Which Fred Co School for high functioning autism? (Frederick, Ballenger Creek: rent, transfer)

[Alakazu]

I have a 4 yr old on the Aspbergers end of the autism spectrum. I currently rent in Frederick in Middletown, but am very willing to move to a better feeder pattern.

In Frederick, which elementary schools do the best job of incorporating social/emotional skill development and not just academics? Are some schools better at working with non special ed students to promote their engagement of those in special ed? Are some better at arts integration? What about supporting kids that are mainstreamed with an IEP - for us that means a good student:teacher ratio, good OT and movement breaks, access to typical peer models for speech services, and teachers that are willing to be innovative.

My short list of schools right now includes Oakdale, Middletown Primary, Carrol Creek (though I've heard the midde and high schools It feeds into aren't great), Spring Ridge, and Ballenger
Creek. I'd love to hear parents experiences with these schools, especially if you have any experience with the IEP process. Thank you!

[Alakazu]

Would love to hear from other parents of special needs kids what your experience has been. Looking most closely at Middletown (but I hear elementary/middle aren't as good as primary and high), Myersville, Ballenger Creek Elementary, and Oakdale Elementary. Thank you!

[westsideboy]

You may want to try posting this in the main MD forum. The Frederick sub-forum doesn't get much action.

[HoCoMom]

You might want to look for an Asperger support group in Frederick county, and ask their opinions. In general I can say that the Oakdale schools - elem, middle, and high- are excellent schools. As you noted it is important to know where elem school feeds to - I know Spring Ridge elem used to feed to downtown Frederick schools. I do not know if that is still the case.

Good luck in your search as you provide the best setting you can for your child.

[LAMINI]

If you have not already spoken to Frederick County Schools, talk to someone from Special Education.

Frederick County Public Schools
Special Education Department

www.fcps.org

[Alakazu]

Thank you all! OP here. I will repost to the MD forum, thanks for that tip. I have spoken with a few folks who work in special ed in the county, and with child find. I keep hearing that it is a "site based" system meaning that each school is managed differently by its principal, and basically no one is giving me straight answers about which schools have social groups, or programs like buddy programs to unify special ed and non special ed students, or which ones use a co-teaching model. Very frustrating. Next I will just visit these specific schools.

[MidValleyDad]

Remember any school based policies/programs are subject to change if the Principal is moved. And in the last few years Principals have been shuffled on a regular basis.

[tw71]

Well, for what it's worth? FCPS does have the "Pyramid Program", which is designed to provide kids with some assistance if they have extra needs coping with the traditional school system.

I believe Ballenger Creek Middle and Tuscarora High are schools participating in Pyramid.

Now, the downside of the Pyramid program? A lot of kids wind up in it due to behavior issues, as opposed to actual learning disabilities. So a kid who is smart but has social issues tends to be trapped in the middle with it. (EG. They benefit from the advantages it gives of giving them windows of time each week to talk with a school counselor and so on. But the Pyramid classes tend to be full of kids who act up and disrupt the classes.)

Originally Posted by Alakazu

Thank you all! OP here. I will repost to the MD forum, thanks for that tip. I have spoken with a few folks who work in special ed in the county, and with child find. I keep hearing that it is a "site based" system meaning that each school is managed differently by its principal, and basically no one is giving me straight answers about which schools have social groups, or programs like buddy programs to unify special ed and non special ed students, or which ones use a co-teaching model. Very frustrating. Next I will just visit these specific schools.

[LLSheen]

Walkersville also participates in the pyramid program. From what I hear from friends at Oakdale, their special needs children do not necessarily receive the support you'd expect. I've heard of many transferring out to private or other publics (namely Walkersville). Oakdale and Middletown have some different demographics, but not different enough to make them distinct from each other. Very academic and athletic oriented schools.