looking for some info (Birmingham, Huntsville: 2010, HOA, opthamologist)

[NEEDNINFO]

I am new to this site and hope someone can give much needed information. My family and I will be relocating to Huntsville in the end of May 2010. I have read so much I feel overwhelmed. My biggest concern is my special needs daughter and a school that will help her learn and be enjoyable at the same time.I have found Huntsville Achievement School and The Center for Developement Learning. I do not know if these schools are "zoned" or if you can just pay the tution. I will have one going into 8th grade as well as kindergarten

[Charles]

Recommend you telephone and speak with someone in know at the Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, and Madison County Schools. The Huntsville area is served by these three districts.

Your questions are quite specific so I would expect you to get a clear answer.

[tammie2]

What type of special needs?

My kindergartener has cp, but is mainstreamed, however we spoke with hampton cove elementary "just in case,"they seem to have things together as far as Huntsville schools are concerned. I know that no public school in AL recognizes dyslexia-most of the southern states seem to be behind the times when it comes to special education. On the plus side, if we did request an IEP, there is no waiting list for services.

The biggest problem I have found in Huntsville is the lack of pediatric specialists, my son will continue to see his pediatric opthamologist in Chicago, we will be travelling to Birmingham for most others, and just try to find a pediatric practice that accepts new patients, it is near impossible. I guess I was just spoiled living in Houston and Chicago all of my son's life...the little things that you take for granted that most people would never even notice.

Is your daughter in kinder or 8th?

[NEEDNINFO]

My daughter is going to be entering 5th grade in 2010. She has an IEP in place now and a very low student to teacher ratio in her present school. After reading the numbers of public schools as well as private I am affraid she will get lost in the shuffle at some of the larger schools. I also have to take into account the zoning of the schools for the 8th grader as well as my kindergartener. I have seen they are combining schools in the huntsville area and I am unsure how this will affect the current rating of those schools.

[tammie2]

I personally would call the individual school principals and possibly the special ed teachers and any other services that you will use(pt, ot, etc.). The district will give you very vague answers. Ask them if they offer what you want, for us that was a mainstream classroom.

As for school size, I was intimidated by it at first as well. There are 1000 kids in hampton cove elementary. My high school had under 500!!! However, it has only been a few months and both of my children are doing well. When we walk through the halls it seems that everyone knows us and I would not guess that the student population was so high. There are also many after school activities, something for every interest and most levels.

If your daughter is dyslexic, the greengate school is supposed to be among the best(the school in Chicago knew of them and their results are phenomenal. It is a bit pricey though.

I hope you can find a solution that works for your family.

[ionlife]

Don't just look at schools -- be sure to check out the C&R of your neighborhood choices. Best bet right now: older neighborhood with established C&R, or a new place in non HOA area with lower prices and ability to pay for a private option.