"Alternative" schools for children with mild delays (Jacksonville: appointed, best schools)

[CindyTer]

Hi All -

Have been trying to find an "alternative" type school for my daughter (currently in her second year of kindergarten at a Duval public school). She will be 8 in February, but is developmentally -- physically and academically about 4. Her delays are due to lack of physical growth, neglect, etc. in a third world country before adoption. She has an IEP but is borderline and is high functioning -- does not have autism or other severe/physical learning problems, just lost the first 3 years of her life and is trying to catch up. She has some speech and fine motor skills delays, but in many ways has a much higher level of thinking, just lacks the basic skills, and would easily thrive in the right academic environment. Very happy, social, loves school, adapts well to any situation, well behaved. She does get speech therapy, OT, and has begun a vision therapy program which helps in processing what is seen to help with reading and tracking. It is unfortunate that our legislators have deemed it necessary to determine a student's grade level by their chronological age rather than developmental. Anyway, I've looked into Greenwood School, but they begin at 4th grade, Morningstar just did not seem to be the right fit, and have an abundance of boys, and she is a "girly girl." Also spoke with DePaul and they did not have enough students in her age level. Having taught in the past, I'm not familiar with the Montessori schools these days, as they have changed over the years, and not sure if that would be the right fit. I'm basically looking for a school that lets children learn at their level, not according to their age, and not focusing on high achievers of course. (Gee, could you imagine trying to register for a basic class at a local college and having admissions say, "Sorry, you're over 40, so you must take a higher level physics class for those 40 years and older."!!!) I know there are some private schools at the beach -- I haven't been able to investigate them yet and would love feedback on any school that works with children where they are. She is eligible for McKay scholarship and works with an ESE teacher now since she has an IEP, but I don't see a future for her in the public school system as grade levels progress (what I taught in 3rd grade 10 years ago is now what they teach in kindergarten). I've heard of a Hendricks Country Day School catering to this type of learning, but haven't been able to find information on it. What I would like to find is a school that can accommodate children who are not severely physically or mentally challenged, but somewhere in the middle where there are minor circumstances holding them back that can be overcome with the right environment, curriculum, and placement. Anyone have any suggestions, ideas, or place to start looking. Duval County school system has not been helpful in their suggestions, but parents and teachers are great. Would consider outside Duval county also.Thanks very much for any and all suggestions, feedback, experiences, leads, etc.

[rtt]

I wouldn't think the private schools at the beach would be helpful but you might look into Greenwood.

[ShakenStirred]

Originally Posted by CindyTer

Hi All -

Have been trying to find an "alternative" type school for my daughter (currently in her second year of kindergarten at a Duval public school). She will be 8 in February, but is developmentally -- physically and academically about 4. Her delays are due to lack of physical growth, neglect, etc. in a third world country before adoption. She has an IEP but is borderline and is high functioning -- does not have autism or other severe/physical learning problems, just lost the first 3 years of her life and is trying to catch up. She has some speech and fine motor skills delays, but in many ways has a much higher level of thinking, just lacks the basic skills, and would easily thrive in the right academic environment. Very happy, social, loves school, adapts well to any situation, well behaved. She does get speech therapy, OT, and has begun a vision therapy program which helps in processing what is seen to help with reading and tracking. It is unfortunate that our legislators have deemed it necessary to determine a student's grade level by their chronological age rather than developmental. Anyway, I've looked into Greenwood School, but they begin at 4th grade, Morningstar just did not seem to be the right fit, and have an abundance of boys, and she is a "girly girl." Also spoke with DePaul and they did not have enough students in her age level. Having taught in the past, I'm not familiar with the Montessori schools these days, as they have changed over the years, and not sure if that would be the right fit. I'm basically looking for a school that lets children learn at their level, not according to their age, and not focusing on high achievers of course. (Gee, could you imagine trying to register for a basic class at a local college and having admissions say, "Sorry, you're over 40, so you must take a higher level physics class for those 40 years and older."!!!) I know there are some private schools at the beach -- I haven't been able to investigate them yet and would love feedback on any school that works with children where they are. She is eligible for McKay scholarship and works with an ESE teacher now since she has an IEP, but I don't see a future for her in the public school system as grade levels progress (what I taught in 3rd grade 10 years ago is now what they teach in kindergarten). I've heard of a Hendricks Country Day School catering to this type of learning, but haven't been able to find information on it. What I would like to find is a school that can accommodate children who are not severely physically or mentally challenged, but somewhere in the middle where there are minor circumstances holding them back that can be overcome with the right environment, curriculum, and placement. Anyone have any suggestions, ideas, or place to start looking. Duval County school system has not been helpful in their suggestions, but parents and teachers are great. Would consider outside Duval county also.Thanks very much for any and all suggestions, feedback, experiences, leads, etc.

