Looking for school district info - Wichita (Derby, Andover: school districts, price)

[MJL794]

We have a moderate-functioning autistic 8-year-old and a gifted 12-year-old. We're looking at several places trying to find the best possible services for our 8-year-old and have come across Heartspring. Two questions:

First, looking for any parents with children who have attended Heartspring -- what have your experiences been?

Second, understanding that we'd have to move to the area and enroll our child in a public school initially, we're looking for recommendations on school districts that can serve both of our very different children.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

[chaseystarz]

I don't know that much about Heartspring or their programs.

However, with your situation for public school I'd be looking into the neighboring 'burbs of Andover, Derby, or Maize. The public school system in Wichita isn't as good as compared to the neighboring cities, as I just mentioned.

[misdyl]

Heartspring is a very good program. (I am an SLP and have always heard good things about Heartspring - from parents, doctors, other therapists) The one drawback usually brought up is the price.

As for school districts - I DEFINITELY agree with the previous post - look to some of the suburbs. I know for certain that Andover is an excellent school district (I graduated from there several years ago, but my mom still works in one of the schools....Andover has maintained the "small town" aspect of schools, but with the great benefit of a growing district and the opportunities that affords.).

A great online resource for looking at schools... GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community
It independently rates schools... and from what I can tell, seems to be fairly accurate (and often includes parent comments).

Good luck!