Does anyone know of a school for dyslexic children - I’m in FL but willing to move.
I’ve looked at several LD schools who could provide for dyslexia, however, the rules and atmosphere were set up for children with behavior problems.
My 11 year old son is extremely well behaved and a strict environment causes him terrible anxiety. He did very well at the LMB clinic because of the positive kind way that they teach (besides the wonderful programs).
He’s in public school now, making it because of the LMB clinic. (and vision therapy and Fast Forward)
I’m concerned middle school may be difficult for him. He’s still a hands-on learner and is ADD. He has trouble with organizing. He’s artistic and gifted in receptive vocabulary, object assembly and the picture test.
Any ideas?
The only thing I can think of is a school that follows Mel Levine’s theory.
The right school.
I agree that my sense of special ed was that it was for children with behavioural problems. My son is like yours in that he does better in a less strict, positive environment.
I have found that in my rather large school district there are some wonderful teachers that provide just such an environment. I have found them mostly outside of sped. His teacher was perfect for him last year. I had to fight to get him out of the sped class that was all wrong but it was so worth it.
I wrote a letter to the principal asking for an easy going teacher who enjoys verbally bright children. I mentioned that in classes with many rules my son becomes stressed and has difficulty concentrating.
I have my fingers crossed for this year. I will fight for a change again if I have too. I think they know that so they will give him the right teacher.
One thing to add. My nephew was visiting and my son told him that he loves school. My nephew practically called him a liar. My nephew is the top of his class and does not understand how anyone could like school.
The right teacher can make all the difference.
Re: private schools for dyslexia advice needed
My son will be starting a school for children with language based learning disabilities. They specifically do not take children with emotional or behavioral problems. They did a really comprehensive screening (8 hours) as opposed to other schools we looked at that barely met him. Its in NY however so that may be too far for you ! : ) If you are interested however I’d be happy to tell you more….
Private School
My daughter goes to The Piedmont School in High Point, NC near Greesboro and Winston Salem. the school seves children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and/or ADHD with average to above average intelligence and does not accept children with a history of behavior problems. We love it. Very positive school atmoshere. They have a website www.thepiedmontschool.com. Good luck.
Re: private schools for dyslexia advice needed
Nice site, RA. I wish that school was closer to us!
Janis
Re: private schools for dyslexia advice needed
Janis, I was speaking with another parent at my son’s LD school this week and she mentioned her sister had found an LD school near Delray. She wasn’t sure of the name , but maybe that clue can help point you in the right direction.
Re: private schools for dyslexia advice needed
I haven’t heard of that town, so I don’t think it is near us. But for the moment, I think we are okay at the charter school.
Thanks,
Janis
Virginia?
I taught at a school in Richmond, Virginia that was specifically for kids with LDs, grades 6-12. They focus on college preparation and while we’re talking teenagers here, a lot of our kids were (and I’m sure are :)) well behaved solid students…. with learning problems.
IN fact, the last three years I was there, we would be full… but midyear would take on yet another student who was in dire straits in their setting (often a regular, academically challenging private school). SInce they were doing their darndest to please teachers adn do the right thing (often with anxiety issues) it wasn’t *too* hard to squeeze ‘em in.
THe website is http://www.tncs.org
Re: private schools for dyslexia advice needed
My daughter is attending Shelton School in Dallas. They claim to be the largest private LD school for normal to above normal intelligent children. They go from Early Childhood all the way through 12th grade. There are about 800 or so students. So far, I’ve been very impressed with the school. You can check out their website at [url]http://www.shelton.org[/url]
Suzi
Private Schools
Sally Shaywitz’s book has a list of schools. You should probably take a look at it (or even buy it. I think it’s a good one for the book shelf!) to get more ideas.
I get the feeling there are a lot of these private schools that focus on reading/language based difficulties, and accept only average to high IQ kids with no behavioral problems. In listening to the descriptions and looking at websites they all sound almost exactly similar to a private school here in Southern Cal that I visited!
I am in FL too so I understand the trepidation about middle school here. Another option would be a regular private school. Partly to avoid the public middle school, we moved our LD son to a parochial school this year. We are having him repeat fourth grade because the school is ahead of the public one and we feel he is immature as well. Can’t tell you how the decision is working out since school just started!
Socks, who posts here a lot, has a school she loves in Tampa. They accept the McKay scholarship, which is an advantage if your son is classified.
Beth