Feedback on Oakwood School in Annandale?

[Anonymous]

Any current parents with positive or negative experiences they can share?

What is the tuition?

[Anonymous]

I am not a current parent, but just recently visited Oakwood. To me, the kids at Oakwood seemed the most 'normalized' (like regular engaged kids doing regular work) than some of the other learning needs school (and I've looked at the all, including Lab which I like but the kids seemed to have such varying needs) The kids at Oakwood were so polite--as I walked through the halls, they turned to me to say hello or nod their heads. In some of the other schools, even the older kids seemed kind of out of it. Tuition is $26,500.

The only thing I did not like about Oakwood was the kindergarten teacher. Her face read frustration, impatience, and she was kind of abrupt in her speaking to the littke kids. In my opinion, the last thing kids with learning (or other) needs should have is an impatient, abrupt teacher. Of course, kindergarten is the grade we need--so they're off my list.

[Anonymous]

just curious about this school. What type of issues do kids normally have and do all the children have them or is it a mixture of kids, on track developmentally versus some kids who may have some developmental delays and not quite ready for big class sizes in regular school? Also, are kids able to transfer out to other schools successfully?

[Anonymous]

We LOVE Oakwood! My son has been a student here since 2nd grade - he is now in 5th. When he started, he had a great sight word reading vocabulary but could not sound out words. They basically started from scratch with him and this summer he devoured five Harry Potter books. His math skills have always been excellent and so he is now doing 6th/7th grade math. Every one of his teachers has been excellent and because the school is so small, all staff get to know all of the students. The environment is so positive for these students - there is no bullying - ever. Children of average to above average intelligence with learning style differences or difficulties comprise the student body. Oakwood is not set up to handle children with major behavioral or psychological problems.

[Anonymous]

They can work with a variety of degrees of learning issues from what I understand and will consider kids who test out below average on IQ tests if teachers can vouch for their potential. Have heard good things about this school and have yet to hear a single complaint.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone has a K here? I wonder if the teacher is different now, we are on our way to apply, and tour the school. Any other recomendations in the area? We live in No VA. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

My impression of Oakwood is that it's a great school that works with a variety of learning issues. I got a very positive vibe when I visited. Liked the teacher I observed. I wouldn't say there are kids who are developmentally on track in all areas because they wouldn't be there. It's not an inclusion program, it's a program for kids with potential who need extra support. That said, I'm sure every kid there has areas where they are on track.

[Anonymous]

Any inclusion schools for K in No VA? my DC attends an inclusion preschool since age 2, and would like to continue a similar program, ST and OT support would be helpful

[Anonymous]

Is there something similar to Oakwood that is closer to McLean? This sounds like a great school for my oldest. I'd love to be able to send him to something like this but it would turn our commute into a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Unless some new places have opened I don't think so. Montgomery county Maryland seems to be way ahead of Fairfax County, VA when it comes to private schools that provide this sort of support. There are some of these types of schools, but I don't think any are in McLean or closeby.

[Anonymous]

To pp looking for inclusion-try the Catholic schools in the area. They can sometimes be pretty open minded. I doubt they would offer ST and OT though, those would need to be done after school. Also, Maryland and DC have some really good inclusive private schools (St. Andrews, Harbor, Lowell). NCRC has an incredible program if you want to delay K.

[Anonymous]

thanks much, at this time we need to keep on looking local, as baby #2 is due Oct, and that means that transportation should be kept within a reasonable distance and traffic is so bad in beltway. we live in No. Arlington, if anyone has any info on catholic schools that would be fantastic. we already ruled out St James in Falls Church, classes are big, and two teachers.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Check out Commonwealth Academy -- near Old Town! Excellent!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there something similar to Oakwood that is closer to McLean? This sounds like a great school for my oldest. I'd love to be able to send him to something like this but it would turn our commute into a nightmare.

McLean School of Maryland in Potomac has buses that run from McLean, VA. Everyone at McLean School is required to take a bus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:thanks much, at this time we need to keep on looking local, as baby #2 is due Oct, and that means that transportation should be kept within a reasonable distance and traffic is so bad in beltway. we live in No. Arlington, if anyone has any info on catholic schools that would be fantastic. we already ruled out St James in Falls Church, classes are big, and two teachers.

TIA!

My daughter goes to Oakwood and it has been wonderful. Really helped her reading and nice kids. We carpool with other n arl families. It goes through 8th and this is her last year