2014 - HELP! Moving to Chattanooga area with child with special needs. (Signal Mountain: homes, middle school)

[Twinmom1210]

We are exploring an offer to move to Chattanooga from Michigan. Aside from Signal Mountain, I am coming up short in finding a good school for our 11 year old twins, one of which has Down syndrome. Although, the Signal Mountain area is very appealing, I'm afraid our housing budget falls below their average. Can anyone recommend a middle school in the Chattanooga area with a strong Special Education program that might have newer homes in a range closer to $250 max.? I have heard that Tennessee falls short in providing Special Education services, however, I am sure there are schools that are creative and can excel with a small budget. I need to find them. Any help, advice and/or guidance would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Rick26]

Twinmom,
You didn't say if you were looking at public, private or both. Obviously, the private schools are going to be more expensive but may provide a greater depth of care and attention. However, if it were me, I'd first contact the Hamilton County school system (web site: www.hcde.org) and speak with someone knowledgeable about exceptional education. I'm sure they can give you a place to start. Due to the rapidly approaching end of the school year, you might want to make your contact ASAP.
---Rick26

[Twinmom1210]

Thanks for the reply Rick26.

We are not rigid in our choice to look at a private or public school, but are probably leaning more toward public based on cost factor. I will do as you suggested and call Hamilton County schools ASAP. However, I was hoping to get a parent perspective rather than an administrative one. I have found that the best recommendations come from families in similar situations. I was hoping to tap into that network here. Our daughter has trouble communicating and is unable to clearly tell us if there are problems at school. We have lived in our current district since our children were born, so there was a level of comfort in knowing I had a reference, so to speak, on the individuals I was sending my child to at the school. There has always been a neighbor, friend or collegue who could give us the "down-low" on the teachers and administration going forward. Not having this leaves me feeling a bit vulnerable in making a decision. Again, I will try calling the school tomorrow, but if there are any parents with personal experience with exceptional education in Hamilton County schools, we'd love to hear from you! I appreciate your suggestions and your kind reply.

[Rick26]

Twinmom,
I can fully appreciate your concern for your daughter's education. Dealing with any transition from one school system to another can be stressful enough, not to mention having to handle the additional burden that goes along with special needs. You are correct...I am not a parent with first-hand experience in exceptional education details. However, I did want to make a recommendation that would, at least, get you started on the process and, like you, hoping that an experienced parent would join our conversation. Our Chattanooga forum is pretty active but it may take a little while until the right member views this thread and posts their comments. Best wishes to you and your family as you consider a move to Chattanooga. It's a great place to live and I'm sure you will enjoy it, too.
---Rick26

[Twinmom1210]

Rick26
Thank you for your kind comments. It is helpful people like you who make us want to be in Chattanooga all the sooner! I'm calling the school today, and will watch the threads here for the right parent to find it! Happy Friday to you!

[Blue502]

We have a fantastic place here in Chattanooga known as Orange Grove. Here is a link Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee OGC History
Perhaps someone there can help with a school choice, or even enroll there. If anything, they have lots of family support and would know lots of answers to your questions.