Good Counsel gives more supports than SJC

Anonymous wrote:Good Counsel is another option for HS

I don't have first had experience but I've heard the same.

Good Counsel is another option for HS

Anonymous wrote:I know kids who transition from McLean to Academy of the Holy Cross and St. Johns College.
So backwards planning - any Catholic K-8s that might be a fit for your family?
Last year, there were a lot of families looking at McLean given the disruption and Sandy Spring - I believe it has stabilized - would that be a fit?
Holy Child (if a girl) - but I assume you do not live near there given that you do not live near McLean

Lowell, Bullis, Field and Burke. Burke has a small Middle School - so make sure the co-hort is right

+ Landon

Anonymous wrote:I’m the original poster. We really liked McLean and it was wonderful for my kid for many years. We are leaving for a few reasons:
1. Kid is tweener—as in, the current cohort isn’t a great fit socially because kid’s interests skew more NT.
2. Need a true gauge on where kid is academically and socially to determine best options for HS
3. We aren’t close to the school and that impacts schedule flexibility & social options
4. Cost is extremely high and we have a much better idea of what supports are necessary than when we first arrived at the school

As another poster mentioned, it’s pretty typical for kids to flow in and out of these schools. McLean is a beautiful place and my mind was at ease sending my kid there. Kid ultimately made call not to return.

Can you give us a template if what general supports McLean gave that you will be substituting? Interested in applying for Hs...

Why not try public school and see how it goes

I’m the original poster. We really liked McLean and it was wonderful for my kid for many years. We are leaving for a few reasons:
1. Kid is tweener—as in, the current cohort isn’t a great fit socially because kid’s interests skew more NT.
2. Need a true gauge on where kid is academically and socially to determine best options for HS
3. We aren’t close to the school and that impacts schedule flexibility & social options
4. Cost is extremely high and we have a much better idea of what supports are necessary than when we first arrived at the school

As another poster mentioned, it’s pretty typical for kids to flow in and out of these schools. McLean is a beautiful place and my mind was at ease sending my kid there. Kid ultimately made call not to return.

Anonymous wrote:Can previous posters elaborate on kids leaving McLean recently and why?

Some amount of exodus is normal in any school catering to kids with special needs. Kids take a few years to get what they need, then move on to more mainstream environments. It happens at Lab and Siena too.

Can previous posters elaborate on kids leaving McLean recently and why?

Bullis, Field, Burke and even St Andrews might be a good fit.

Is your DC in 5th? Open to K-8 r only 6-12? Would you consider public?

Can you say more about why so many people have left?

Transitioned to public after McLean for middle school. DD is doing well with an IEP

I know kids who transition from McLean to Academy of the Holy Cross and St. Johns College.
So backwards planning - any Catholic K-8s that might be a fit for your family?
Last year, there were a lot of families looking at McLean given the disruption and Sandy Spring - I believe it has stabilized - would that be a fit?
Holy Child (if a girl) - but I assume you do not live near there given that you do not live near McLean

Lowell, Bullis, Field and Burke. Burke has a small Middle School - so make sure the co-hort is right

We are in DC and my DD similarly got everything she needed from McLean in elementary but was ready for a change for middle school. She stayed through 5th and transitioned to public with accommodations for middle and high school. She needed tutors in high school but did well and had good college choices. The bigger, much more diverse social group and range of ECs were a big part of the better fit.

DC has very successfully attended McLean School for a number of years. For a variety of reasons (some noted below), we are looking for other options for the middle school years.

DC has ADHD combined type (presents more as inattentive vs hyperactive these days), anxiety, and a touch of dyslexia. On grade level for reading/language arts but struggles with writing. On or close to grade level for math. Grades are fine but DC will not blow anyone away academically.

DC’s main concerns are social. DC is certainly quirky but probably skews more mature and sporty than current cohort. We also don’t live close to the school, which makes socialization outside of school hard. DC has always had plenty of friends at school—a number have left—and is feeling isolated and increasingly unhappy.

We are way behind in admissions process for other schools so not sure if we have any options. Any recommendations on what private schools might be a good fit?