Harbor School of Bethesda

[Anonymous]

Looking at Harbor School for my son who has some learning delays and has had an IEP this year. Would love to hear experiences folks have had with the school. The small class size sounds very appealing, and it seems like they have a pretty individualized approach to kids’ different strengths challenges. Thx in advance!!

[Anonymous]

Do not waste your time and money. Find a SN school if you want to go private.

[Anonymous]

I've heard a lot of good things about the school in terms of flexibility and great teachers but not sure how much they can support in terms of special needs.
They can and do support kids at the level of a 504 but I don't know any kids who have needs at the level of an IEP who have gone there.
The head of school seems very smart and understanding, at least the one that was there a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

You know it only goes through 2nd? Because you mention an IEP, I suspect your child is in K or 1st. You'd be signing up for two transitions in rapid succession and I don't think I'd do that with a SN child. (Of course I have a highly emotional ADHD child with huge overreactions and mental inflexibility; maybe yours is quite different.) You might be better off looking at McLean (in Potomac) or another school where you don't have to transition again so quickly.

[Anonymous]

Thx! He’s actually going to be in pre-k so he should be able to stay several years, and he’s been pretty good at settling in to new situations. He has been going from daycare to PEP class every day and seems to have done pretty well with that.

I’m struggling a little with what the right environment is for him - he has some developmental delays but his PEP teacher said she thought it was very important he be challenged because he focuses/engages more when there’s a structured but challenging environment. So I think the goal is a mainstream class with lots of support either through itinerant services or PEP class. That’s one reason I’m so focused on small class size.

Again, really appreciate everyone’s input. Very helpful.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you should expect a mainstream private school to provide support. With the small class size, the teachers MAY be able to give accommodations, have a bit more time to work on one-on-one academic needs, communicate with parents, etc. However, socially, after a couple of years in the same small group group of kids, your DC might get bored. I'd suggest talking to the school directly and be honest on your DC needs and what kind of expectations do you have from the school.

[Anonymous]

Great suggestion. I talked to the head of school and we went through my son’s IEP together, and she felt confident their teachers could provide the special ed support and I/the county will have Ot/speech therapists come in or he would do PEP class at MCPS for part of the day.

He is going in for a half day on Monday so they can see in practice if it will be a good fit. But I’m still trying to figure out alternative options if they/we determine it’s not a good fit after Monday’s visit and they go through the rec from his PEP teacher.

Another option with openings in Woodlin Child Developmental center in silver spring, so would also welcome any thoughts on that if you’ve heard about that facility.

[Anonymous]

That's great news, OP. I hope your child has a great time there. I know kids who have gone through Harbor and it seems like a great, nurturing place that also has strong academics.

[Anonymous]

Thx much!!