Stay away from FCPS / Fairfax school district. They have a very rigid system of separating children by abilities, within the gen ed population, and are extremely rigid in their approach to offering services. Getting an IEP is not hard, but having an IEP that works is, especially for a more complicated child.

Bump

We have a six year old who is currently in the MIPA program in Arlington Public Schools. He has moderate autism issues that require a low teacher ratio along with speech and OT. We are looking for a new home in Arlington, but are also trying to look outside Arlington as the real estate market is very thin right now in Arlington. Can anyone comment on similar programs to Arlington's MIPA program in Fairfax County, Falls Church City, and Montgomery County. We are looking largely inside the beltway as we both work in DC.

My impressions of Arlington's MIPA program is that it has been pretty good for him and the teachers in Arlington have been proactive to his needs. There was a period last year when his primary teacher was on maternity leave and the substitute was under-qualified for the role, but that has since been resolved.