Inspired Teaching PCS for Middle School?

[Anonymous]

My daughter has been in a small private school for the last couple of years but has just been offered a spot for middle school at Inspired Teaching. Classroom size is about 23 which is probably too large for her but I am wondering if anyone has had a positive experience there in the older grades (most posts I see are for pre k - 2nd grade or so. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Middle school is fairly new at ITS, so you won't find too many people with experience. Last year was first with 7th grade class and this year is first with 8th grade class. I have heard the middle school principal is well-liked but I don't know too much otherwise.

[Anonymous]

It is a great school and middle school is working. I think your kid would be happy.

[Anonymous]

OP - are you the parent of a typically developing child or does your child have an IEP or disability?

Since you are on the SN board I assume you are interested in that kind of feedback?

[Anonymous]

Depends on why she was at the small private school and why she is leaving. I assume that ITS would be be different. The question is what your are looking for.

[Anonymous]

OP here - yes DD is special needs w severe ADHD, anxiety, and sensory integration issues. she was in DCPS through middle of third and we then moved her to private for smaller classes when DCPS denied renewal of IEP during triennial because academics were fine. Academics have not been the primary issue - its the other w/respect to attn. anxiety and social emotional. Needs to be somewhere w/some flexibility w need for breaks, movement, and your pretty standard ADHD and anxiety accommodations that also isn't crazy workload w/homework. Private school is a SN for above average academic with social weaknesses not mainstream environment but at this point is too small and DD is really craving a larger peer group and we think she is ready for a larger school. We are just not sure she would be okay in that large of a classroom and of course we need to enroll her by tomorrow and I feel like we just don't know enough about the school to take that leap of faith.

So yes, I posted here wanting that specific insight w/regard to how the school is able to accommodate kids who might not otherwise be successful in a standard DCPS middle school.

Thanks for any insight you have!

[Anonymous]

It's a progressive school, which means a lot of student driven learning. They have not been at the middle school game very long.

I'd actually post on the DC schools board and ask about the middle school generally.

[Anonymous]

I think the school itself has a good tolerance for kids with special needs, but it's not a magical environment. The peer group will offer all the same challenges as any middle school. I like that it is relatively small for middle school and that many if the kids have been there since it opened.

What are your other choices?

[Anonymous]

Call them in am and ask for a tour tomorrow. Given your daughters profile I bet they will understand your desire to see it before committing.

[Anonymous]

OP here - other choice is to stay put where she is....and look again next year.
Thanks to those who responded - appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Rumor has it that Creative Minds PCS - which does inclusion very very well - has openings for 6th. Call in am!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rumor has it that Creative Minds PCS - which does inclusion very very well - has openings for 6th. Call in am!

Im a CMI parent and while I agree, CMI is amazing - I know many ITS families who have been thrilled with the teaching and one SN family (who I will forward this thread) who thinks the world of the school.

Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

yes I hear creative minds is excellent - but my daughter is going into 7th. don't have 7th yet from what i understand.
thank you though - and I have asked to find out if it is possible to see the school and extend our answer period at IT - but I think they have a decent sized waiting list.

Have heard great things about IT as well - but not for the older grades - just the younger ones. Middle school a different animal and just a bit nervous maybe - also would be giving up her private school slot.

[Anonymous]

Can you enroll and send her for a few days - and don't tell the private until you are sure?

[Anonymous]

Considering sending her for a visit tomorrow if we can get extension. Her school has not started yet.