What grade? Does she have a Dx? What kind of supports does she need? Holton has girls with ADHD but it’s always more difficult to be admitted with a Dx.

Does anyone know if Holton Arms provides any support for ADHD kids in their Lower School? I have a DD who cannot remember to take her HW or class materials and her current school gives her quite a bit of hard time. Looking to move her out and Holton is near by so wondered if that will be an option?

Anonymous wrote:New poster, bumping this thread. I have a middle schooler who is very motivated and very capable academically, but with absolutely horrible executive functions. Severe ADHD. Cannot handle tons of homework. Looking for a school with small classes, bright/academically invested kids, but warm and nurturing and with executive function supports.

I have heard good and bad about Commonwealth and Burke. St Andrews is too far for us. Is there an equivalent in NOVA/DC?

Been at Commonwealth for a year now. Nothing but positive for support. Teachers are responsive and lots of weekly information on grades, progress, and executive function levels.

Anonymous wrote:+1 for McLean. Small class sizes, excellent support.

+1000

+1 for McLean. Small class sizes, excellent support.

Bullis has lots of support for this kind of thing. We hated the place socially- too many rich Potomac jerks and jocks being worshipped- but academically it was great for a kid with executive function issues- tutoring built into the day if you need it- lots of clear structure.

New poster, bumping this thread. I have a middle schooler who is very motivated and very capable academically, but with absolutely horrible executive functions. Severe ADHD. Cannot handle tons of homework. Looking for a school with small classes, bright/academically invested kids, but warm and nurturing and with executive function supports.

I have heard good and bad about Commonwealth and Burke. St Andrews is too far for us. Is there an equivalent in NOVA/DC?

Every private school in the area has plenty of kids with ADHD. Which will work for you depends on the level of support your child needs. I would not recommend Barrie for a kid who needs a lot of support. It is pretty traditional in terms of academic demands and there is virtually no support beyond the basic “extra time on tests” and such. Not dinging Burke- it’s a great place in a ton of ways- but it has an undeserved rep for being good with ADHD kids. Sadly, not really.

Interesting to see folks mention Field. They have no supports whatsoever for kids with needs, so just depends on what your kid needs-- how much extra support. Field is a school where a lot is teacher dependent, so it is not across the board accommodations and support. I would not expect that at Field.

Anonymous wrote:I have heard from friends with kids at both Field and St Andrews that they offer excellent support for ADHD - they both have recent graduates that ended up at very good colleges.

My question is how did they do in college? Did 1/2 drop out? That is what parents spending top dollar should find out.

Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria seems like it would be a great fit for your child.

How much extra help does your DC need?

Anonymous wrote:My ADHD kid with executive functioning issues is at a big 3. Tough transition in 9th grade, but the academic rigor was important to DC. Used an executive function coach outside of school, and is thriving. I think your child can succeed anywhere if they are otherwise a good fit for the school. I should mention that the school and teachers have been very supportive.

Does the school provide any supports or is it all done outside of school by the tutor? How did you present your DC’s diagnosis when applying?

My ADHD kid with executive functioning issues is at a big 3. Tough transition in 9th grade, but the academic rigor was important to DC. Used an executive function coach outside of school, and is thriving. I think your child can succeed anywhere if they are otherwise a good fit for the school. I should mention that the school and teachers have been very supportive.

I have a kid at McLean in 8th. We have been very happy with the support provided to students to help with organization, both of their study materials (lockers, binders) and of their work (helping them chunk assignments, create outlines, study guides, etc). It has allowed my kid to work completely independently in a manner that has frankly surprised me. The school is super warm and supportive, and they work to support and know every student.