Looking for recs on mainstream privates that are inclusive

[Anonymous]

We’re applying to K for DS for 2019. We’re very close-in NOVA. DS has ASD Level 1 provisional diagnosis. Preschool says he probably would not qualify for IEP. He has above average IQ and strong verbal skills. Socially a little awkward. Has some mild anxiety. Thoughts on placement based on your past experience or others’ that you know personally? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I thought I had that kid and we started at a mainstream private school with small classes and a reputation for being inclusive. It was a disaster. My child could not master the increased social demands, the very nice and well meaning teachers didn't know how to support him when he didn't know the social skills that other kids picked up effortlessly, and feeling lost exacerbated his anxiety, which caused behavior problems we had never seen before.

We pulled him out and sent him to Maddux, where they knew how to support him. After three years at Maddux, he's doing well with much less support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought I had that kid and we started at a mainstream private school with small classes and a reputation for being inclusive. It was a disaster. My child could not master the increased social demands, the very nice and well meaning teachers didn't know how to support him when he didn't know the social skills that other kids picked up effortlessly, and feeling lost exacerbated his anxiety, which caused behavior problems we had never seen before.

We pulled him out and sent him to Maddux, where they knew how to support him. After three years at Maddux, he's doing well with much less support.

Thank you. Maddux and Auburn are on our list too. They’re great! Was hoping to find a few other options that are inclusive and willing to accommodate even though they arent therapeutic. Auburn and Maddux both would be a long drive.

Did you disclose diagnosis on your application?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought I had that kid and we started at a mainstream private school with small classes and a reputation for being inclusive. It was a disaster. My child could not master the increased social demands, the very nice and well meaning teachers didn't know how to support him when he didn't know the social skills that other kids picked up effortlessly, and feeling lost exacerbated his anxiety, which caused behavior problems we had never seen before.

We pulled him out and sent him to Maddux, where they knew how to support him. After three years at Maddux, he's doing well with much less support.

Thank you. Maddux and Auburn are on our list too. They’re great! Was hoping to find a few other options that are inclusive and willing to accommodate even though they arent therapeutic. Auburn and Maddux both would be a long drive.

Did you disclose diagnosis on your application?

Yes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re applying to K for DS for 2019. We’re very close-in NOVA. DS has ASD Level 1 provisional diagnosis. Preschool says he probably would not qualify for IEP. He has above average IQ and strong verbal skills. Socially a little awkward. Has some mild anxiety. Thoughts on placement based on your past experience or others’ that you know personally? Thank you.

Do not let the preschool dissuade you from trying for an IEP. They don't decide this.

[Anonymous]

Not mainstream private, but I'd look at the Newton School. It's in Sterling but runs buses from a couple spots in NOVA (Arlington and Tysons area, I think). It's been great for our DC who did not have his needs met in lovely mainstream private. DS is 2e and they've done an great job in helping with his anxiety. They have a social skills class that really helps him. The teachers and Allison, the head of school, are incredibly helpful and responsive.

It's an amazing school!! I am so grateful that we found it.

http://www.thenewtonschool.org

[Anonymous]

Another vote for maddux...they give them the support in those early years and teach them the tools they will need in order to be successful in a mainstream setting. These kids CAN be successful in a mainatream private, but need some
Direct coaching for a few years on critical skills that just don’t come naturally to them. A number of maddux kids transition into mainstream private’s in 3rd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not mainstream private, but I'd look at the Newton School. It's in Sterling but runs buses from a couple spots in NOVA (Arlington and Tysons area, I think). It's been great for our DC who did not have his needs met in lovely mainstream private. DS is 2e and they've done an great job in helping with his anxiety. They have a social skills class that really helps him. The teachers and Allison, the head of school, are incredibly helpful and responsive.

It's an amazing school!! I am so grateful that we found it.

http://www.thenewtonschool.org

We’ve heard great things too! The commute is a concern though. I want DS to spend less time in car and more time on playyground or in therapy, if possible. Newton is on the list too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought I had that kid and we started at a mainstream private school with small classes and a reputation for being inclusive. It was a disaster. My child could not master the increased social demands, the very nice and well meaning teachers didn't know how to support him when he didn't know the social skills that other kids picked up effortlessly, and feeling lost exacerbated his anxiety, which caused behavior problems we had never seen before.

We pulled him out and sent him to Maddux, where they knew how to support him. After three years at Maddux, he's doing well with much less support.

Thank you. Maddux and Auburn are on our list too. They’re great! Was hoping to find a few other options that are inclusive and willing to accommodate even though they arent therapeutic. Auburn and Maddux both would be a long drive.

Did you disclose diagnosis on your application?

You MUST disclose on any private school application. If you withhold information related to your child's ability to function in a school setting it is grounds for dismissal and you won't have a leg to stand on legally. Plus, you want to make sure your child ends up at a school that is truly willing to work with the issues rather than risk setting your child up for failure.

[Anonymous]

Anyone have a positive experience at a mainstream private?

[Anonymous]

Mainstream privates do not use IEPs and most will not admit a student with a known ASD diagnosis. Not the kind of diversity they choose to pursue. Sorry, OP. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mainstream privates do not use IEPs and most will not admit a student with a known ASD diagnosis. Not the kind of diversity they choose to pursue. Sorry, OP. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear.

Interesting. Is this statement made based on personal experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mainstream privates do not use IEPs and most will not admit a student with a known ASD diagnosis. Not the kind of diversity they choose to pursue. Sorry, OP. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear.

Interesting. Is this statement made based on personal experience?

I ask because it contradicts what an earlier posted said based on personal experience. And yes, I knew the point about an IEP. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mainstream privates do not use IEPs and most will not admit a student with a known ASD diagnosis. Not the kind of diversity they choose to pursue. Sorry, OP. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear.

Interesting. Is this statement made based on personal experience?

I ask because it contradicts what an earlier posted said based on personal experience. And yes, I knew the point about an IEP. Thanks.

Yes, it is - just as you asked for in your OP. And experiences like that of the PP are why I said most mainstream privates. Our DC is extremely bright and mildly ASD - mostly in need of social supports. We were not able to find a mainstream school that had the academics and was willing try some accommodations once they heard the diagnosis. I included the comment about IEPs because your OP gave the impression you had asked your private preschool about an IEP in a mainstream private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mainstream privates do not use IEPs and most will not admit a student with a known ASD diagnosis. Not the kind of diversity they choose to pursue. Sorry, OP. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear.

Interesting. Is this statement made based on personal experience?

I ask because it contradicts what an earlier posted said based on personal experience. And yes, I knew the point about an IEP. Thanks.

Yes, it is - just as you asked for in your OP. And experiences like that of the PP are why I said most mainstream privates. Our DC is extremely bright and mildly ASD - mostly in need of social supports. We were not able to find a mainstream school that had the academics and was willing try some accommodations once they heard the diagnosis. I included the comment about IEPs because your OP gave the impression you had asked your private preschool about an IEP in a mainstream private.

Thanks. I had asked the preschool if they thought he’d qualify for an IEP back when I was debating public v private. Mind sharing where you looked and where you ended up?