ADHD Middle School Help

[Anonymous]

My boy has ADHD, is mathematically gifted and has trouble writing. And is completely disorganized. We've been at a traditional private school for years, but I think we may need to find someplace better able to work with him for middle school. He's not being counseled out but he's not keeping up with homework and I'm not sure he'll be able to get his act together for middle school next year when the pace steps up even more. We are in Northern Virginia - Can FCPS support a boy with ADHD well, or should we look at another private school? I've seen Commonwealth, New School of VA and McLean School in Potomac talked about. We aren't located especially near any of them unfortunately. I'd rather he not be in a school that is too small as he wants friends. Any advice on schools that would actually support him and get him through high school?

[Anonymous]

FCPS is going to be school dependent. But the big AAP Centers have a lot of experience with 2e kids. Both our DCs are ADHD and went through Carson. One started MS with Cs, and was able to get on track enough to go to TJ. The other had a much easier MS transition. We really can't say enough good things about how Carson helped them get the right 594 accommodations, implemented them, communicated with us, worked with the kids, etc. Our kids took Strategies for Success-- a class that focuses on executive functioning. They also work with a private ADHD tutor once a week on organizational skills and executive functioning, which has been so helpful.

My sense is that FCPS AAP does a better job with 2e than the privates because they have so many of these kids. If you name your base school and AAP Center, you will get specific feedback. GL!!

[Anonymous]

^^ 504, not 594.

[Anonymous]

Is he medicated?
Because that's the first thing I would look at, and then I would make him practice his writing at home every day and intensively during the summer. If meds work well, I wouldchoose a school based on academic reputation.

[Anonymous]

PP-- and I would add that we have been pleasantly surprised by TJ for ADHD/2e. They are very on top of DC's 504, lots of communication, etc. DC has to self advocate, and there is a lot less tolerance for missing & late work than MS-- but they are definitely working with us and him on accommodations and are great with implementing the 504 and communicating with us and him.

[Anonymous]

OP here - yes this is with medication. Not sure its getting better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My boy has ADHD, is mathematically gifted and has trouble writing. And is completely disorganized. We've been at a traditional private school for years, but I think we may need to find someplace better able to work with him for middle school. He's not being counseled out but he's not keeping up with homework and I'm not sure he'll be able to get his act together for middle school next year when the pace steps up even more. We are in Northern Virginia - Can FCPS support a boy with ADHD well, or should we look at another private school? I've seen Commonwealth, New School of VA and McLean School in Potomac talked about. We aren't located especially near any of them unfortunately. I'd rather he not be in a school that is too small as he wants friends. Any advice on schools that would actually support him and get him through high school?

I have not found McLean School to be as supportive as I had expected with my MS son who has ADHD and expressive language (writing) challenges. They talk the talk but it is not what you get for the $40K in MS. But, I encourage you to visit, ask questions and see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is going to be school dependent. But the big AAP Centers have a lot of experience with 2e kids. Both our DCs are ADHD and went through Carson. One started MS with Cs, and was able to get on track enough to go to TJ. The other had a much easier MS transition. We really can't say enough good things about how Carson helped them get the right 594 accommodations, implemented them, communicated with us, worked with the kids, etc. Our kids took Strategies for Success-- a class that focuses on executive functioning. They also work with a private ADHD tutor once a week on organizational skills and executive functioning, which has been so helpful.

My sense is that FCPS AAP does a better job with 2e than the privates because they have so many of these kids. If you name your base school and AAP Center, you will get specific feedback. GL!!

What is this Strategies for Success class! I need it for my 6th grader! Also, can you recommend your ADHD tutor? Ugh, the struggle is so real! Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My boy has ADHD, is mathematically gifted and has trouble writing. And is completely disorganized. We've been at a traditional private school for years, but I think we may need to find someplace better able to work with him for middle school. He's not being counseled out but he's not keeping up with homework and I'm not sure he'll be able to get his act together for middle school next year when the pace steps up even more. We are in Northern Virginia - Can FCPS support a boy with ADHD well, or should we look at another private school? I've seen Commonwealth, New School of VA and McLean School in Potomac talked about. We aren't located especially near any of them unfortunately. I'd rather he not be in a school that is too small as he wants friends. Any advice on schools that would actually support him and get him through high school?

I have not found McLean School to be as supportive as I had expected with my MS son who has ADHD and expressive language (writing) challenges. They talk the talk but it is not what you get for the $40K in MS. But, I encourage you to visit, ask questions and see for yourself.

Ditto re McLean. They talk a good game, but reality is different, that's for sure.