Best School District for special education/inclusion/modification? (m) (Salt Lake City: college, live)

[jeinpa]

First of all THANK YOU in advance for your replies. I am finding so much good info on this forum to think about in regards to a possible move from PA.

We have two children one with Down Syndrome who is in 4th grade and one typical child who although we haven't persued gifted ed for him - he is very bright and constantly looking for a challenge!

So as far as elementary schools, which ones have the best reputation for their progressive special education programs? Our daughter is currently fully included in a regular 4th grade class with pullout for extra help in reading and math. Everything else she does with the 'regular' kids. She is even in the chorus and band with both teachers modifying her music to help her read it and be more successful. She has a full time paraprofessional aide who is there to help her stay on task and help her navigate the socially etc. (we've had the same aide since kindy).

I'd love to find a district that embraces her potential fully and does not seek to fight over every little issue/need/requirement. I realize that each year brings its own challenges with teachers expectations etc, but we have really been very blessed here to have cooperation between home/school/teachers/special ed/ etc.

I can only assume that a school that takes the time to enrich struggling students will also be a good choice for my son. We also were lookng at private school potentially for him - we'd prefer private Christian school, (non-lds) is there a good one in the Salt Lake area?

Our move location will most likely be based on the school district at this point as work will most likely be at Primary Children's. We are not opposed to a commute of 30/40 min so outskirts are ok too.

Thanks again! I'm actually getting excited at the possibility of this move!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Someone else will have to answer most of your questions. I can tell you that there is a Lutheran High School and the best private high school in the city is probably a Catholic one. There is a non-religious school down in the valley but I've heard mixed reviews of it.

You can check any school in the state against each other on www.GreatSchools.net but usually the rpivate ones don't have any ratings, just the basic info. All the public ones are rated.

[Poqui]

Waterford school is also a very good private school.
There are also a lot of charter schools that specialize in whatever subject is your child's strength.

[frogandtoad]

Rowland Hall is an episcopal school with an excellent reputation.
Waterford is very good if you like very traditional approach to education.
Judge is a Catholic school and also very good.

All 3 are private.

[Zionide]

Originally Posted by frogandtoad

Rowland Hall is an episcopal school with an excellent reputation.
Waterford is very good if you like very traditional approach to education.
Judge is a Catholic school and also very good.

All 3 are private.

Rowland Hall dropped their official affiliation with the Episcopal Church a long time ago, and last year even removed all references to "St. Mark's" (it used to be Rowland Hall/St. Mark's School). They are officially 100% secular, though they acknowledge an Episcopal history. Getting into Rowland Hall is considered quite difficult, however, and tuition is over $12,000 per year.

Waterford is functionally very LDS (Mormon) but quite competitive to get into (also comparable in price to Rowland Hall), and Judge is still considered quite good, though not what it once was. Admission to Judge is easy compared to the others, and less expensive.

For younger children, my money is on the McGillis School. It was once part of the JCC, but is now also secular. They have some amazing programs, though only go to 8th grade, I believe.

[jeinpa]

Would any of them take a child with Down Syndrome and offer the supports they need? I know my son would thrive, but I really need a school that will support my daughter as well. Most private schools here are very 'college prep' oriented and do not have the time energy or desire to see the amazing success that my daughter can have in her own way. I'd love to find a caring, nurturing environment that really values what she can contribute - which is alot!

Are there any good Christian private schools around?
Thanks for all of your answers.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

While I don't know for sure, my belief is that none of the private schools would take your daughter. They are all college-prep schools. You would do best to call the various school districts, based on where you might live, and ask them. I think that if any of us knew anything, someone would have posted by now.

[Poqui]

I know that the Salt Lake School District has turned their high schools into magnet schools: West HS is their IB/AP magnet, Highland HS is their ESL magnet, and East HS is their special needs magnet school.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I found this school by googling: Salt Lake City School District :: Schools : Riley Elementary School. There are 2 classes for the "intellectually disabled." Perhaps you could contact them to find out about other possibilities and what they offer.