[motherandchild]

Hi there,
I've got 4 kids.... One off to college this year.. We live in Fairfax County, Virginia. We are looking at relocating now to the Burlington area... moving back to roots of Upstate NY area.

We love Lake Champlain and own a little place on the Lake in Plattsburgh, nothing big.... but we love the summers there and would like to enjoy the slower pace year round.

The big worry for us is the education of our remaining 3 children (2 in elementary school, one toddler). I have one child with significant special education needs... He is a 2E kid, a new trendy term... "twice exceptional"... Both Giftedness of over 145 IQ and at the same time learning disabled (GT/LD).... I'm having trouble getting him what he needs in an area here that seems to have more money than God.... It worries me about moving to a more rural area... where they might not have the funding or the expertise needed to deal with his issues.

This is a pretty complex kid, and I'm reluctant to leave the schools in Northern Va., but we would like to finally reunite with family again. Can anyone with any expertise tell me a little bit about the absolute best top notch schools around the Greater Burlington Area....

Of course special ed expertise is a concern... but I imagine we'll need to hire a private tutor.... Any private schools that noteworthy I would be interested in that info too.

Also looking for schools with a great family friendly, parent involved environment.... Where athletic kids can actually join and be a part of the sports teams (if that is possible).... and where MONEY isn't the root of all evil.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Lilybeans]

Essex junction has good schools.

[vter]

South Burlington also has great schools.

[chrismpv]

Have you thought of sending an email to the Vermont Principal Association: http://www.vpaonline.org/ or contact the Vermont Dept of Education: http://education.vermont.gov/

[flu189]

Determine the areas you are interested in and contact the schools individually and inquire with specific questions. The best way in my opinion would be to actually plan a vist and get face to face time with the school officials. For what the schools are budgeted for here you would think they would all be exceptional, but as with any product or service you don't always get what you pay for and I would not put too much stock into ratings and so forth. You have individual needs and desires for educational services and to make sure you get the closest match or best fit you have to check out the schools in detail.

[motherandchild]

Originally Posted by flu189

Determine the areas you are interested in and contact the schools individually and inquire with specific questions. The best way in my opinion would be to actually plan a vist and get face to face time with the school officials. For what the schools are budgeted for here you would think they would all be exceptional, but as with any product or service you don't always get what you pay for and I would not put too much stock into ratings and so forth. You have individual needs and desires for educational services and to make sure you get the closest match or best fit you have to check out the schools in detail.

I absolutely believe we'll need to do some one on one interviews.... but still I worry.... I know the bureaucracy of public schools all to well. I really don't trust much that they say... We've been to hell and back with our learning disabled child.

I agree about not putting too much into the ratings.... I know you can have terrible experiences in fabulous schools systems (our current situation here in Northern Virginia with some of the top schools in the country- We haven't been impressed).... and I'm sure you can have positive experiences in not as noteworthy school systems....

Thats why I guess I was hoping someone would have had a personal experience with some of the Burlington surrounding schools.

I thank you again for any and all info!

Happy Holidays...

[motherandchild]

Originally Posted by chrismpv

Have you thought of sending an email to the Vermont Principal Association: http://www.vpaonline.org/ or contact the Vermont Dept of Education: http://education.vermont.gov/

Thank you for this great info! I'll look into this.

[flu189]

Good luck motherandchild. You hit the nail on the head with the reference to school system bureaucracy. My older son works in the field with special needs kids and knows some very qualified and dedicated professionals, but also a significant number who have more of a political and monetary agenda. Sounds like you know what you need to look at and not get distracted by mere advertising and smoke and mirrors. Again, best of luck and happy holidays to you as well.

[nunoco]

I would take a hard look at Momot Elementary in Plattsburgh. It has done unbelievable things with special needs kids there, with one-on-one counseling and tutoring provided, and a school that can really be described as a family.