Need school recommendation for ADHD kid with behavior issues

[Anonymous]

My son is in 2nd. He is medicated for both adhd and anxiety. We live in Rockville. Id like to find a school that can accommodate him. He gets easily frustrated by social situations and perceived unfairness of teacher favoritism. When he gets frustrated, he acts out—stomping, screaming, refusal to move. He does not hit or kick but he will threaten to do so and make motions as if he is going to do so. If you don’t know him, his body language indicates that he is going to hit/kick you.

Academically he is above grade level in reading and math.

We are currently in a parochial school that is trying to work with us but it’s not a good fit. Can someone help me with some recommendations? Money is a factot. Commonwealth is $38K and we can’t afford that. Newton is $28k and not possible either. We can do upto $18K/year.

I am okay with public but what happens when he acts out?

[Anonymous]

I think given your parameters, I'd start with public. Work on the IEP now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think given your parameters, I'd start with public. Work on the IEP now.

This is a good place to start. Kids have behavioral goals in their IEPs so it's hard to say what happens when he acts out.

[Anonymous]

There is a mcps office for SN in private and parochial schools. You can start there to begin the IEP process.

[Anonymous]

Commonwealth wont' take a kid w/ behavior issues - plus, you def don't want your kid to be in the car that long!! Rockville to Alexandria would be a BEAST.

But don't forget you can apply for financial aid at these private schools.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. Have a son like this myself and the thing is that private schools, even those designed to work with kids with special needs, don’t need to keep your kid. Behaviors outbursts can be dangerous and they are quick to have you pick up your kid and then leave. Public has to keep you and you can work on finding good medication for behavior improvement and then look to privates if you want.

[Anonymous]

What does he look like when he isn't frustrated and how often do the incidents of frustration occur? You may want to try Diener. Some of the smaller Catholic schools in Potomac and Bethesda are very inclusive so you may want to check there too.

[Anonymous]

OP I think that you need to get the behaviors under control before any private will take him. The only schools where the tuition is $18K would be parochial, and for the most part they have no idea how to handle any behavioral challenges.

Start with public, get a solid IEP, start therapy right away that will help your DS with his behaviors. Also, not sure if this was already asked or mentioned but if he is not on medication you may want to consider looking into the option for impulse-control.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does he look like when he isn't frustrated and how often do the incidents of frustration occur? You may want to try Diener. Some of the smaller Catholic schools in Potomac and Bethesda are very inclusive so you may want to check there too.

Diener won't take him.

It sounds like the op has a good school that's trying their best, but his needs have outstripped what they can provide.

[Anonymous]

OP what school cluster are you zoned for? Perhaps people can share their experiences with those schools for you.

[Anonymous]

Kingsbury would likely be willing to work with you on behavioral issues. Tuition would be an issue given your budget, as it would at almost any private special needs school. You could ask about financial aid as a previous poster suggested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is in 2nd. He is medicated for both adhd and anxiety. We live in Rockville. Id like to find a school that can accommodate him. He gets easily frustrated by social situations and perceived unfairness of teacher favoritism. When he gets frustrated, he acts out—stomping, screaming, refusal to move. He does not hit or kick but he will threaten to do so and make motions as if he is going to do so. If you don’t know him, his body language indicates that he is going to hit/kick you.

Academically he is above grade level in reading and math.

We are currently in a parochial school that is trying to work with us but it’s not a good fit. Can someone help me with some recommendations? Money is a factot. Commonwealth is $38K and we can’t afford that. Newton is $28k and not possible either. We can do upto $18K/year.

I am okay with public but what happens when he acts out?

Wow, I thought I had written this. And it was old. We’ve got the exact same issues and have been up at Barnesville for two years now. It has been a godsend. I’m not sure about the acting like he’s going to hit. They may not be able to accommodate that. But I can say my son’s anxiety has calmed down so much, he doesn’t ever rise to the level of severe frustration or anxiety. So maybe the change in setting could be beneficial for your son too. $20,000 but they have variable tuition based on need.

Therapy has been very helpful for my son. Have you gone that route as well?