Middle/High school reintegration suggestions after depressive episode

[Anonymous]

8th grader with ADHD/Anxiety/depression had to be pulled out of school for full-time work on emotions and stabilization. Source of stress was both social and academic. We're waking up to the reality that regardless how much we like certain teachers and programs at her school (and future HS), she might not be able to take advantage of it, without a gentler pace.

What are our options? She's artistic, but there are no arts-focused HS in the FCPS area. She likes project-based learning and is a good, but lately reluctant reader. She will need extreme positivity and encouragement to get over this episode, but she does have the intellectual range to reach for a fast-paced curriculum when she's well.

Any suggestions? We've so expected her to move forward in the public system that I have not looked at any alternatives until now...

[Anonymous]

Irving Middle School in Springfield is a very nurturing place for middle school.

[Anonymous]

GW Community School?

http://www.gwcommunityschool.com/

[Anonymous]

Commonwealth Academy

[Anonymous]

I don’t know have personal experience with your district but my friend says that there are some therapeutic schools. You have to get an iEP, which shouldnt be too hard given that you had to pull your daughter out of school.

FWIW, we spent a year trying to keep my son in school. It was a total disaster. I don’t know if the outcome would have been better had we not tried, but sometimes I wish we had done more sooner. The school really pushed to keep him.

[Anonymous]

thank you! I'm trying to find that fine line that keeps her academically involved without adding to the stress. Happy to call this year a wash and try again next year, but I do need a suitable program for the rest of the year, where we can detangle the mess we're in. And we need to think about the future... FCPS has some centers, but they are more geared towards building life skills for children to live independently despite physical or intellectual disabilities, but have no component for dealing with an emotionally fragile child, which is our issue.

There is also no HS for the arts, despite having about 10+ STEM academies and a few IBDs... As an engineer myself, i never thought this was going to be our problem when we moved into the area...

Honestly, i just about need a shoulder to give a good cry on right now... I don't know what the future will hold.

[Anonymous]

I can relate to needing a shoulder to cry on. Have you looked at any residential treatment programs or long term partial hospital programs? Many/most are private pay, but it's an option if you can find the money.

[Anonymous]

That's what we're doing now... Thankfully, insurance seems to be covering most of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:thank you! I'm trying to find that fine line that keeps her academically involved without adding to the stress. Happy to call this year a wash and try again next year, but I do need a suitable program for the rest of the year, where we can detangle the mess we're in. And we need to think about the future... FCPS has some centers, but they are more geared towards building life skills for children to live independently despite physical or intellectual disabilities, but have no component for dealing with an emotionally fragile child, which is our issue.

There is also no HS for the arts, despite having about 10+ STEM academies and a few IBDs... As an engineer myself, i never thought this was going to be our problem when we moved into the area...

Honestly, i just about need a shoulder to give a good cry on right now... I don't know what the future will hold.

Fairfax high school has the arts academy. Not sure if they are strictly performing arts though.

[Anonymous]

In our area of Vurginia, there is an alternative high school with a small enrollment and flexible program tailored to the students. It is important to listen to what her psychiatrist says she will benefit from the most. Just remember if it was cancer or a major physical accident, you would be looking at the medical care needed first, and mental health needs the same approach. No shame, but harder in many ways to accept.

OP, you are right to find the treatment plan with DD's team which will help her identify and restore a better balance in mental health. Is there a chance she could take a class or two online that would be self-paced, Then an art center or teacher in the area that woukd understand your goals for her at this point in life.

Perhaos looking for an older college/grad student in the arts who could be a paid teacher and also peer mentor for so many hours a week would work. We currently have a college student at $15 per hour plus cost for any activities weekly. I pay her more when she does an hour art lesson as she is quite talented and in the communications disorders program for a masters here. Marymount, GWU or George Mason may be resources.

You are correct to not feel your daughter has to be lockstep in edication and perhaps finding a new setting for next year is key. It does sound like she will need an IEP if in the public school setting to ensure she gets the supports in place. And you have time to research the various high school settings.

[Anonymous]

Sycamore school Arlington?

[Anonymous]

McLean school in Potomac. It is worth a look since you want to keep the academic stress at bay (and by that I do not mean that the school doesn't have challenging classes, but they know how to handle anxiety/stress and schoolwork really well).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:thank you! I'm trying to find that fine line that keeps her academically involved without adding to the stress. Happy to call this year a wash and try again next year, but I do need a suitable program for the rest of the year, where we can detangle the mess we're in. And we need to think about the future... FCPS has some centers, but they are more geared towards building life skills for children to live independently despite physical or intellectual disabilities, but have no component for dealing with an emotionally fragile child, which is our issue.

There is also no HS for the arts, despite having about 10+ STEM academies and a few IBDs... As an engineer myself, i never thought this was going to be our problem when we moved into the area...

Honestly, i just about need a shoulder to give a good cry on right now... I don't know what the future will hold.

Fairfax high school has the arts academy. Not sure if they are strictly performing arts though.

This escaped me. Thank you -- what I was looking for.

[Anonymous]

Have you looked at Robinson they are geared more toward the arts.

[Anonymous]

I agree with a number of the recommendations above. In addition, if your daughter has any LDs, you should check out the Lab School. It is very arts-focused and uses the arts to connect with the kids academically.