If you have a infant, toddler or a child about to start school, you'll
want to look at this page. The County Intervention Office has been
wonderful to our family in guiding us to the right school for our son.
He attended a small special ed. preschool program in Arlington
when he was three. It was a high functioning class and it was a
good experience for him. That summer he attended a County
summer school program at a different school. He lucked out by
having his original preschool teacher for part of that summer
session and thrived within the small class of six students with
varying disabilities. The following year he went back to the county
preschool with his teacher and some new friends and his old
friends. This class was not as high functioning and slightly bigger.
Some of the students didn't speak and our then very shy four year
old son just didn't know how to handle it. He developed his own
behavior issues. We met with his team teachers and came up with a
plan. It resulted in sending him to another school that had an
opening. The Reed School, part of Arlington County's Special
Education Program's Integrated Classroom.  He was one of 14
students in the class, 10 were "regular ed." and 4 including our son
had some type of special needs, although I could never figure out
who the others were because it was a high functioning class. I'll
never forget, the first time we visited the school. We'd never been
there or had met any of the teachers or kids. It was one of the boys
birthday and they had set up a Pinata filled with candy for the kids
to hit. Our son shouts out to the birthday boy, whom he had just met
30 seconds before, "hit it hard, hit it really hard!" I was totally
shocked at my usually quiet, shy boy being so spontaneous! After
we left, I asked him if he thought that he'd like to go to that school
and he said yes. I asked why and he said, "because they all talk." I
nearly drove off the road. Our son has thrived at Reed since day
one. I've often said that he was "reborn into this happy, fun, loving,
confident four year old boy," since he joined their family.

I can't stress enough the importance of talking to your County
Intervention Office. Their job is to help you and your family find the
best school setting for your child.

I've listed the State sites to start with. The other schools are ones
that I've heard about and have been recommended to me by other
families.

                           
VIRGINIA

Virginia Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218,
804-225-3252,
www.doe.virginia.gov

Oakwood School, 7210 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA, 22003,
703-941-5788,
www.oakwoodschool.com

An independent day school offering a multisensory educational program for
average to gifted children with learning differences. Serving grades K-8.

Paladin -at Chesterbrook Academy, www.chesterbrookacademy.com

Day school for students with mild to moderate learning challenges, grades
K-8. In VA: Chantilly, 703-397-0555; Sterling, 703-404-0202

The Auburn School Opening Fall 2008 in Northern Virginia,
703-671-8316,
admissions@theauburnschool.org will offer a stimulating
educational program for intellectually engaged students with challenges in
the areas of communication, socialization, language, and organization.  Our
program is appropriate for students who can learn successfully and
appropriately in a small classroom setting.  Auburn’s program will
simultaneously support the development of academic skills, social
competency and pragmatic language in an engaging educational
environment.  To achieve this mission, The Auburn School will:

* Offer a safe, nurturing and highly personalized learning environment for
children through small class sizes, individualized learning plans and a
supportive school setting;
* Provide a challenging academic curriculum featuring multi-sensory
instruction, research-based curriculum and appropriate student
accommodations;
* Integrate social skills and language development throughout the
curriculum and school day using research-based programs and educational
best-practices;
* Identify and develop individual student strengths, talents and interests;
* Seek out, employ and support the very best educators and staff.
  
                       MARYLAND

Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West Baltimore St.,
Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-767-0261,
www.marylandpublicschools.org


Basic Concepts, 966 Hungerford Dr., #7, Rockville, MD,
240-447-8013,
www.basicconcepts.org

Specializing in the treatment and diagnosis of children who exhibit speech,
language, social and academic difficulties. We offer full- and half-day
summer camps for children ages 3-9.

Norbel School, 6135 Old Washington Rd., Elkridge, MD 21075410-796-
6700,
www.norbelschool.org

Norbel offers an innovative, individualized educational environment for
students in elementary through high school with average to above average
intellect who have learning differences.

School Support Services, LLC,  4701 Sangamore Rd., Suite 135-S
Bethesda, MD 20816, 301-656-5200,
www.schoolsupportservices.net

Psychological evaluation, organizational coaching and case management
consultation.

