Frustrated with lack of Special Needs schools in this area

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

I am sorry. We are an Alexandria family in the exact same situation. If you have the energy (and are willing to put yourself out there), I would encourage you to submit a public comment to ACPS special education advisory committee (SEAC) in the fall or in writing now so that committee can at least as questions to Terry Werner, et Al relevant to your experiences.

https://www.acps.k12.va.us/Page/1233

Thanks for the link. I will definitely submit something. I’ve been hesitant until we have something in place for her for schooling bc, as ridiculous as this sounds, I’m afraid that we will actually get even worse service if we are seen as complaining about anything. It’s such a different world than the mainstream privates we are familiar with. There they seek out feedback and follow up. We are struggling to even get anywhere with ACPS

I completely understand. If you decide to stay in ACPS, you might consider contacting Dr. Erin Stone in the central office directly about services / accommodations relating to ASD. At a minimum, you could contact the parent resource center within ACPS for suggestions (https://www.acps.k12.va.us/specialeducation and https://www.acps.k12.va.us/prc)

Page with Stone’s contact information https://www.acps.k12.va.us/Page/400

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Homeschool kids definitely attend various group activities with other homeschoolers. They put on their own plays, have science labs and field trips, and other activities. You the parent would need some daytime freedom to meet up with homeschool parents. But it’s flat-out wrong to think that homeschool children are isolated at home.

I am just basing this on what all of my DDs therapists and doctors have said. I do understand that homeschooled children interact with others for events, online, specific classes, etc. For my dd to help with anxiety and lack of expressive language, seeing children model appropriate language in the day to day routine is incredibly important. The anxiety component makes something such as homeschool where not only are field trips and things new environments but people who are not in the daily routine a horrible idea. Believe me, I have asked multiple times bc it would be one hundred times easier to homeschool if that was at all recommended.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not public school? Does she need a therapeutic setting all day? What’s your school district? Have you explored what they have to offer?

np Most public schools are not capable for helping kids with special needs.

That seems like quite the generalization.

But true. Pp tell us your great experience!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

Commonwealth and Lab are for average intelligence kids, not gifted kids. Are you sure they won't take him>

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

Sorry you are back at square one, too. We did not find a school and are not sure what to do. Did you look at Linder academy? I am not sure what grade it goes up to at this point but if the ASD is mild it could work? They seem fine w/ mild and ADHD. Lab school won’t even finish the conversation once you tell admissions ASD. It’s so frustrating. McLean school for you maybe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

Commonwealth Academy for gifted ADHD students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

Sorry you are back at square one, too. We did not find a school and are not sure what to do. Did you look at Linder academy? I am not sure what grade it goes up to at this point but if the ASD is mild it could work? They seem fine w/ mild and ADHD. Lab school won’t even finish the conversation once you tell admissions ASD. It’s so frustrating. McLean school for you maybe?

Commonwealth's mission is for average to gifted ADHD kids, not ASD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

Sorry you are back at square one, too. We did not find a school and are not sure what to do. Did you look at Linder academy? I am not sure what grade it goes up to at this point but if the ASD is mild it could work? They seem fine w/ mild and ADHD. Lab school won’t even finish the conversation once you tell admissions ASD. It’s so frustrating. McLean school for you maybe?

PP here, I'm sorry to hear you didn't find anything yet, OP. I will check out Linder academy, which I'd never heard of, surprisingly. McLean is a bit far and I'm unsure if they'd take him with is ASD diagnosis. DS has an older sibling so we cannot move at this time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not public school? Does she need a therapeutic setting all day? What’s your school district? Have you explored what they have to offer?

np Most public schools are not capable for helping kids with special needs.

Lol. Not true it just depends on the ends, leadership at the school, parents level of advocating... And of course which schools you are in. For elementary we have had good support at DCPS and DC charters. Don't pain everything with the same broad stroke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

We are loving the Harbour School in Annapolis for our kid w/ ADHD and ASD and also not 2E. We have met many families who literally moved to the Annapolis area to send their kids there.

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Anonymous wrote:We actually need more schools for children with behavioral issues and more intensive special needs, but who will receive a diploma. There is an abundance of options if your child is gifted or on grade level. And for behavior, I’m talking issues like being disruptive not aggressive. There is only one private option I am aware of and it’s not great. No options really for kids with low average iqs, learning issues, and behaviors and many, many, many kids in that boat.

there is not an abundance of options if your child is gifted. Please share their names if I am wrong.

