Thoughts on Mclean School (in Potomac) for our kids

[Anonymous]

I was frightened away from the Private School forum after I read the post "The Right Kindergarten." So I'm posting here to an audience that is more likely to be sympathetic to my plight.

I've got a 5 yo with attention/ sensory issues (mild) and am looking for a kindergarten program for him. What are you thoughts and feelings about Mclean School or any school that would be a good fit for him?

[Anonymous]

OP - I'm in the same boat. I'm worried about choosing a school for my DS. I know he has some issues, but can't even determine what they are. I spoke to a psychologist who told me that he is too young (5 years old) to do a workup. How did you determine that your child has mild attention and sensory issues?

[Anonymous]

I think that McLean might be a good fit. Have you been to visit? If his issues really are mild, I'd avoid schools like Maddux or Lab. What about WES?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - I'm in the same boat. I'm worried about choosing a school for my DS. I know he has some issues, but can't even determine what they are. I spoke to a psychologist who told me that he is too young (5 years old) to do a workup. How did you determine that your child has mild attention and sensory issues?

I empathize with you. We went to 9 different professionals before we finally got the right diagnosis from Dr. Stanley Greenspan in Bethesda. He wrote that book The Challenging Child (all about regulatory disorders including sensory and attention issues). You can search on him in this forum and you should be able to find more info on him. Or google him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that McLean might be a good fit. Have you been to visit? If his issues really are mild, I'd avoid schools like Maddux or Lab. What about WES?

I'm new to this area so I don't know what Lab or WES stands for.

[Anonymous]

I think that McLean might be a good fit. Have you been to visit? If his issues really are mild, I'd avoid schools like Maddux or Lab. What about WES?



Why avoid lab or maddux? do you have experience with these schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - I'm in the same boat. I'm worried about choosing a school for my DS. I know he has some issues, but can't even determine what they are. I spoke to a psychologist who told me that he is too young (5 years old) to do a workup. How did you determine that your child has mild attention and sensory issues?

I empathize with you. We went to 9 different professionals before we finally got the right diagnosis from Dr. Stanley Greenspan in Bethesda. He wrote that book The Challenging Child (all about regulatory disorders including sensory and attention issues). You can search on him in this forum and you should be able to find more info on him. Or google him.

If you don't mind my asking, how much does Dr. Greenspan charge?

[Anonymous]

Two years ago it was $1800.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that McLean might be a good fit. Have you been to visit? If his issues really are mild, I'd avoid schools like Maddux or Lab. What about WES?

You know, I've read this in a couple of threads - that WES may be a good fit for kids with mild issues. But we didn't get that sense at all during the admissions process (and didn't get in, either). Where does that impression about WES come from?

[Anonymous]

Glad we're not the only ones who have not yet decided on a kindergarten for next year. Has anyone heard of any 'new' school programs starting in the area. I've heard of Newton, Auburn, Diener, etc...But they all seem to address the same type of child. We're just looking for a kindergarten that allows a 5 year old to be a 5 year old--even a half day, play based, old fashioned one, with social skills thrown in--

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two years ago it was $1800.

Is that for an initial consultation, or for a series of treatment?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad we're not the only ones who have not yet decided on a kindergarten for next year. Has anyone heard of any 'new' school programs starting in the area. I've heard of Newton, Auburn, Diener, etc...But they all seem to address the same type of child. We're just looking for a kindergarten that allows a 5 year old to be a 5 year old--even a half day, play based, old fashioned one, with social skills thrown in--

That might be hard to find but I am sure it is out there. Some preschools have kindergartens that are more like K used to be- not all full-day, worksheets, no recess, etc. Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

washington waldorf? no worksheet there, for sure . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad we're not the only ones who have not yet decided on a kindergarten for next year. Has anyone heard of any 'new' school programs starting in the area. I've heard of Newton, Auburn, Diener, etc...But they all seem to address the same type of child. We're just looking for a kindergarten that allows a 5 year old to be a 5 year old--even a half day, play based, old fashioned one, with social skills thrown in--

I'm the Waldorf mom on another thread here, so obviously I have a small vested interest, but it sounds like you might like Waldorf to me...Look at Potomac Crescent, Washington Waldorf, or Acorn Hill - all are Waldorf schools.

[Anonymous]

What does Waldorf teach, in a nutshell, that makes it ideal for reg issues kids?