Success Lab Learning Centers, www.successlabs.com

Addresses academic problem areas & foundational skills essential to
lifelong learning, confidence & success. Individualized instruction.
Development of visual & auditory processing skills, sensory integration &
cognitive abilities. In VA: Alexandria, 703-461-0808; Ashburn, 703-723-
6200; Fairfax, 703-425-2727; Herndon/Reston, 703-467-9600. In MD:
Germantown, 301-528-9360; Olney, 301-774-9393.

TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers, 2301 Research Blvd., Ste.
110, Rockville, MD, 20850, 301-424-5200,
www.ttlc.org

Educational testing/tutoring/counseling, speech-language therapy &
evaluation, occupational therapy & evaluation, audiology services.

Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Lock Rd., Rockville, MD, 301-469-0223,
www.ivymount.org

Special educational program, which incorporates therapeutic services
including speech/language therapy, occupational/physical therapy for
students ages 4-21. Tutoring and individualized therapy available.


The SEED School of Maryland

The SEED School of Maryland is a new statewide college-preparatory
public boarding school that will open in August 2008. The school will
initially enroll 80 sixth-graders, and grow to serve up to 400
students in grades six through twelve.

SEED is a unique opportunity for students to get a tuition-free
college-prep boarding education. The state-funded school is authorized
and funded by the Maryland General Assembly, and Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE) will oversee the development and
monitoring of the school and will hold it accountable to state and
federal standards.

The school will build on the success of The SEED School of Washington,
DC-the nation's only public urban boarding school. The SEED Foundation
launched The SEED School ten years ago and is working with MSDE to
develop the new school in Maryland.

Academic curriculum, life skills, and enrichment activities:

SEED integrates a rigorous academic curriculum with life skills and
enrichment activities. Students and their families commit to an
intensive seven-year program that offers small class sizes, clearly
defined standards, mentorship, community service, and extracurricular
activities. Students also develop social skills and learn SEED's core
values: self-discipline, compassion, integrity, self-respect, and
responsibility. SEED partners with parents, families, and communities
to support student success. The school follows a typical academic year
calendar.

The campus community:

SEED will be located in southwest Baltimore on the former campus of
Southwestern High School. The 52-acre campus will include dormitories,
faculty and staff housing, athletic and recreational facilities, and
academic/administra tion buildings.

All SEED students live on campus in college-style dormitories from
Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, returning home on the
weekends. SEED has a high staff-to-student ratio, and provides a safe
and supportive environment for student's 24-hours a day. SEED staff
will also work with families to help facilitate transportation to and
from campus each week.

Enrolling in SEED:

The SEED School of Maryland is currently recruiting its first class of
80 sixth graders to begin in August 2008. SEED seeks students and
families that will commit to a seven-year journey from sixth grade to
college, and for whom a free boarding school will be a key factor for
their school success. To qualify for admission, students must:
• Be a Maryland resident entering the sixth grade; and
• Have experienced academic and environmental challenges that hinder
their ability to complete high school and attend college.

SEED expects that the number of applications will exceed the space
available and that the school will hold a lottery to determine
enrollment.

For additional application and admissions information, please e-mail
mdadmissions@ seedfoundation. com or call (410)662-4646 or toll free
1-888-5SEED- MD.

Friendship School, 1545 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD 21784,
410-522-6880,
www.friendshipschool.org

Friendship School serves as the Laboratory school for Margaret Byrd
Rawson Institute, (MBRI). MBRI was founded in 2001 by Margaret byrd
Rawson, a pioneer and renowned expert in the field of dyslexia. Its purpose
is to provide on going teacher training and scholarships, as well as
outreach in the filed of dyslexic eduction.

Working together the Friendship School and Margaret Byrd Rawson
Institute serve as a model of the best practice for dyslexic education and as
a resource center, providing extensive outreach to the region. OUr mission
is to provide the most comprehensive education experience for dysexic
students

Our

                WASHINGTON, D.C.

District of Columbia Department of Education, 825 N. Capitol St, NE,
Washington, DC 20002, 202-442-4289,
www.k12.dc.us

The School Counseling Group, 4725 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington,
DC 202-333-3530,
www.schoolcounseling.com

Providing educational counseling to American and international families
since 1979 from traditional to therapeutic, from PreK through college.