For a grade-level or advanced kid with autism and no behavioral issues? Maybe not an "abundance" of options, but MANY more options than kids with behavioral issues. Almost all of the SN privates discussed on here (Siena, Diener, Auburn, McClean, Lab, Commonwealth) will not take a kid with behavioral issues. And summer camps? Forget about it. For understandable reasons, they treat behavioral issues as the third rail.

None of those listed had the higher levels of math and science that my local HS had for my gifted child. Commonwealth was close, but even then it would be a supervised online college class (which is what my friend’s child ended up doing).

Oh yes, I am PP, and I agree that publics are better for an advanced kid with autism. Kids like that need to be mainstreamed. We're currently considering moving to MoCo for that reason.

MoCo has very little in terms of gifted for kids. I wouldn't move here for that. Look at the number of available slots and its very few given the need in MoCo.

Mainstreaming a kid with autism into advanced classes is what I’m talking about. “Gifted” education is going away everywhere. The main point is that the place for a bright child with autism is public school with a strong IEP. OP seems to have formed an opinion about publics (and “those” kids she doesn’t want her child to be around.) Her loss.

The OP said she was on ACPS which I think is very poor for 2E students.

Unless her child is gifted-gifted (unlikely, statistically) what 2E elementary students need is basically just really good mainstreaming. My impression is that elementary school is where you are more likely to accomplish this. Harder in middle and high school.

Definitely not. With many special needs there is a lot of anxiety involved. From our personal experience that isn't handled well in public.

OP here - yes, tons of anxiety involved. It’s becoming clear ACPS is an even bigger mess than I was afraid of. The anxiety will literally make my DD mute for the entire day, so there is no way a main stream private will work. Her drs think she benefits the most from being around children who are speaking at an age appropriate level so are against any type of homeschool situation. Out of the schools recommended here, most won’t take anyone w/ an ASD diagnosis (dd’s expressive language is too far behind to not disclose) or don’t start until later than early elementary. Siena fits the need on paper but the recent reviews from both campuses are universally horrific. I feel like we are back at square one.

My Kindergartner had a very good experience in an ACPS elementary school this year. I do worry about middle school, but we have 5 years for that, and I am very pleased with IEP team and services. I would wish there was more communication, but I truly love our school. I have a few friends at different elementary schools across the district and 95% are positive.

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

We are loving the Harbour School in Annapolis for our kid w/ ADHD and ASD and also not 2E. We have met many families who literally moved to the Annapolis area to send their kids there.

OP here - we are desperate enough that I’d consider commuting. Does anyone drive from NOVA or DC? Unfortunately we can’t relocate

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Anonymous wrote:Why not public school? Does she need a therapeutic setting all day? What’s your school district? Have you explored what they have to offer?

np Most public schools are not capable for helping kids with special needs.

That seems like quite the generalization.

I've had personal experiences and know of lots of others who have too. Sure it isn't everyone but, my experience counts too. Public school teachers aren't taught the up to date technology on teaching dyslexic or dyscalculia never mind Autism.

+ 1. I had a parent teacher conference last week and my DS general education teacher nor special education teacher understood dyslexia needs. They never heard of cririculums I use at home for dyscalculia like cloud 9 math or touch math. I do private tutoring and use the barton method to supplement tutoring. We did OT and speech for a long time, but recently stopped to focus on academic disability supports. Our DS is ASD with no behavioral issues and has dyscalculia and dyslexia. Privates frown at ASD diagnosis although some will take,but not many. Main streaming has helped my DS thrive in the area of social skills.

[Anonymous]

I'm reviving this thread to see if this person found a school for her DD. My DS is in middle school at ACPS and this year has been a disaster. He's not learning anything, is in classes that have a lot of disruptive behavior and now we've taken him out because we're concerned for his safety. ACPS is way understaffed. We hired a consultant who told us what we knew already - there are no good schools for our son. He falls between the cracks. He has ASD and ADHD, which interfere with his ability to learn. He's not 2e so no privates like Commonwealth or Lab School will take him.

The Newton School? My understanding is they run buses from the Arlington area.