Question about special needs schools (Rapid City, Rapid Valley: houses, neighborhood, school district)

[ulver21]

My family and I are planning on moving to South Dakota, Rapid City, in a few months. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations as far as special needs schools goes. We have a four year old boy who is autistic (five in August). Thanks in advance for any input!

[Jammie]

Ulver, welcome to the forum and welcome to South Dakota. Danny lives out there and we've gotten a few more West River people and I just know that one of them will give you all the info you need. Which state do you live in now?

[mok9698]

Hello there, I also have a son with autism. We are in Whitewood but i have heard Rapid has some good programs for kids with disabilities. I do not know sever he is but there is also the option of Black Hills Special Services. But that depends also on what you want. I have my son in self contained and we have mainstreamed him in to regular classroom settings. Also there is a Autism support group in Rapid City that you can get hooked up with. And Behavior Managment puts on classes once in a while to help parents and kids with Auitsm. I went last summer and it was great. Also just to let you know (i know you have a few years but) that there is a camp called Camp Friendship that kids with disabilites can go to, they have to be 8 to attend but it is an amazing place. If you need any other info please let me know i would love to help you out anyway i can.
mok9698

[ulver21]

Thank you for your replies. My family and I currently live in England, I am enlisted in the USAF. Our move is somewhat up in the air still, we are waiting on medical clearance since our son is EFMP. Honestly, I've heard nothing but good things about Rapid City from some of the folks I work with. Thanks again!

[andyroo]

Check out Pinedale Elementary School. My mom actually works there, she works with kids with autism and other learning disabilities. If his condition is severe he may be strictly one on one with my mom. If it is not real severe than he may split time with classrooms and the learning center. There is open enrollment anywhere in the Rapid City School District so you do not have to live near the school to send your child there. It is a public schook K-5.

You could also look into Corral Drive Elementary. I don't know much except that their test scores and overal rating is close to Pinedale's.

Good luck on your move!

Pinedale Elementary School - Rapid City, South Dakota - SD - School overview

Pinedale Elementary School - Rapid City, South Dakota/SD - Public School Profile

RCAS - Pinedale (broken link)

RCAS - Corral Drive (broken link)

P.S.
My brother, who is 27, went there for all 6 years, as well as my sister (25) and me (18). They just celebrated their 50th anniversary!

[MJ1986]

Good information andyroo. I have a relative with autism, so I can understand the need for a decent school. Many out there just aren't serious about special needs students, unfortunately.

[kskinder]

Originally Posted by ulver21

Thank you for your replies. My family and I currently live in England, I am enlisted in the USAF. Our move is somewhat up in the air still, we are waiting on medical clearance since our son is EFMP. Honestly, I've heard nothing but good things about Rapid City from some of the folks I work with. Thanks again!

Hi there Ulver. I am too enlisted in the USAF and stationed at Ellsworth AFB. My son is a special needs child and will be turning 4 this fall. He currently attends special needs school in the Douglas School District. The schools name is Carousel. My wife and I personally love the school. They are very warm hearted and give much love and time to my son's needs.

The school is no more than 1 mile off base and if you plan on living on the AFB than they have a school bus that will come and pick your child up at your driveway. I was nervous at first being that my son is only 3 but these people are true and dedicated to helping my child. All I can say is that I have nothing but praise for his school.

If you need any more information please post again I will be willing to help you as much as I can.

[ulver21]

Apparently, Ellsworth AFB said they can't support my son with his condition. Now I just have to wait for a new assignment. Thank you very much for all the responses.

[jdmumma]

Hey All! I have the same question!!!!
I just did a google search and this thread came up and so I joined so I could get more feedback...

We are in KS, I have a 6yo going to first grade. He's high functioning PDD NOS. We'll be looking at houses next week 7/3/08 and I'd like to pick the right neighborhood for him. My husband has a 3rd interview and it all seems very encouraging!

I'm THRILLED that you have open school enrollment!!!!

We'll be looking in the $100K range for a 3 bedroom. Any recommendations? We are also a 1 car family.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by jdmumma

We'll be looking in the $100K range for a 3 bedroom. Any recommendations? We are also a 1 car family.

Hey JD! Try looking at some of the new developments on the southside of Rapid City. Most homes there are 3 bed, 2+ bath, 2 car and I think they start at about $150k. Also look at Rapid Valley and Meade County, but if you want great schools for your child I'd try to stay in Rapid City.