Anonymous wrote:It seems private school is primarily for special needs kids.
I am a bit surprised as that is not what I thought they are selling.

IDEA does cover both LDs and gifted and talented so I would say, public can educate the masses in the middle and private is needed for outliers (aka special needs).

Though a motivated middle will do very well with GT kids.

It seems private school is primarily for special needs kids.
I am a bit surprised as that is not what I thought they are selling.

Anonymous wrote:In MCPS, the GT/LD program (gifted talented learning disabled) has excellently trained teachers. I know the rest of MCPS does not even recognize dyslexia as an LD. There is a GT/LD elementary program at Barnsley ES.

Very true. If you are GT/LD it is great if you are LD but miss GT by 1 point... SOL.

dyslexia....

(Since somebody asked above)

I would recommend Landon, Bullis and St. Andrews for high functioning dyslexia with Orton Gillingham tutoring, or a cheaper route would be some Catholic schools (with tutoring) not all (StE, Mercy, Heights)

More severe I would look at Sienna and Lab.

OLGCHS, St. Johns and PVI are Catholics schools that are less expensive HS options for dyslexic kids

We are a "poor" HHI of 100k family. We live paycheck to paycheck, drive cheap cars, wear clothes from the clearance rack and eat plenty of beans. However, we feel blessed and extremely gratitude for the opportunity to send our DC to private. It is risk and absolutely keeps us up on some nights. Yet, year after year, as I see my DC flourish, I know it's the right choice. Public school (depending on the area) can provide a good education for many. The disparity in resources in many schools results in kids graduating unprepared. The struggle is worth it to us .

On another note, just want to acknowledge that we are not poor. Compared to many in this country and around the world , we are rich!!

I am on FA and it still kills me. I cannot wait until we can move back to public. My K child had a PreK IEP. Last Feb, he was tested an academically found to above grade level and we lost the IEP.

We are zoned for a W school. My child could not function in a large class room-- the noise and chaos that comes from that many people in a room causes him to shut down, lash out, or both. Yes he has ADHD and anxiety, is medicated, and we are doing behavior modification therapy.

In his private he has 15 kids in his class and 2 teachers. The school listened to me when I told them that structure and routine makes him happy. Doing math worksheets is a calming mechanism for him. He excels at academics. The school provides differentiated learning for him similar to the old tracking system.

In addition there is a psycologist on staff and a guidance counselor dedicated to K. They have a weekly social skills group for the kids. There is a sensory area for the kids. Lastly, the school is small enough that even the specials teachers know me and my kid. I get both positive and negative feedback from teachers, staff, and admin.

I love what the school offers him but I hope he can mature emotionally. If he can succeed in public, I will move him there immediately. My retirement accounts would greatly appreciate it.

Anonymous wrote:Poor as in will have to borrow money and eat beans for dinner.

If you are that poor you would qualify for a full ride.
Why would you not take it if offered?

Poor as in will have to borrow money and eat beans for dinner.

In MCPS, the GT/LD program (gifted talented learning disabled) has excellently trained teachers. I know the rest of MCPS does not even recognize dyslexia as an LD. There is a GT/LD elementary program at Barnsley ES.

Right. Because the 90% of American students in public school all hate learning.

Apologies for my sarcasm, but my experience as a student and as a parent (briefly) in private school was of an environment where learning was a competitive sport, not a beloved pastime.

Please define "poor". "Poor" by DCUM standards is very different than what most people think of as "poor". Smh

Anonymous wrote:Because the teachers kept passing the buck for extra help with our dyslexic DD …. don't take vacations, don't buy new cars and all the other luxuries we would want … but our DD is finally thriving and getting the proper attention. She will do well in future years and no longer feels "stupid" which is what our public school did for her … worth every single penny and sacrifice. But, you do have to find that perfect fit to feel the way we feel …. good luck!

Would love to hear which private you are happy with for dyslexic child. We are poor too, but the fight for resources is killing us.

Not sure what you define as poor but I would say most "poor" people get financial aid and aren't eating up all their extra money. I don't consider myself poor but certainly not wealthy. We receive substantial financial aid and feel the sacrifice that we make to our portion is worth it in comparison to what our DC would get at the local public. The only thing I have rarely heard mentioned about many of the public is fostering a true love of learning. It is important to us that our DC always love to learn and seeks it out not because it is required but because they are curious and eager to learn more. We also believe that to a certain degree we can put some parameters around the type of people they befriend.

Because the teachers kept passing the buck for extra help with our dyslexic DD …. don't take vacations, don't buy new cars and all the other luxuries we would want … but our DD is finally thriving and getting the proper attention. She will do well in future years and no longer feels "stupid" which is what our public school did for her … worth every single penny and sacrifice. But, you do have to find that perfect fit to feel the way we feel …. good luck!

Specifically for the elementary years. What reasons do you have for eating up all your extra money other than you have no other decent school option. Really curious. By the way, I am poor too.