Severe ADHD child, first time N. VA, work @ Pentagon/vicinity

[claremarie]

The overall quality of an individual school (as measured objectively by test scores, etc.) is the best "marker" for high quality in the other dimensions you mentioned. Schools with high-performing students are usually located in affluent neighborhoods with low crime, nice parks, convenient shopping -- all of those things that affluent families demand. Affluent families also demand good programs for their kids with special needs. A surprising (to me, anyhow) number of kids in our neighborhood elementary school receive special ed services for ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. My children no longer attend this school (Chesterbrook Elementary in McLean), but I've been told by neighbors that some families move into the area specifically to send their special needs kids to the school.
You might consider contacting one of the many online support groups for special needs kids in Fairfax or Arlington counties, and asking them for specific information on area schools. These parents are in the trenches, and can probably give you far more useful and focused information than anyone else. If you can find Chesterbrook's website, there should be a link to parent newsletters with contact information for the special ed parents group. I know that they meet regularly at a neighborhood Starbucks during the school year.

[controled chaos]

Originally Posted by DangerBoy'sDad

My son was JUST diagnosed with severe ADHD and other issues. I'm military, and because of his situation we have to do a very short-term, emergency transfer from overseas, since care isn't available here. (Arriving end of August/beg. of Sept.) I asked for a Pentagon job because of the great N. VA schools reputation, proximity to professionals for treatment. (One friend advised living at Ft. Meade/Howard county area in MD, the logic being that commute from MD to Pentagon is less severe than from N VA -??)

We're willing to sacrifice a long commute for me, or live in a tiny house, in exchange for an optimal school/treatment environment. But I'd rather avoid a long commute, b/c I need to be available for my son's care/family situation. If we buy a house, it'd be our first time.

I'm grateful for any help.

I have the same and i am 50, I will help

Ron
sorensonbuilders@mac.com