Columbia Missouri Special Education????????? (California, Center: how much, home, purchase)

[Momagain59]

We am wanting to relocate to Coumbia, MO. I would like to have some honest opinions about the elementary schools special education programs. We need to find a positive school enviroment that is willing and able to work with children with special needs. We want to purchase a home in whatever area of Columbia that we need to be in for the best school. All information positive or negative is appreciated. Thank you

[Momagain59]

Is anyone having success with any elementary school in Columbia Missouri? My 7 year old son has special needs that are not being met in our Public school. They do not want to provide the services that he needs and I am tired of wasting time fighting and getting nowhere.

[MrsMo]

I thought all Mo Public Schools had to provide services for all special needs children.I would go to the school board and voice my opinion, and demand answers.

[Clipperlover]

Ridgeway and Fairview are probably the best Elementary schools in Columbia; Mill Creek and Paxton Keeley are very good as well. In general, the school system in Columbia is very good.

Like all schools, the District has budget issues stemming from lost tax revenue. I'm not sure about the level of attention and care that your son needs, so I (like everyone else) can't comment about how well an individual school or district can address it. But I am a personal friend of the director of Early Childhood Special Education in the Columbia district, and she's terrific.

[Momagain59]

Thank you for the info. I have heard that fairview is a good school. Does anyone know anything about Rock Bridge Elementary or Russell elementary?

[supermom0675]

We just relocated from California to Columbia and we are so regretting it right now. I love the area and I love how much affordable everything is BUT.... my 6 year old son, who is Autistic & hearing impaired, is having serious issues in regards to the school district. He should be in the 2nd grade this year.. he's in kindergarten. Nice... I have been fighting them about a lot of issues that I just dont agree with and am getting the run around. Anyone else having issues? Its easier to fight in a group.

Melissa

[Momagain59]

Which school is your son attending? I have heard but I have no real personal knowledge, that Rockbridge elementary is a great school for children with Autism. Do you know if this is true?

The no child left behind law doesn't work. It is too vague. I have found that schools pick it apart and use it against the families and children instead of using it to provide the services needed or recommended by doctors. Have you had the same experience with this? It's all about the money.

Have you contacted Missouri Protection? I have found them to be the most helpful in dealing with the school.

[stepka]

You might try calling over to MU and talking to someone there. My mom used to take my brother to the university to a place called the Child Study Center and he received a lot of help there, but that was years ago. If this helps, he has a great career now that he loves, and the money is great too.