Desperate to find a great school for Gunnar....

[babystpierre]

Hi. My name is Lauri and I have a 6 year old son with DS. A friend, Lisa (Daniel's mom), recommended that I join this group to hear the voice of experience from you out there. My husband and I are searching for a great school for our son to attend. We are not happy here in So Cal and we believe with all of our hearts that his education should be not only meaningful, but joyful as well.
Have any of you had great experiences with your school/district. If so, would you share the name of it with me?? Who knows - you might have a new neighbor soon... ;D
We are flying out in two weeks to visit Lisa's neighborhood and tour schools there - we just want to see what the options are...
Help please!!

Thank you sooooo much!!! ~Lauri

[Jackie]

Can you let us know what state you are in..that might help and I am sure there are lots of great people here to help you get started.

Jackie mom to Em 30 in Texas

[babystpierre]

Hi Jackie,
I am in California right now. My husband is in the military so we have a lot of different options to move to and we just want to find "our niche". We are open to ANYWHERE at this point! I am flying to check out Rhode Island schools this month...
I am particularly interested in a really vibrant education for Gunnar - not necessarily meaning full inclusion, as I am unsure that this is the best fit for him...
Also, a place that has a great transitional program for him as he ages out of school at 21....

[dannysmom]

Hi Lauri, glad you found your way over here. I know you will get some great information from the mom's (and dad's) over here.

[lespring]

I'm Leah, mom to Angela who is 14. I have lots of friends in our school district who's kids range from age 4 up through....well they're well into adulthood. We're thrilled with our school district. The only part I have a question about is our high school (Angela moves to the high school next year) but we have 4 high schools in our district, and all of them have different programs. I hear good things about some and not about others, so next month I'll be looking around at all of them.

Oh, and we're in Minnesota, in the south metro area (pm me for specific details if you want them.) We LOVE it here! There are so many services and funding sources available, not to mention extra-curricular activities. A couple years ago we looked at moving somewhere south, and after comparing services decided NO WAY will we be moving anytime soon. Part of the reason why is the lack of transitional and adult services in many parts of the country. This area ROCKS in that department!

[momofrussell]

Hi Lauri! Nice to see you here!! You already have my answer from downsyn.

[Jackie]

For what its worth years ago we had a very good time with Emily and our public schools here in Texas. It was at the beginnig of mainstreaming/inclusion and everyone was running scared and because of it we got what we wanted on a silver platter. But now I think Texas is really lagging behind from what I have heard...so put it near the bottom of your list!

Jackie

[kg91207]

yeah, Texas is at the bottom. The panhandle isn't the best. Some districts around Austin are pretty good, but that's about all I know. We're just embarking on our our educational journey with Kaelyn and so far I'm not real impressed!

[Haleysmom]

Where in RI are you coming to? Are you looking for a district placement or specialized schooling? I assume you are coming to RI for Meeting Street School - Haley does not go there, but my nephew does and SIL/bro love it. Assuming since you are military you might be looking into Newport/Middletown area - not sure how they are for district schooling but it is a beautiful area to live!

[babystpierre]

Thank you all for your words....I probably will avoid Texas : )
Haleysmom - We are visiting Providence and yes, I am going to look at Meeting Street. Good to hear your family loves it. Thanks for your input!