National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children,
1522 K Street, NW, Suite 1032, Washington, DC 20005, 202- 408-3338,
www.napsec.org

Provides referrals to private special education programs.

Kingsbury, 5000 14th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20011, 202-722-5555,
www.kingsbury.org

Kingsbury offers the Washington region: K-12 day school for learning
disabled children, diagnostic/admissions testing and tutoring.

The Lab School of Washington, 4759 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington,
DC 20007, 202-965-6600,
www.labschool.org

Multifaceted programs for LD/ADHD. Day school (ages 5-18), tutoring
services, adult night school, psychological services, OT, speech and
language evaluations and treatment.

The River School,  4880 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Washington, DC
20007, 202-337-3554,
www.riverschool.net

Founded in 1999, the River School is proud to provide successful
educational experiences for children and their families by uniting the best
practices of early childhood education and oral deaf education, while
promoting clinical research and training in child language and literacy.

The River School is a model school for best practices in both early
childhood and elementary education. Five universities in the region now
send their graduate students to the River School for internships and
training. Our faculty has been invited as speakers to regional, national, and
international conferences. Public schools in the region have begun to
integrate the philosophy and practices of the River School into their own
programs as a result of our model and have come to the River School to
receive training. Regional leaders in early childhood and international
visitors have come to observe our programs and learn from our faculty.
SCHOOLS

If you have a infant, toddler or a child about to start school, you'll
want to look at this page. The County Intervention Office has been
wonderful to our family in guiding us to the right school for our son.
He attended a small special ed. preschool program in Arlington
when he was three. It was a high functioning class and it was a
good experience for him. That summer he attended a County
summer school program at a different school. He lucked out by
having his original preschool teacher for part of that summer
session and thrived within the small class of six students with
varying disabilities. The following year he went back to the county
preschool with his teacher and some new friends and his old
friends. This class was not as high functioning and slightly bigger.
Some of the students didn't speak and our then very shy four year
old son just didn't know how to handle it. He developed his own
behavior issues. We met with his team teachers and came up with a
plan. It resulted in sending him to another school that had an
opening. The Reed School, part of Arlington County's Special
Education Program's Integrated Classroom.  He was one of 14
students in the class, 10 were "regular ed." and 4 including our son
had some type of special needs, although I could never figure out
who the others were because it was a high functioning class. I'll
never forget, the first time we visited the school. We'd never been
there or had met any of the teachers or kids. It was one of the boys
birthday and they had set up a Pinata filled with candy for the kids
to hit. Our son shouts out to the birthday boy, whom he had just met
30 seconds before, "hit it hard, hit it really hard!" I was totally
shocked at my usually quiet, shy boy being so spontaneous! After
we left, I asked him if he thought that he'd like to go to that school
and he said yes. I asked why and he said, "because they all talk." I
nearly drove off the road. Our son has thrived at Reed since day
one. I've often said that he was "reborn into this happy, fun, loving,
confident four year old boy," since he joined their family.

I can't stress enough the importance of talking to your County
Intervention Office. Their job is to help you and your family find the
best school setting for your child.

I've listed the State sites to start with. The other schools are ones
that I've heard about and have been recommended to me by other
families.

                       
VIRGINIA

Virginia Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218,
804-225-3252,
www.doe.virginia.gov

Oakwood School, 7210 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA, 22003,
703-941-5788,
www.oakwoodschool.com

An independent day school offering a multisensory educational program for
average to gifted children with learning differences. Serving grades K-8.

Paladin -at Chesterbrook Academy, www.chesterbrookacademy.com

Day school for students with mild to moderate learning challenges, grades
K-8. In VA: Chantilly, 703-397-0555; Sterling, 703-404-0202

The Auburn School www.theauburnschool .org
The Auburn School, Allison Ober, Admissions Office, 1350 Beverly Road
Suite 115, #461, McLean, VA  22101-3633, 703-967-2462
admissions@theauburnschool.org

The Auburn School will offer a stimulating educational program for
intellectually engaged students with challenges in the areas of
communication, socialization, language, and organization.  Our program is
appropriate for students who can learn successfully and appropriately in a
small classroom setting.  Auburn’s program will simultaneously support the
development of academic skills, social competency and pragmatic language
in an engaging educational environment.  