I would look into Beaches Episcopal in Jacksonville Beach. It is pricey, but they have an outstanding program. I do not know for sure if they could handle your specific situation, but I would be disappointed if they weren't willing to maybe try and work something out for you. I will keep my ears posted and I wish you a truly Joyous Holiday Season. That's Merry Christmas to you Republicans....

[CindyTer]

Thanks for the info, folks. Greenwood is great, but now only starts at 3rd or 4th grade. Bummer. As for Hendricks country Day, which Riv emailed me about (sorry, I don't know how to do an email reply personally -- brain injury causes technical struggles), I'm confused as I've googled and there are several Hendricks schools, 2 private I found but they did not indicate any special programs, just more high academic achievement type programs, although I've heard from another parent that she knew someone who found Hendricks Country Day to be very good for her daughter who had some slight delays -- so I'm no sure where or what Hendricks school we're talking about.
I think the schools such as Beaches Episcopal and such are great, because of the environment and staff, but looking for something more geared to her learning style/ability and feeling "a part of the school" since they are focused more on high achievers and are expected to be.
I'm going to run a thread asking about Montessori schools since it's been so long since I was involved in one -- 25 years-- and understand that Axon is actually a public Montessori and have heard a few parents comment they liked it more than private Montessori. Don't know enough about their programs, will have to investigate after the holidays. Trying to stay hopeful. The right learning environment can bring out the best in children.
As I see it with her, and as other school professionals have brought up, she may make her developmental leap (milestone) a few years behind others, which is quite common for children in her situation, but as long as the atmosphere is right until that leap occurs, she will be fine. I have seen this myself in teaching, so it makes sense, but one certainly doesn't want a child's self-esteem or creative abilities to be "crushed" in any way before that leap occurs.

[jbm32206]

As much as I'd like to offer my suggestions, you clearly made your mind up against DCPS...which is whom I work for in a CSS (Communication, Social Skills) classroom. They do however take children as young as 3 into their programs. There's many wonderful schools within DCPS....and the CSS program, which was formerly known as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) helps children with more than just autism.

I can't say that taking your child to a private school is the answer. Good luck to you and hope you find what you're looking for.

[CindyTer]

Hi everyone and jbm 32206 - Not sure if I know what DCPS is and how to find out more about it. Can you give me a lead? thanks much.

Also, sorry to ask, wish I had more knowledge, but how does someone direct reply to a response?

Thanks and happy holidays to all. May the new year bring brighter days to everyone!

[CindyTer]

to clarify my reply and question (oops), I believe DCPS refers to duval public schools, but didn't understand the program referred to. I know there are children that have communication and socialization issues, but since she doesn't have those, my concern is keeping her enthusiasm for school, and basic skills achievements alive before she reaches her next milestone, which I believe will come, just at a later date. That's why I'm looking into private schools (anywhere, in any county around Duval) that can disregard her biological age and basically works with children where they are developmentally (physically, mentally, emotionally, academically, etc.)

[jbm32206]

Yes, DCPS is Duval County Public Schools...(sorry...I'm so used to just typing the initials) As for a direct message, just click on the username and that will offer the link to send a direct message.

When I mentioned the CSS (Communication and Social Skills) this is the new title for the program that was ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) since the district now places children with other needs into the same program, such as those with social and/or communication needs. There is still the Hearing Impaired, which is different from communication needs.

It sounds like your child might qualify for Developmentally Delayed program, which most of them are now in general ed classrooms, but also have inclussion teachers involved. Many are pulled out those classes during the day, to have more specialized attention with the inclussion teachers, yet still participate with the general ed class as a whole.

I hope this is helpful

[riveree]

Cindy,

I had seen you mention Hendricks in your first post above...

Originally Posted by CindyTer

...I've heard of a Hendricks Country Day School catering to this type of learning, but haven't been able to find information on it.

We have a member who sends her children to Hendricks Country Day, so hopefully she can give you more feedback if she sees this post .

Originally Posted by CindyTer

Thanks for the info, folks. Greenwood is great, but now only starts at 3rd or 4th grade. Bummer. As for Hendricks country Day, which Riv emailed me about (sorry, I don't know how to do an email reply personally -- brain injury causes technical struggles), I'm confused as I've googled and there are several Hendricks schools, 2 private I found but they did not indicate any special programs...

[HIF]

I have sent you a DM re: Hendricks Day School. While not a school for special needs children (whatever THAT means- all children have special needs!), they accept children that they feel will thrive in their environment. They have prescreening interviews with parents and children and test children prior to acceptance. They go through the 8th grade and their graduates are accepted at the top high schools- public and private- in Duval.

Welcome to Hendricks Day School

You also may want to contact foreign adoptee parent support groups, as it would put you in touch with others who have knowledge of the best schools for your daughter.