McLean school for GT/ADHD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean is still much less expensive than Lab and just a bit more than Siena.

THis is a silly fight to be having folks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just read this thread in disbelief. I agree someone needing gifted education would not be happy at McLean - my child in the "advanced" math group and is just on pace with Mcps gen ed. But most of the kids in the class have at least one LD in reading or math. Much of the work is "below" grade level because this curriculum meets kids where they are - the school represents it can accommodate up to 2 grade levels behind so I'm not sure why the parents upthread were surprised. I agree that the rapidly rising tuition is disappointing. It's a niche place and I feel for parents who feel it was a bait and switch. But for my DD with average IQ, a moderate to severe LD in reading and no other needs, it has been a blessing to her and our family. She has confidence again, accesses and enjoys the curriculum, is learning to decode better and is thriving in the nurturing environment.

We will be a new family at McLean in the fall and I am so glad to read this after so much negativity on this thread. My DC is at grade level and in general of average intelligence but with severe ADHD (though not a behavior issue - mostly attention and social - and non verbal learning disorder. We wanted a nurturing environment for middle school that would allow her to continue to succeed and maintain a positive self concept through these difficult years. Expensive? Yes. But our large Moco middle would have overwhelmed her and made her so anxious, and it would have made zero effort to meet her needs academically. We are hopeful McLean will work with her tutor and try.

[Anonymous]

McLean is good at providing a nurturing environment for kids like yours, PP. I was thankful for that. There are things about the new leadership that are bothersome to some people, myself included. You can reassess things after middle school. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just read this thread in disbelief. I agree someone needing gifted education would not be happy at McLean - my child in the "advanced" math group and is just on pace with Mcps gen ed. But most of the kids in the class have at least one LD in reading or math. Much of the work is "below" grade level because this curriculum meets kids where they are - the school represents it can accommodate up to 2 grade levels behind so I'm not sure why the parents upthread were surprised. I agree that the rapidly rising tuition is disappointing. It's a niche place and I feel for parents who feel it was a bait and switch. But for my DD with average IQ, a moderate to severe LD in reading and no other needs, it has been a blessing to her and our family. She has confidence again, accesses and enjoys the curriculum, is learning to decode better and is thriving in the nurturing environment.

We will be a new family at McLean in the fall and I am so glad to read this after so much negativity on this thread. My DC is at grade level and in general of average intelligence but with severe ADHD (though not a behavior issue - mostly attention and social - and non verbal learning disorder. We wanted a nurturing environment for middle school that would allow her to continue to succeed and maintain a positive self concept through these difficult years. Expensive? Yes. But our large Moco middle would have overwhelmed her and made her so anxious, and it would have made zero effort to meet her needs academically. We are hopeful McLean will work with her tutor and try.

I was a parent of a McLean ADHD child. I don't' think it's the right school for "severe ADHD". Remember half the kids are usually NT and the other half have mild LDs. We ultimately went public with an IEP but I wish your family the best of luck.

[Anonymous]

"K-12 College Preparatory School Supporting Bright Students’ Individual Learning Styles.

McLean School is an independent, co-educational, K-12 day school serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area. McLean School has for sixty years been helping students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. We embrace both traditional learners and ones with mild to moderate learning differences"


McLean does not sell itself as a special needs school. It sees itself as a college prep school for kids with mild learning differences.

[Anonymous]

My daughter attends McLean and it was absolutely the right decision. She was falling behind in her previous school due to her inability to express her need for an alternative to traditional instruction. We came to McLean and she found out for herself that having a different learning style was not something to be ashamed of and became an advocate for herself. I have found that the staff go far out of the way to help kids deal with their differing abilities and assist them with finding ways to succeed. As to the grade level issue...most kids who are non tradional learniers have deficits that came from "missing" something along the way. Maybe it is the multiplication tables, or a difficulty with phonics, or something else they just didn't get in their last school. McLean works to build their skill set up and that may make it seem like it is "not on grade level", but the reality is filling in those gaps make it possible to catch up. Grade level is much like room temperature.. defined by each individual and not consistent across any one group of schools. If your child is a non traditional learner, but you want lots of academic rigor....that is a difficult prescription to fill for any school. As far as costs go, you get what you pay for. Small class size, focused attention on the student and lots of support to find a child learning style isn't cheap...if it was every school could do it. The tuition at McLean is nothing to sneeze at and I have winced occasionally at the costs, but I will say this...even if they offered me a complete refund, I wouldn't take it. The joy the my child has found in finding her "academic voice" has made the sacrifices worth it.

As to GT/ADHD, visit Mclean and talk to them. They may say they can help, or they may say it isn't the best fit. They gave me an honest appraisal and I am sure they would do the same for you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The current lower school head is leaving. Her replacement has to be an improvement because there's no where to go but up.

So true. She is just terrible and in large part why we fled after 1 year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And, speaking of administrators, what does the director of enrollment management do? I have never heard of that. Do other private schools have such a position?

He does absolutely nothing related to enrollment retention. Never once approached our family or others who planned to leave when we did
to attempt to understand the problems or to relate to us. No relating beyond a surface level. He was the head of the lower school
before Sarah Hines, who is leaving. Maybe they just moved him to the side and gave him this title with no real goals with the same pay as lower school head. He's failing at his role.


He does walk around with a clipboard and walkie talkie and directs the departing buses in the afternoon.

[Anonymous]

OK, how about the "Director of Student & Community Wellness?" What's that? Fancy name for a school nurse? Whoever said the school was administrator-heavy was right. It is quite entertaining to read the admin directory on the website!

[Anonymous]

She was acting head of school at one time. I don't know what that job entails. A lot of creative titles and shuffling the deck.

[Anonymous]

For gifted ADHD, I would definitely go look at Commonwealth Academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, how about the "Director of Student & Community Wellness?" What's that? Fancy name for a school nurse? Whoever said the school was administrator-heavy was right. It is quite entertaining to read the admin directory on the website!

former parent. Could not begin to tell you who this is. There are two nurses on staff. They are called nurses., not this.

[Anonymous]

No, she's not a nurse. They defined it earlier but I can't remember what the position entails. So I'm sure other parents can't either. That is probably why the tuition is heading through the roof. They are paying for all these vague positions. For all I know the woman handles bus duty like the director of enrollment management.