To achieve this mission, The Auburn School will:

* Offer a safe, nurturing and highly personalized learning environment for
children through small class sizes, individualized learning plans and a
supportive school setting;
* Provide a challenging academic curriculum featuring multi-sensory
instruction, research-based curriculum and appropriate student
accommodations;
* Integrate social skills and language development throughout the
curriculum and school day using research-based programs and educational
best-practices;
* Identify and develop individual student strengths, talents and interests;
* Seek out, employ and support the very best educators and staff.

Commonwealth Academy, 1321 Leslie Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301,
703-548-6912,
www.commonwealthacademy.org,
cathy_Feehan@commonwealthacademy.org


Commonwealth Academy is a co-educational college preparatory day
school for average to superior middle and high school students who benefit
from small classes and instruction designed to address various learning
styles, including those who have organizational, attention, or learning
differences.

We empower students to reach their highest achievement levels, reflective
of their true potential, by teaching personal responsibility for learning and
behavior in a comfortable community, conducive to academic risk-taking
and social success.  We offer a broad-based curriculum, compensatory
strategies, and a focus on technology to prepare our students for the
challenges of college, career, and life pursuits.


                           MARYLAND

Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West Baltimore St.,
Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-767-0261,
www.marylandpublicschools.org


Basic Concepts, 966 Hungerford Dr., #7, Rockville, MD,
240-447-8013,
www.basicconcepts.org

Specializing in the treatment and diagnosis of children who exhibit speech,
language, social and academic difficulties. We offer full- and half-day
summer camps for children ages 3-9.

Norbel School, 6135 Old Washington Rd., Elkridge, MD 21075,
410-796-6700,
www.norbelschool.org

Norbel offers an innovative, individualized educational environment for
students in elementary through high school with average to above average
intellect who have learning differences.

School Support Services, LLC,  4701 Sangamore Rd., Suite 135-S
Bethesda, MD 20816, 301-656-5200,
www.schoolsupportservices.net

Psychological evaluation, organizational coaching and case management
consultation.

Success Lab Learning Centers, www.successlabs.com

Addresses academic problem areas & foundational skills essential to
lifelong learning, confidence & success. Individualized instruction.
Development of visual & auditory processing skills, sensory integration &
cognitive abilities. In VA: Alexandria, 703-461-0808; Ashburn,
703-723-6200; Fairfax, 703-425-2727; Herndon/Reston, 703-467-9600. In
MD: Germantown, 301-528-9360; Olney, 301-774-9393.

TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers, 2301 Research Blvd., Ste.
110, Rockville, MD, 20850, 301-424-5200,
www.ttlc.org

Educational testing/tutoring/counseling, speech-language therapy &
evaluation, occupational therapy & evaluation, audiology services.

Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Lock Rd., Rockville, MD, 301-469-0223,
www.ivymount.org

Special educational program, which incorporates therapeutic services
including speech/language therapy, occupational/physical therapy for
students ages 4-21. Tutoring and individualized therapy available.

The Katherine Maddux School, 11614 Seven Lock Rd., Rockville, MD,
301-469-0223,
www.ivymount.org

The Maddux School serves children, ages 3 1/2 – 5, experiencing
difficulties in some or all of the following areas:

*Sensory Integration  *Pragmatic Language  *Fine/gross motor  *Play
Strategies  The Maddux School offers:  *Small class size  *Accommodations
for different learning styles  *Instruction by experienced early childhood
teachers  *Therapeutic support from speech and occupational therapists  
*A parent partnership model. For more information, please contact Andrea
Mullins, The Maddux School Director at 301-469-0223   

The SEED School of Maryland  The SEED School of Maryland is a new
statewide college-preparatory public boarding school that will open in
August 2008. The school will initially enroll 80 sixth-graders, and grow to
serve up to 400 students in grades six through twelve.

SEED is a unique opportunity for students to get a tuition-free college-prep
boarding education. The state-funded school is authorized and funded by
the Maryland General Assembly, and Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE) will oversee the development and monitoring of the
school and will hold it accountable to state and federal standards.  The
school will build on the success of The SEED School of Washington, DC-
the nation's only public urban boarding school.

