Special Ed in suburbs south or Southwest of Boston (Newton: rental, purchase)

[emrem]

We're looking to move to the area south or southwest of Boston and looking for advice on the school districts with the best special ed programs, particularly for autism. I've found data on the state's education dept website pointing to Dover, Sherborn, Wellesley, Newton, Needham, etc. But the schools won't talk to "prospective" families, only those with a purchase or rental agreement in hand. So, now I'm looking for comments from families with experience in the area.

[bosoxlady38]

I know Plymouth wasn't in the region where you had mentioned, but I have a child who is now 6 and is in their ASD program. The program has really been working out some issues over the years, but it is a good program. My son who was diagnosed with PDDNOS has done very well working with them. He has gone from a being in a contained classroom to almost 100% inclusion in a gen. ed. classroom. They have done a good job shoring up the program and hiring/training their paras. They have a behavior spec. on staff as well as one on a consult basis from Melmark (sp) New England and the women running the program is form the May Institute.

I will be sad to leave if my husband's company shuts down and am dreading trying to find another program like this. If you are interested in the other areas, I would suggest googling their school systems and contacting their Parent Advisory Councils for special education. All districts are required to have them and they are a good source of information. The one in Plymouth is just getting up and running, but I know that if you have quesitons, they will get you what answers they can. Another tool is to try the Federation for Children with Special Needs. They may also be able to point you in the right direction.

Hope this helps---good luck in your search

[AandD]

If you will search my early posts, I put a lot of time and effort into researching the school systems south of Boston for my children (adhd, and autism). I really don't have time to retype it all, but if you have questions, please feel free to DM me.

[hallmarksothebysgirl]

That's really surprising that the schools won't talk with you. Have you tried calling the superintendent's office in the towns you mention? I've called several area schools on behalf of clients before and always found them pretty open and helpful.

I live in Sherborn and it's one of the top school systems in the state. People love the elementary school teachers, who are very engaging and involved. I have a friend in town whose child has ADD and is doing very well there but it initially it was a struggle finding the right curriculum. I don't know if it's the school system though or if it would just be a struggle at any public school.

[peterwinston]

I currently live in Boston. and have a 4 year old in an integrated Special Ed preschool (K0). We have been looking around at other school systems in the area, and got the same reply.

I think that the school systems you mentioned are all good. but they don't want to advertise that, for fear that they are overwhelmed with people moving in.

Newton was a bit more forthcoming with info about their program. I've heard good things about Sudbury.

Don't take from my message that Boston Public is not good, We are very happy with the integrated pre-school, but have other children with other requirements.