Special Needs & schooling - Down Syndrome (Atlanta, Marietta: how much, houses)

[dwmtractor]

We're looking at a possible job at CDC (Clifton Road campus) and are trying to find an affordable area that'll provide good educational resources for our kids, while not making an impossible commute to work. The older two are typical to high-achieving (rising 7th & 10th graders), but our youngest (age 9, entering 3rd grade) has Down syndrome. Here in California he's in a fully-included classroom with an aide, and he's learning WAY more than he would in a segregated special ed classroom.

What do any of you know about special education, attitudes toward inclusion, availability of resources, etc. in the various areas around Atlanta?

Areas we're considering so far include Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Druid Hills/Briarcliff. Any feedback/suggestions on these or other areas?

[lastminutemom]

City of Decatur has its own schools but many areas that call themselves Decatur aren't within the city so proceed with caution. The other areas you listed are pretty much in DeKalb... Dekalb middle school and high schools are really only satisfactory for high achieving students, ones that can take a majority of advanced and AP/IB classes.

You will have to fight for that one on one aide here (assuming that the aide is just for him). If he can share an aide with other students, you have a better shot.

What is your housing budget?

[dwmtractor]

We're trying to keep it under $350k. Contrary to popular opinion, Calif. houses aren't all golden any more. . .

His aide is one-on-one now, but she helps a good deal in the regular classroom. The issue is that an aide that would be responsible for multiple special-needs kids might well get so overwhelmed I'm not sure how much "aide"-ing would go on. . .

Are there other regions you would recommend that would be better shots? I'm trying to keep total commute time under an hour one-way if it's humanly possible.

[pinetreelover]

There is a support group here in Atlanta for families of special needs kids called FOCUS - Families of Children Under Stress. Contact them and ask Lucy or Joy your school questions. They are very knowledgeable about local school systems and other resources and may be able to connect you to some parents in the area with personal experience with the schools you are looking at.

Here is their website FOCUS - support for children with disabilities or medical needs

[finzup2]

You need to call the Atlanta Down Syndrome Group. It is one of the largest and most active in the country. NDSC is based in Atlanta, too. We are looking at Marietta, and the principals we have spoken too indicate to me that Atlanta has its act together in terms of inclusion! Good luck.