Dyslexia and ADHD support for public schools in Hinsdale or Downers Grove (Chicago: school district)

[Gmart4509]

We are moving back to the Chicagoland area from Austin. Does anyone have experience with the Hinsdale or Downers Grove special ed programs? One child has dyslexia (will be in 8th grade) and the other ADHD (will be a Jr. in HS). I am looking for college ed prep courses in HS that will properly prepare them for college. There is Wolcott HS in Chicago, which focuses on teaching students with learning differences, but the tuition is about 50K, so I would like to know which public school district would provide the right support for my children. Smaller class sizes which are taught in a multi-sensory environment.

[chet everett]

You are not going to find any public school that has class sizes as small as a costly private school!



If you research any of the "parent support groups" that exist for those facing decisions about schools that claim to attempt to serve kids with dyslexia or ADHD you'll find that there is huge variation between individual teachers / counselors / admins -- even shifts when new Board of Ed members try to redirect resources...


As a former teacher I know much of the inconsistency comes from the ways that different educators approach the wide range of challenges different kids manifest -- some try to hide their difficulties, others try to use it an excuse to goof off, some end up totally turned off by school, others thrive on attention that comes from disruptive behaviors...


I'd urge the OP to contact the schools directly and make a determination about how responsive school leaders are in replying with not just "legal minimum" but real concern for potential to help.