The SEED Foundation launched The SEED School ten years ago and is
working with MSDE to develop the new school in Maryland.  Academic
curriculum, life skills, and enrichment activities:  SEED integrates a rigorous
academic curriculum with life skills and enrichment activities. Students and
their families commit to an intensive seven-year program that offers small
class sizes, clearly defined standards, mentorship, community service, and
extracurricular activities. Students also develop social skills and learn
SEED's core values: self-discipline, compassion, integrity, self-respect, and
responsibility. SEED partners with parents, families, and communities to
support student success. The school follows a typical academic year
calendar.

The campus community:  SEED will be located in southwest Baltimore on
the former campus of Southwestern High School. The 52-acre campus will
include dormitories, faculty and staff housing, athletic and recreational
facilities, and academic/administra tion buildings.

All SEED students live on campus in college-style dormitories from Sunday
evening through Friday afternoon, returning home on the weekends. SEED
has a high staff-to-student ratio, and provides a safe and supportive
environment for student's 24-hours a day. SEED staff will also work with
families to help facilitate transportation to and from campus each week.  

Enrolling in SEED:  The SEED School of Maryland is currently recruiting its
first class of 80 sixth graders to begin in August 2008. SEED seeks
students and families that will commit to a seven-year journey from sixth
grade to college, and for whom a free boarding school will be a key factor
for their school success. To qualify for admission, students must: • Be a
Maryland resident entering the sixth grade; and • Have experienced
academic and environmental challenges that hinder their ability to complete
high school and attend college.  

SEED expects that the number of applications will exceed the space
available and that the school will hold a lottery to determine enrollment.  For
additional application and admissions information, please e-mail
mdadmissions@seedfoundation.com or call (410)662-4646 or toll free 1-
888-5SEED- MD.

Friendship School, 1545 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD 21784,
410-522-6880,
www.friendshipschool.org

Friendship School serves as the Laboratory school for Margaret Byrd
Rawson Institute, (MBRI). MBRI was founded in 2001 by Margaret byrd
Rawson, a pioneer and renowned expert in the field of dyslexia. Its purpose
is to provide on going teacher training and scholarships, as well as
outreach in the filed of dyslexic eduction.

Working together the Friendship School and Margaret Byrd Rawson
Institute serve as a model of the best practice for dyslexic education and as
a resource center, providing extensive outreach to the region. Our mission
is to provide the most comprehensive education experience for dyslexic  
students while educating teachers in the area of dyslexic education.
Teachers can begin to provide the services dyslexic students need within
the public education system.

            WASHINGTON, D.C.

District of Columbia Department of Education, 825 N. Capitol St, NE,
Washington, DC 20002, 202-442-4289,
www.k12.dc.us

The School Counseling Group, 4725 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington,
DC 202-333-3530,
www.schoolcounseling.com

Providing educational counseling to American and international families
since 1979 from traditional to therapeutic, from PreK through college.


National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children,
1522 K Street, NW, Suite 1032, Washington, DC 20005, 202- 408-3338,
www.napsec.org

Provides referrals to private special education programs.

Kingsbury, 5000 14th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20011, 202-722-5555,
www.kingsbury.org

Kingsbury offers the Washington region: K-12 day school for learning
disabled children, diagnostic/admissions testing and tutoring.

The Lab School of Washington, 4759 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington,
DC 20007, 202-965-6600,
www.labschool.org

Multifaceted programs for LD/ADHD. Day school (ages 5-18), tutoring
services, adult night school, psychological services, OT, speech and
language evaluations and treatment.

The River School,  4880 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Washington, DC
20007, 202-337-3554,
www.riverschool.net

Founded in 1999, the River School is proud to provide successful
educational experiences for children and their families by uniting the best
practices of early childhood education and oral deaf education, while
promoting clinical research and training in child language and literacy.

The River School is a model school for best practices in both early
childhood and elementary education. Five universities in the region now
send their graduate students to the River School for internships and
training. Our faculty has been invited as speakers to regional, national, and
international conferences. Public schools in the region have begun to
integrate the philosophy and practices of the River School into their own
programs as a result of our model and have come to the River School to
receive training. Regional leaders in early childhood and international
visitors have come to observe our programs and learn from our faculty.