Best Elementary Schools in Bay Area to Support Kids with ADHD/Anxiety
Hello parents/educators,
We have an energetic, inquisitive 8-yr old who has mild learning differentiation needs. He has been enrolled in both private and public institutions in San Francisco for Mandarin Immersion Programs since he was 3. He is extremely intelligent and talkative, but strong-willed, defensive, and easily frustrated by inflexible school structures - a challenge. We were advised by professionals that immersion programs can start to stress-out kids with ADHD as expectations grow over time, particularly in the 2nd-5th grades. He is headed into 3rd grade, and we are all feeling anxious about this year. He was just given an IEP last spring, but I am honestly skeptical that the public school has the right resources to fully support him social-emotionally. Nothing against public schools, but SFUSD struggles with this particular issue.
So here we are looking at other schools, mostly outside San Francisco in the South Bay and East Bay areas. We are even ready to relocate out of the city as we believe this is a critical time period for our son - he is starting to dislike going to school, says nobody likes him, and feels like an outcast. I just cannot believe there isn't a school out there where he can not only be accepted and 'tolerated' but also flourish and become the amazing being to others that I already see. Your insight and experience with such potential places would be so appreciated.
-Struggling but hopeful parents
Parent Replies
Have you heard about Big Minds? it is a very small private school in Pinole- north of Berkeley on the I-80 that serves kids who sound like your son: very smart, energetic children who do not do well in "regular schools". Big minds operates on an unschool model- there are no classes a student must attend but rather a more fluid schedule in which teachers support students' natural curiosity and help them become successful self directed learners. The social emotional development is supported by staff and peers along with the academic needs, so students who need quiet time are able to sit by themselves for parts of the day, those who have trouble communicating or calming down are supported rather than punished.
Hi there - our son is 9 and was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade thanks to a very attentive teacher at Berkwood Hedge school in Berkeley. The school is very supportive, and we feel it is a good environment for him. They are open to working with parents and counselors and definitely make accommodations. Our son feels fully integrated, loves to go to school, and sees that he is supported in his challenges. Definitely worth checking out!!
Have you looked into Montessori? My daughter was leaning towards some of the same issues that your son has and after she finished public school in kindergarten, we moved her to a private Montessori school and she seems to be doing much better. She was never more than borderline; her teachers recognized her problems, but my friends were shocked to hear about our concerns. What I do know is that she needs a lot of control and choice in order to be applied in her work. So far it is looking like the combination of being a bit older and Montessori have eliminated her problems.
Sounds like you have gifted "2E" learner. I've been hard pressed to find schools that cater to that profile as well- either there are gifted only or targeting a specific learning difference like Dyslexia. Since you are in SF have you already looked at Alt school, Alta Vista, and Brightworks? If you are looking to expand your search into the East Bay- I'd take a look at Big Minds Unschooling in Pinole, Da Vinci Center for Gifted Children in Alameda, and the new Sunnyside Micro School in Oakland- all unique learning models catering to gifted 2E learner profiles. If you are looking at Charter schools (where your IEP could still apply but maybe a better fit), take a look at North Oakland Community Charter School, and Urban Montessori in Oakland. I'm sure there are other good ones I'm not familiar with as well.
Good luck!
Have you tried or considered Montessori schools for him? It has very different structures in place (child-led work periods and work planning, emphasis on social-emotional, etc.) to support learning, so may be a good fit for him. Maybe worth a look!
Definitely check out Montessori Family School in El Cerrito. They have many kids like this and can generally support this type of learner. Good luck!