Will DC privates take my kid with ADHD?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
DS, 6, is in 1st grade at a DCPS and while it's a good school, I feel like he might benefit from smaller class sizes. He's been diagnosed with ADHD and needs a lot of attention and redirection from the teacher, but is otherwise doing find academically. He's very social and has many friends. What schools would you suggest he consider?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Inattentive ADHD or combined?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inattentive ADHD or combined?

Combined.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the school. Tell them though, you want to make sure they teach your kid the way he needs.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like my son and his friends at the McLean School!

[Anonymous]

You should check out Lowell.

[Anonymous]

Also the Special Needs thread is one of the only Non Snarky board at DCUM...check it out, many people to guide you there

[Anonymous]

Is he on medication? I think it is harder if you aren't willing to medicate.

[Anonymous]

There are kids with ADHD at all the privates but you will need to consider medicating to keep the distractions from becoming disruptive to the faculty and students. If there is an underling learning difference or disability, you should seek feedback from parents on the Special Needs forum for good school options. The traditional privates may not be willing to provide the accommodations or support needed.

[Anonymous]

One of my ADHD kids is thriving at a big 3 private, and I know several of the other kids in his class also have an ADHD diagnosis. It is definitely possible!

[Anonymous]

Wow, thanks for posting this question. I'm an adult to ADD (I am pretty sure, but never been diagnosed, but it was suggested to my parents by teachers). In me it shows up as hyper-focus. I am great at being a workaholic but have a little trouble keeping my overall life organized. (I forget things exist when I'm not thinking about them; what saves me is that my 2-3 obsessions are financially useful.)

I've been watching my child for a while, and I think he operates almost exactly as I did.

And I haven't been sure what that means when we look for schools. This thread is encouraging!

[Anonymous]

OP back again. DS is not on meds. We haven't had to go there as yet- and he's still very young.

Would you suggest a school like GDS or Maret where the classes are really small?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP back again. DS is not on meds. We haven't had to go there as yet- and he's still very young.

Would you suggest a school like GDS or Maret where the classes are really small?

Only if he is out on mediaction. The best privates will not be willing to deal any behavioral issues that effect other studente or take extra attention from the teachers. Its just not favor to the other students or the teachers. Plus, once admissions has identfied those who are capable academically, behavior issues are the next, most obvious cut, admission folks make. Also, PP, 6th grade is not "very young" especially not when it comes to getting him on meds for ADHD. Get him on meds and he will likely do very well at these achools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP back again. DS is not on meds. We haven't had to go there as yet- and he's still very young.

Would you suggest a school like GDS or Maret where the classes are really small?

Only if he is put on mediaction. The best privates will not be willing to deal with any behavioral issues that effect other students or take extra attention from the teachers. Its just not fair to the other students or the teachers. Plus, once admissions has identfied those who are capable academically, behavior issues are the next, most obvious cut, admission folks make. Also, PP, 6th grade is not "still very young" especially not when it comes to getting him on meds for ADHD. Get him on meds and he will likely do very well at these achools.[/quot

[Anonymous]

He's 6 years old, not in 6th grade.

Based on my experience, he may be able to get into a school if his behavior is good. I'm not sure what the best approach would be for telling them of the diagnosis though. Regardless, around 3rd grade you'll most likely have to start medicating him if there are any behavior issues at all to remain in the school.