progressive special education schools in the boston area (Cambridge, Beverly: oceanfront, public schools)

[klry24444]

Hi, I'm looking for progressive schools (think Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Democratic, etc) that serve special ed students, especially students with autism. Anyone have any suggestions?

[proudestmonkey]

I'm familiar with many of the Montessori schools in the area and I don't know of any off hand that have a high number of autistic students. I had a student with Aspergers once and that was about it.

The only Waldorf school in the area is in Lexington and as for Reggio- the Advent school in Boston, the Charlestown Nursery school and the Children's Garden at the Cambridge School of Weston. I would just call them and ask.

Good luck!

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by klry24444

Hi, I'm looking for progressive schools (think Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Democratic, etc) that serve special ed students, especially students with autism. Anyone have any suggestions?

WOW! What does being a Progressive Democrat have anything to do with it? I'd think your kids education / well being was more of an issue than your political beliefs.

BTW: I'm a Conservative, and could care less about the political beliefs of teachers (like it would ever come up to begin with) if that was the best place for my kid!

Put down the kool-aid and put your kid above politics.

[klry24444]

democratic schools have nothing to do with politics, it's an educational movement. like the sudbury valley school in framingham.

Democratic education - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[klry24444]

@ proudestmonkey

thank you for your response, the schools you suggested are great but unfortunately they don't have special education programs.

[konfetka]

There is a Cape Ann Waldorf school in Bevelry, and two Montessori schools. There is a Montessori high school in Manchester. Landmark school in Beverly (located on the oceanfront) is a special needs school, specializing in learning disabilities.

[proudestmonkey]

Originally Posted by snatale1

WOW! What does being a Progressive Democrat have anything to do with it? I'd think your kids education / well being was more of an issue than your political beliefs.

BTW: I'm a Conservative, and could care less about the political beliefs of teachers (like it would ever come up to begin with) if that was the best place for my kid!

Put down the kool-aid and put your kid above politics.

What?? Haha.

[iluvmyfamily]

We live in Sharon, which has an excellent school system. Although it is highly regarded in the state (I think it ranks in the top 10 systems in all of Ma) with consistently high standardized test scores, it also has a team of special educators who work with kids with learning differences and even those with autism.

Sharon is about halfway between Providence and Boston. It is a small town but adjacent to many conveniences. We love having the access to the many museums, concerts and fabulous shopping of both cities. We were worried when we moved here that we'd feel like outsiders because we heard it was a heavily Jewish town (and we are a gay, non-Jewish couple) but we've found that isn't the case at all. There is actually a nice diversity of religions and everyone is very accepting. The kids are kind and the parents aren't super competitive. We really love it here.

[klry24444]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

@ konfetka, the cape ann waldorf school looks great, but I'm looking for a program specifically for special needs kids

@iluvmyfamily, the sharon public schools children's center looks amazing, i will definitely check it out

[iluvmyfamily]

You didn't say where you'd be working or commuting to.. . but my partner and I each work in different directions which is one of the reasons we ended up in Sharon. One of us drives to Boston and the other to RI. We use the commuter rail on weekends when we go into town to have fun. Super convenient.