Help! (Louisville: neighborhoods, school district, place to live)

[HugoDanner]

I am in a higher-level professional position at my company's New England subsidiary. It is down-sizing and will likely lay-off either me or the other person that has the same job function. The company's flagship subsidiary is in Louisville, KY. I've been offered a promotion if I move to the Louisville subsidiary and am considering it. The Louisville position itself is great. The issue is everything else. Priority #1 - we have twins (just turned 12) on the autism spectrum. My children both have IEPs and they are making great progress. The public school district where we live is phenomenal. There is a BCBA (Board Certified Behavioral Analyst) who presides over the district's Autism Program (she's very pro-active) and program has all typical services (Special Ed teachers, Speech, Para support, push-in and pull-out services, etc.). Our children are very mildly afflicted, are highly intelligent and need a mainstream program (they are finally starting to make "model peer" friends). Their issues are subtle to the poiint where a casual observer would probably just see them as a little immature. Is anyone in a similar situation and can anyone offer real life advice on your experience with the public school system in or around Louisville? We've been told North Oldham County has good schools, but that doesn't mean they have good schools with a good autism program. We aren't considering Catholic schools.

Thanks SO much any/all help and advice.

[A. Sanderson]

Yes, jcps schools address exactly the needs of the children you have mentioned in your letter.
Jcps uses a cluster system. Depending on your address, you'll have 5 schools to chose from with a variety of services. Since your children need IEP, perhaps adjunct teachers and in school therapy they may be referred to 7 Counties for services. Go to the JCPS website and ask to talk to special needs liaisons. Though tomorow is the first day of school.
Louisville is an easy place to live. With very easily definable neighborhoods and affordable housing.
There are a few areas in the northern east end (I -71) corridor where housing is in the 700k and up range, with a few non denominational private schools.
Collegiate Academy in the Highlands has services for special needs students. It too is a private school, centrally located with a long history.
There are two traditional middle schools in the county. Depending on where you live determines the school. Both are very good schools and focus on the curriculum.
As a whole, thereare many private catholic schools, lost have been running for years. The locals will gladly tellyou about their services available.
Most schools, private and public now offer bus service.
Many schools have a resource center. They are staffed with r.n,'s, social workers and therapists.
I hope this helps you. Many of my friends went to catholic school. I and my children attended public school. As a professional, i interacted with every school in the county. Like every large system you have to locate the person in the system who is closest to you cause. But the services are there.
Good luck with your love. Bring your bug spray and fewer winter clothes!