DC charter school for 3rd grader w/IEP for ADHD, sensory processing, social skills - and gifted
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Anonymous
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We are wanting to move to our rental property in NE DC which is really close to NOMA / Union Market. But a bit overwhelmed by the charter school options. Ideally we would find one that is not too long of a commute which rules out the ones that are far out in NW. Two Rivers on Florida Ave is literally 2 blocks away, but I don't know anything about it yet.
DS 7.5 will be starting 2nd grade next month. We wouldn't make him move schools until the school year ends, so we'd be applying to the charter lottery this winter for a school next fall when he'd be starting 3rd grade. He's currently on an IEP for ADHD and sensory processing and social skill challenges. He is also highly gifted (IQ 150), particularly in language, math, and science. He was quite bored and distracted in 1st grade which led to some disruptive behavior. At home (and at camps this summer) he's a totally different kid - really engaged in learning (he reads nonstop and mostly science books geared toward much older kids). He's super curious and loves learning but really does much better in a hands-on environment. I wonder if he wouldn't even really need much of an IEP if he was engaged in hands-on learning. Are there any schools that are geared more towards hands-on learning? (bonus if they are not too far from NOMA!). BTW we will also have a DS starting kindergarten that year. He is highly sensitive/emotional and is on an IEP for that. I hope he will mature over the next year though and not need much/any support. TIA ! |
Anonymous
| OP here - I realized I probably should have mentioned that we are not in DCPS right now. We live in Arlington at the moment. Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I assume you know that in DC, unlike in Virginia, there are no programs for gifted children in DC schools at all - charter or public.
The odds of getting into Two Rivers or even most charters at 3rd via the lottery are really small -- you'd have to get an amazing lottery pick. It can happen though. I recommend gong and visiting a half dozen schools you would consider, and asking questions about how they differentiate the curriculum for advanced learners, and support students with ADHD. Then enter the lottery and see what happens. |
Anonymous
You should visit some schools, like the other poster said, and then not make your moving decision until you get your lottery results next April. Because, if you strike out, I'm not imagining your IB will be able to support the needs your children have (although definitely visit them as well; not sure what that could be). Two Rivers is very well liked but no idea re the issues you mention. However, they're supposed to be expeditionary learning, which is all about hands on learning. Try the other EL schools: Capital City, Mundo Verde (though it's Spanish immersion). You won't be too far from Lee Montessori, not sure if they accept upper grades but that's another great educational style for the unique child. |
Anonymous
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what's the zoned school for the house?
if your kids are getting IEP services for sensory processing and being "emotional" it sounds like you must be in a place that has good services. not clear why you would want to take chances on charter lottery. |
Anonymous
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I'd also add Inspired Teaching to your list but wouldn't move until after next year's lottery so I know if there is a chance for my kid to get good services. the sad truth is that the city (traditional or charter) schools aren't often set up well to serve a great kid like yours.
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Anonymous
| sorry ^^that should have said "for my kid to get good placement" |
Anonymous
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Take a look at lottery data so you can get a sense of # of slots historically for 3rd grade at the schools you are considering and how far they move.
I would guess that most of the "in demand" charters in the neighborhood area have a handful of spots for 3rd grade. These will only open up due to students leaving as 3rd grade is not an expansion year. |
Anonymous
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DC is far behind Montgomery County and Arlington on 2E education. Two Rivers and Inspired Teaching are decent options. I'd also suggest School Within School (DCPS, not charter, but there is no boundary so kids from anywhere in DC have the same chance of getting in, same as charters in that regard). Your odds of getting into these schools for third grade are very low.
Maybe a ridiculous idea but would a bilingual school give him some measure of challenge so he isn't so bored? If he is super far ahead in math it won't matter that he doesn't learn much in math for a year or two, since he'll know it already. |
Anonymous
Or a Montessori school? |
Anonymous
| Some Montessori and bilingual schools do not take new kids after a certain year (like K). I am not sure what the policies are for each school, but something to be aware of. |
Anonymous
Look at historical data - 3rd grade is going to be close to hopeless for a lottery school. Unless you are comfortable in your IB school (is it Wheatley?) then I would be very hesitant to move. Talk to Wheatley, though! They have a great principal. https://public.tableau.com/profile/aaron2446#!/vizhome/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData/MSDCPublicDisplay |
Anonymous
| Why do you want to move? Most other parents in your situation would probably be trying to do the reverse move to a well resourced county like Arlington |
Anonymous
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We've been at Capital City and at Inspired Teaching with our kids and seen really good work being done both to challenge smart kids and to work with kids with special needs of various forms. Capital City is definitely hands-on--lots of field trips and thematic learning that connects the subjects. Inspired Teaching also does this type of learning well in elementary grades.
That said, from the outside the school lottery seems as though you can choose a school that fits, and maybe have a backup or two for possibilities. In reality, it's like the lottery you play at the liquor store. This isn't to discourage you or be DCUM snotty--it IS possible to get a good lottery number, and DC is transitory, so there are always a few spots here or there and some that open. But it is just to say you might want to think through the actual possibilities of landing a spot at a charter that has dedicated inclusion teachers who are well trained and who also have the supports in place to work one-to-one when it's necessary, as well as what private options might be in the cards if the lottery doesn't pan out if you're determined to move. (We've ended up over the years anywhere from the 100s to the 300s with no chance, but also with ~10 that wasn't a good enough waitlist number to see movement on some schools.) I'd add that I've only heard lovely things about Two Rivers, but we were never able to lottery in there.) Would the LAB school be an alternative for you, even though it's far NW?) I wish you good luck, and recognize how fun it could be for the family to live in that fun part of the city. If you haven't done so already, you might consider posting on the Kids with Special Needs board. |
Anonymous
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I would recommend you post on the special needs forum. I would also recommend that you stay in Arlington. DC, including charter schools, does NOT do special needs well, not does it do gifted education well, much less both together. Also, know that if you are moving from one jurisdiction to another, your IEPs may disappear.
Why the move? |