With AppleKid1 getting ready to go off to a typical college-prep BS in the fall, it is time for DH and me to make good on our promise to AppleKid2 to look for a BS for “kids like me.”
DC2 was born with a very rare genetic disorder which caused developmental delays such that DC2 was unable to walk or talk until well after age two, and only then with intense early intervention efforts. The kid is now an outgoing, kind and articulate 6th grader who has tested in the average range of intelligence and who has been a dedicated athlete on a local club team since age 4 (albeit much lower performing than the other kids of the same age). DC2 has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorder, and has significant challenges with math and organizational skills which are attributed to deficits in working memory. DC2 also struggles very much socially, and this, along with other signs, point to NVLD as a logical diagnosis for DC2’s next round of psychoeducational evaluations (the last round occurred more than 3 years ago so we are due to go back this summer). In particular, DC2 “imparts the ‘illusion of competence’ because of the student’s strong verbal skills”. See http://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/non-verbal-learning-disabilities/
DC2 is also confident, enthusiastic and determined, and wants to do everything that DC1 gets to do. Last summer DC2 went to a camp for “kids like me” for 4 weeks because DC1 had been going away to camp for several summers. It was a fantastic experience! We are interested in finding a BS for DC2 that will offer a similar, high level of structure and consistency as was offered at camp because we believe this type of environment will best help DC2. DC2 currently attends a local private school for different learners where DC2 has been a student since 1st grade. At our last parent-teacher conference, DC2’s advisor told us that DC2 often speaks with great excitement about the possibility of going to BS, and the advisor is very supportive of us at least going through the BS search process. DC2’s school is excellent in what it offers, with small class sizes and teachers with degrees in LD, but the school lacks many of the EC offerings that DC2 would like to explore such as athletics, community service, music, theater and journalism. DC2 is also very much opposed to being "treated like a baby”, so the perceived independence of being away from mom and dad just like DC1 are very attractive as well! Most of all we would like DC2 to have the opportunity to develop meaningful peer relationships and experience the same sorts of joys that other teens get to experience (the majority of the kids at the current school do not have significant social issues and DC2 is still very much the odd kid out).
Because DC1 will be in New England for the next four years (at least), and because we are growing in our love of the area, we are limiting our search to those states. This would eliminate such top contenders as Brehm in Illinois. After a few days of looking online, the top 2 schools that seem to fit are Glenholme and Franklin. The Riverview School also seems to fit the bill except that DC2 has a higher IQ than is stated for their typical students. Schools that do not seem to be able to address all of DC2’s issues are: Eagle Hill, Forman, Landmark and Marvelwood. We also looked at Chamberlain and Grove but they seem to be more geared to behavioral/emotional issues which are not applicable to DC2.
Does anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions? Or can you offer any insights about Glenholme, Franklin and Riverview? Many thanks!