I am interested in recommendations for private schools in the San Francisco Bay Area (especially the Peninsula) that specialize in Learning Disabilities, especially Dyslexia. (My 11 year old son has the Dyslexia subtype of RAN/speeded naming/word retrieval)
I had heard a good deal about Charles Armstrong School in Belmont, California. When I did a site visit (accompanied by my son’s SpecEd teacher), I spent time observing in each of 4 classrooms. I was, frankly, quite disappointed. One teacher did a good job of giving instructions, step by step, checking for understanding and the like. The other 3 classrooms were barely adequate, with one teacher standing at a chalk covered (barely legible) blackboard droning on and on about a history timeline. No exciting visuals, no engagement of the students. (Even I would have trouble listening to a lecture like that!).
Perhaps I visited Charles Armstrong on a bad day? I’d be interested to hear from other parents or educators who have opinions about Armstrong – good or bad. And if there are other secular schools I should look at (grade 7 next year) I’d appreciate a recommendation.
Kathleen
Some Thoughts
You might want to check out Stanbridge Academy in San Mateo.
http://www.stanbridgeacademy.org/index.htm
Here is a web page that lists private special schools in the area.
http://www.baprivateschools.com/specialed.htm
The problem around here is that school may say that they are for the LD population but they count on placement from school districts for a portion of their population (Charles Armstrond does not). School Districts do not place LD students in special schools they maintain that they can provide for these students. What happens is that they are more likely to place students with an ED label. The schools then end up dealing with an ED population which have different needs then an LD population.
Helen
Thanks for your suggestions
Sally Shaywitz book unfortunately has only one listing for Northern Califonia (and it’s Charles Armstrong). I have visited Stanbridge, but their population and focus does not appear to be dyslexia. (My neighbor’s child attends Stanbridge (Asperger’s) and for him it is a good fit. I will check into the Bay Area Private School website. Thanks. Kathleen
Still wish I could hear from parents of Charles Armstrong kids!
Charles Armstrong School
Kathleeen,
My daughter is in her third year at Charles Armstrong School (currently in the 5th grade). She will be transitioning to our local public school in San Jose next fall . We have been very pleased with Charles Armstrong, the teachers we have encountered, and the education she has received.
The classes are limited to 16-18 children and every class has two teachers. The students are further divided into even smaller groups (according to ability) for the language and math portions of the curiculum. The children are taught to self advocate - they are encouraged to speak up when they need help or further clarification on any aspect of the lesson.
With the low student/teacher ratio, it would be very difficult for any student to fly under the radar. The teachers are very aware and accomodating of each student’s unique learning style and needs.
Also, keep in mind, that Charles Armstrong considers itself to be a transition school. They are there to prepare your child for reentry into a “regular” school. In that vain, I believe that not every subject needs to be taught with a song and dance. That’s not how it will be in the “real world” and the children need to be prepared for that.
I can’t speak specifically to the teaching situations you witnessed, however, I believe that you would be hard pressed to find any parent or child who was unhappy with their experience at Charles Armstrong. Many parents so love the supportive environment that they try to find ways for their child stay longer than necessary.
Charles Armstrong School (CA) Parents' more opinions?
Thank you Sabra. I was prepared to be “wowed” at Armstrong. Maybe I was expecting too much. I will make an appointment for another visit. Maybe they will let me stay longer in the classrooms to get a better feel for the teaching style. Thanks.
Any other Charles Armstrong (or former Charles Armstrong) parents out there?
CAS
Have you looked at Raskob Day school in Oakland? We felt it was a better fit for our child over CAS altho I think he would have done well at CAS too. One of my childs former classmates is doing very very well at CAS as are most of the kids we know who go there.
C armstrong
one of my friend’s child went there for three years and ended up at Lowell High School in SF—and I know at least 4 other kids at the school. the parents don’t see it as the end all and be all—but much better than what they could have gotten in the public school.
I would make a second visit and see what happens.
Hi Kathleen,
You might want to take a look at Sally Shaywitz’s recent book on Dyslexia. She includes has a list of recommended schools. I’m not sure if she has any in your area, but it’s worth a try. You can also try contacting the schools she recommends and see if they know of any good ones in your area. Good luck!