My DC isn't in the Ivymount program there but does have an IEP. I'm very pleased with the social workers and OTs at SWS. My DC hasn't worked with the Ivymount instructors but I hear very good things about them. I would suggest emailing the principal and asking to speak with a current parent or two in The Ivymount program (the leading year class is 4th grade so you're likely to be able to reach a parent who has been there from the beginning). I'd also suggest posting on MoTH

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but can someone describe the program (ages, how one gets in, what makes it a particular program)? We have a rising preK4er with HFA among other things, and are on the verge of moving for lack of services for HFA kids in DCPS, as far as we've encountered (we still need some autism specific services/approaches, but they only seem to offer self contained classes for kids with autism that aren't appropriate). So I'd love to hear about an option potentially available down the road...

I'm OP and I can't answer all of the questions. But I do know that a few years ago DCPS began a very small pilot program at SWS for kids with HFA. Something like 6 or 8 kids, 1st graders I think, with appropriate IEPs were placed at SWS and fully integrated into the classroom, receiving normal services one would receive at any school, but attending a regular (1x or 2x weekly) super sophisticated pull-out social skills class run by folks trained at Ivymount. So those kids have all aged through the system and I'm hoping to hear from their parents.

DCPS just (this past month) got funding for an additional tranche of kids (eight I believe, combination of rising 1st and 2nd graders) and my child was offered a spot on the basis of my child's IEP (plus DCPS' autism coordinator observed my child in the classroom, spoke with teachers, special education advisors, etc.). (Fwiw: my child presently attends a regular DCPS school, where she receives 5 hours of special ed a week, an hour of speech and some minor OT, very little pullout overall. She is doing well academically, does not present behavior problems, etc., but struggles socially.)

Hopefully this is part of a growing wave of HFA programs in DC.

In any case, SWS is a super well-regarded school in high demand, especially on the Hill. So I'm excited for that, too. (All of that said, my child drew a decent lottery number and has a good chance of getting into CMI and Inspired Teaching, though no guarantee. So after years of stress, hiring of SN consultants, and exploring of moving, we may actually have some choices.)

So, if anyone with direct experience of the SWS program could opine, I'd be grateful.

Thanks!

P.s.: I understand the SWS program is already full for next year.

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but can someone describe the program (ages, how one gets in, what makes it a particular program)? We have a rising preK4er with HFA among other things, and are on the verge of moving for lack of services for HFA kids in DCPS, as far as we've encountered (we still need some autism specific services/approaches, but they only seem to offer self contained classes for kids with autism that aren't appropriate). So I'd love to hear about an option potentially available down the road...

This is an overview of the DCPS SN models. Not sure any of them are specifically for HFA kids

http://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/publication/attachments/Family%20Programs%20and%20Resources%20Guide%20SY15-16_0.pdf

Not OP, but can someone describe the program (ages, how one gets in, what makes it a particular program)? We have a rising preK4er with HFA among other things, and are on the verge of moving for lack of services for HFA kids in DCPS, as far as we've encountered (we still need some autism specific services/approaches, but they only seem to offer self contained classes for kids with autism that aren't appropriate). So I'd love to hear about an option potentially available down the road...

I considered it last year, although we decided not to pursue it because of distance. They were very accommodating to my request to observe. I observed a social skills class co-taught by the counselor and someone else. I think there were 6 kids in the class. Based on appearance, they appeared to have a fairly wide range of needs.

Anonymous wrote:School Within a School at Goding. (If you ask you likely don't live in DC!)

True - this board seems to be pretty evenly divided between MD/VA/DC.

School Within a School at Goding. (If you ask you likely don't live in DC!)

What is SWS?

Can any current families share experiences?

My child was lucky enough to be offered a 1st grade spot and we plan to enroll at the school next week. But we also did remarkably well in the lottery, so some extra due diligence seems in order.

What have you liked about the program? What have you disliked? How has SWS done at supporting your child with HFA?

Thanks.