home. He'll even promise to improve, IF you let him come home.

[Anonymous]

The more you do, the less he needs to do.
Sounds like a very smart kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The more you do, the less he needs to do.
Sounds like a very smart kid.

OP here. You are correct. We can't do it for him, but we want him to have the tools for doing it himself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our son is currently in a supportive private school in DC. He has ADHD and executive functioning issues. We are thinking of a boarding school to add more structure to his learning. We've tried to provide a structured support system at home without much luck. We've working with tutors, consultants, therapists and his executive functioning skills just seem to get worse as he goes along. He is in 9th grade.

OP - a few questions -

Is the supportive private a catholic school? or perhaps school that is just not equipped to handle the added demands of a child with LDs? You could be much better of in public with a strong IEP. I think you're boarding school idea is coming out of frustration and exhaustion - we've all been there. Ha, I was actually just there about 10 mins ago with my DS!

Also, is he on medication? i hope to ignore the anti-med troll who has been visiting this board lately. so if she/he chimes in - just ignore.

[Anonymous]

Is it only school work that is affected or are other aspects of life being impacted as well?

[Anonymous]

Is he in a school that works effectively for kids with have ADHD? In other words, is he in a supportive mainstream school or a school for kids with learning differences? If the former, you might want to consider other day schools in this area that have greater expertise in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The more you do, the less he needs to do.
Sounds like a very smart kid.

OP here. You are correct. We can't do it for him, but we want him to have the tools for doing it himself.

If you think your boy hasn't already been given enough "tools" or the "right" tools, you're the one who needs help. At some point, you have to accept your child is separate from you. Your goals are not HIS goals, not now anyways.
What does HE want to do, OP?

[Anonymous]

DS with ASD/Asperger's may go to boarding school for high school. We think it will be a good fit since his Aspie father, grandfather, greatfather, etc all went to elite New England boarding schools, and loved it... enough to want DS to go too. DS is just like his father and grandfather, Asperger's and all. DS is currently in elementary school but he has always known this is an option and he'll be going to tour the schools when he is in 7th grade.

It really depends on the supports your child needs. If clear structure, rules and expectations coupled with a lot of personalized attention, low teacher to student ratios, and advanced academics is what your son needs to do well, you should at least visit the schools you are interested in and speak with the administrators. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS with ASD/Asperger's may go to boarding school for high school. We think it will be a good fit since his Aspie father, grandfather, greatfather, etc all went to elite New England boarding schools, and loved it... enough to want DS to go too. DS is just like his father and grandfather, Asperger's and all. DS is currently in elementary school but he has always known this is an option and he'll be going to tour the schools when he is in 7th grade.

It really depends on the supports your child needs. If clear structure, rules and expectations coupled with a lot of personalized attention, low teacher to student ratios, and advanced academics is what your son needs to do well, you should at least visit the schools you are interested in and speak with the administrators. Good luck!

Her kid's burnt out on endless supports. He wants to be allowed to fail. Duh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son is currently in a supportive private school in DC. He has ADHD and executive functioning issues. We are thinking of a boarding school to add more structure to his learning. We've tried to provide a structured support system at home without much luck. We've working with tutors, consultants, therapists and his executive functioning skills just seem to get worse as he goes along. He is in 9th grade.

OP - a few questions -

Is the supportive private a catholic school? or perhaps school that is just not equipped to handle the added demands of a child with LDs? You could be much better of in public with a strong IEP. I think you're boarding school idea is coming out of frustration and exhaustion - we've all been there. Ha, I was actually just there about 10 mins ago with my DS!

Also, is he on medication? i hope to ignore the anti-med troll who has been visiting this board lately. so if she/he chimes in - just ignore.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The more you do, the less he needs to do.
Sounds like a very smart kid.

OP here. You are correct. We can't do it for him, but we want him to have the tools for doing it himself.

If you think your boy hasn't already been given enough "tools" or the "right" tools, you're the one who needs help. At some point, you have to accept your child is separate from you. Your goals are not HIS goals, not now anyways.
What does HE want to do, OP?

He's in 9th grade. Giving your child, especially a child with a disability, the tools for adulthood is a process that, at a bare minimum, should last throughout high school.

I have friends who have been very happy with the education and level of supervision that their kids are getting at Landmark (the High School, not the college) and Eagle Hill (the one in Massachusetts, not the one in Connecticut).

If you think he'd benefit from a shorter term experience, I also know someone who was very happy with the summer program at Landmark College, although I think you need to be a sophomore to apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS with ASD/Asperger's may go to boarding school for high school. We think it will be a good fit since his Aspie father, grandfather, greatfather, etc all went to elite New England boarding schools, and loved it... enough to want DS to go too. DS is just like his father and grandfather, Asperger's and all. DS is currently in elementary school but he has always known this is an option and he'll be going to tour the schools when he is in 7th grade.

It really depends on the supports your child needs. If clear structure, rules and expectations coupled with a lot of personalized attention, low teacher to student ratios, and advanced academics is what your son needs to do well, you should at least visit the schools you are interested in and speak with the administrators. Good luck!

Her kid's burnt out on endless supports. He wants to be allowed to fail. Duh.

And you know this how?