Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

I am curious what middle school you would recommend for a kid with an FSIQ of 150+ without academic or behavioral issues with an ASD/ADHD diagnosis?

Start your own topic regarding your child. This has nothing to do with OP question or concerns.

No need to get all huffy. I am the same pp who had to choose between a main stream private and a charter when DS was starting school. DS like OP's kid has what we thought were "mild" SNs when he was little but as they get older, their profile gets more clear and one can better choose the schools that are a better fit.

But for nursery and elementary, choose public. Better supports in case your child needs it. Do private for middle or later.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

I am curious what middle school you would recommend for a kid with an FSIQ of 150+ without academic or behavioral issues with an ASD/ADHD diagnosis?

Start your own topic regarding your child. This has nothing to do with OP question or concerns.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son will be entering PK3 this fall. We have a spot at a well-regarded charter and have recently been offered a spot at a small private school. Each offers its advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, commute, curriculum, and long-term potential. We have an IEP, and the charter school will provide the services. The private school cannot provide the services, but have said they will work with his differences within the class. My son's delays are primarily in social, sensory, and speech. They are not severe; he has remained in normal day care and is fully able to participate in normal classroom activities. He's made great progress with his OT and SLP, and we plan on maintaining all of his private services regardless of where he goes to school.

Given all of this, does anyone have experience with sending a mild SN child to a private? I understand the IEP requirement in't there, but we will maintain outside services and I think my son will benefit from the smaller community and classes. We love the school and see it as having much more long-term potential for us than the charter. We may be able to get into this private school again in a couple of years, but who knows? The charter is very well-regarded, very convenient, and I think will be able to provide wonderful support, but we still don't have a great feel for the future and it offers little in the way of foreign language (important to us; our son is currently bilingual).

Not sure either is a bad choice, but not sure which is better. Would love to get some insight from others who have been there or know more about the private side than I do. TIA!

If the private has told you up front that they will not help with the expenses of supporting your child's needs then the charter is the better option. Often speech issues are temporary so perhaps get the services from the charter than transfer him to private later. Of course if money is no object then you will provide all of the necessary services out of pocket and do what you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

I am curious what middle school you would recommend for a kid with an FSIQ of 150+ without academic or behavioral issues with an ASD/ADHD diagnosis?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

But he might in the future, right? Did you know he was going to have behavior issues before this year?

The thing about the spectrum is that in many ways, it gets harder as kids get older. The social dynamics, especially the unwritten "rules" become more complicated and the social consequences for following them become greater. Kids have bigger emotions as they get older, especially as hormones play a bigger role. Kids are more aware of -- and potentially embarrassed by -- their emotions.

I'm not saying a mainstream private won't be right for you -- I don't know your kid, of course. But I wouldn't expect that all of his issues will be "solved" by middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

He no longer has behavior issues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Yeah, middle school sucks. We are targeting a particular mainstream private school (not in this area) that is 6-9 grades all boys only middle school. Have backups of course if it does not work out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Mainstream private middle schools, in general, are terrible places for SN kids with behavioral issues. Middle school is just a tough time all around.

Anonymous wrote:

OP - You are making the right choice with the most options for your DS. If you lived in a DC area with a good neighborhood school, it would be entirely different. It makes the most sense to keep going with the services in place in school division as well as the private therapies. Keeping these going is definitely key to having your young son continue to progress. He will also have the benefit of the language immersion program. In three or four years time you will have a much clearer idea of how your son is doing across the board including academically, and perhaps an even broader range of very good private schools to consider if the charter school should not remain a strong program or the right fit for him. Front-loading the therapies really is key for many young children AND especially if you like the therapists you are working with. Also once he gets into school should you go to a private school setting, you could consider putting some enrichment opportunities with say a native language speaker sitter, a tutor , or language classes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's almost impossible to advise b/c we don't know your kid or the schools or what the future will hold. But you may want to think about some things.

1. What would happen if for some reason, it didn't work out for your kid at the mainstream private? Where would he go?
2. Would transitioning to the mainstream private be an option in a few years?
3. Given commutes, tuition, etc. are you able to fit in whatever therapies/support your kid may need that he may not get during the day at the private?

Sometimes, kids react differently when the social and academic demands increase. So, it may be preferable to stick with the charter especially in the early years so you know those are needs are being met and supported.

This is good advice. We had to choose between a very well regarded private and a highly regarded charter and are so glad that we chose the charter. DS was not diagnosed until he was 4 and had we chosen the private school, we would have had to leave.

No behavioral or learning issues other than not engaging with other kids... That is until 2nd grade when we had a ton of behavioral issues. If we did not have the IEP, DS would have been expelled or suspended.

All behavioral issues were resolved within a few month with the IEP and DS will be entering 3rd grade at the same charter.

We will be looking at mainstream private schools for middle schools and beyond but am soooooo glad we chose the charter for elementary.

Anonymous wrote:My son will be entering PK3 this fall. We have a spot at a well-regarded charter and have recently been offered a spot at a small private school. Each offers its advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, commute, curriculum, and long-term potential. We have an IEP, and the charter school will provide the services. The private school cannot provide the services, but have said they will work with his differences within the class. My son's delays are primarily in social, sensory, and speech. They are not severe; he has remained in normal day care and is fully able to participate in normal classroom activities. He's made great progress with his OT and SLP, and we plan on maintaining all of his private services regardless of where he goes to school.

Given all of this, does anyone have experience with sending a mild SN child to a private? I understand the IEP requirement in't there, but we will maintain outside services and I think my son will benefit from the smaller community and classes. We love the school and see it as having much more long-term potential for us than the charter. We may be able to get into this private school again in a couple of years, but who knows? The charter is very well-regarded, very convenient, and I think will be able to provide wonderful support, but we still don't have a great feel for the future and it offers little in the way of foreign language (important to us; our son is currently bilingual).

Not sure either is a bad choice, but not sure which is better. Would love to get some insight from others who have been there or know more about the private side than I do. TIA!