Private Schools in Parker Area

Boys can be very hands on learners- perhaps your sons learning style isn't being met? Which will be hard to find, even with and IEP because public school isn't set up for it. I have many friends who use Montessouri- they love it because it is very hands on. The childs learning environment comes to life. I would recommend visiting a school and sitting in a classroom so you can observe this style. You can also read about it online. These schools are actually very structured. Sometimes people think if a child isn't sitting in a desk all day long there is no structure. Structure is more of a routine than anything else. I would really recommend visiting the schools around you, see what your options are. Since homeschooling isn't an option, maybe a home tutor (teacher) would be a thought? Ask for referrals from parents, keep in mind that not every child learns at the same pace as others.

My Son has SID- diagnosed at 3 and is doing great now and he is 10. I have been through the whole IEP - private school- venture. It is frustrating and sometimes you can feel all alone. Follow your heart and let it guide you to do what is right for your son.

Hope this helps, C.

Our experience with Montessori preschool- albeit in Layton, Utah- was that it was in fact very structured. My son was 3, but there were children as old as 12 who attended the school.

The morning began with circle time; followed by group sharing time, learning time, language time, and individual time. During individual time, everything was to be done in a certain way. Most activities were to be performed from left to right (this has to do with how we learn to read) and on an individual mat (unless it was a group activity), et cetera. Each child was responsible for putting away an activity before getting out another. There was plenty of 1:1 time for each child, and if a child was new to the class, s/he received much more 1:1 during the transition. I know this as I observed for many days (my son did not want me to leave and I was not willing to leave until he felt comfortable and the teacher was thrilled to have me stay). My son actually did not like the strict structure and is now thriving with home-learning, but it sounds like Montessori could be worth checking out for your situation. I cannot recommend any specific schools in the area- I am sure they vary- but I would just like to encourage you not to think of Montessori as a last resort.

I know you said homeschooling is not an option- and I respect that- but I also wanted to share that we still do a great deal of Montessori learning at home. As an educator myself with a degree in Psychology and advanced classes in linguistics and memory, I have a great appreciation for the Montessori method. And this may sound silly, but one thing we have continued that my sons just love is rolling out their unique mats (we use soft throw rugs that they picked out) to do puzzles or games during "individual time". :>D It is amazing how something so simple really helps with defining boundaries and respecting personal space. (No more fighting because big brother is trying to help little brother do his puzzle "the right way".)

Montessori school could be the something different that your son needs. I am not sure if it would be enough 1:1 for your child, and only you can decide what is best for him *with* his input and/or observing how, when and where he thrives.

Best wishes on your journey, and I applaud you for taking it one day at a time! That is so key to Mamahood!

Naturally, J.

What about the Parker Core Knowledge Charter school? Still a public school and they may have a smaller teacher:student ratio. Core Knowledge is a great curriculum (look up Ed Hirsch) and very structured.

you could check out north star academy. It is another charter school.
www.nstaracademy.org