Seeking good elementary school in Boston North Shore area for HFA / Asperger child (Arlington: houses, school district)

[CREGO]

Hi - as the title suggests, we're looking for recommendations for a good school district for our son who has been diagnosed with HFA / Asperger's syndrome. Before the diagnosis, we had been looking at the Cape Ann area but have read mixed opinions and are widening the scope as a result. Currently getting OT/PT/ST in NY. He'd be starting K here in the Fall but in most of the districts I've seen in MA, he'd be too young to start this year (which we think is likely a good thing)

Thanks!

[gf2020]

Where are you going to be working that prompts the move to MA?

What is your budget?

[ECPCVC]

No matter where you live you could delay kindergarten for a year. It's pretty common for kids with summer birthdays around here (especially boys). My son is hfa and he has a March birthday and will be starting k at 6 yrs old in the fall. He is academically ahead but socially/emotionally immature. If you are serious about MA be prepared to shell out for a $$$ town. Those are the ones with the best services, unfortunately.

[CREGO]

Thanks for both of the previous replies.

My current position allows me to work remotely so for now, that's not an issue. We're looking to spend in roughly the 450k area but would go up a chunk more if it would make a significant difference in the quality of the schools etc.

As for delaying kindergarten, here in NY they're telling us that if we do that, we can't get the same level of service we're getting as a preschooler and we and the therapists working with him feel strongly that he needs those supports.

[Shizim]

For most of the "better" towns, $450k is a starting point with prices increasing rapidly depending on what your list includes.

What do you want/need in a home. that would better help us help you in terms of where to look.

and are you wedded to the North Shore or does All of Metro Boston work? and would you go a bit further out if you don't have a commute? that will help stretch your dollar dramatically while still leaving access to high quality school systems.

[CREGO]

Our initial hope is to be within an hour, ideally half that or less, of Gloucester. Based on some of the school searches through niche.com and B+ school ratings (which do not take into account special needs, hence this post) we see Marblehead, Wenham etc and that we should anticipate spending closer to the mid-500s which we'd be prepared to do if it makes a big difference school quality wise. As for the house itself, 3br, 1.5ba, 1700sqft and. 25ac would be a nice base. And right now I wouldn't have to commute but we want to be situated such that if/when that changes or my wife wants to resume work, we are not out in the boonies with 90 minute commutes. I am a software developer so the North Shore./128 corridor is where we thought we'd have the best chance of keeping our options open.

[ECPCVC]

A lot of towns here do TK, which stands for transitional kindergarten. It's great for kids who need that extra year. I don't know much about the north shore as far as schools, but if you end up there, there is a great therapy center/school called Futures. I've heard amazing things about their social skills groups and camp.

[CREGO]

Thanks, that sounds great.

[sparklingforest]

Most people don't know that Beverly has a very good special ed program. Several friends have children there and rave about how easy the team is to work with. Hamilton/Wenham I hear the opposite. I know a family now ready to sue to get their child services. Manchester/Essex I know from personal experience has great student services. Extremely attentive and focused on helping children with social adjustment challenges. You will need a budget of at least 600 for Manchester but Essex 500 will work. Beverly you can still find decent houses at 450.

[robr2]

You may want to consider the LABBB program. The towns of Lexington, Arlington, Burlington, Bedford, and Belmont have a collaborative for special needs and early intervention for their five towns:

LABBB Collaborative