Walnut Creek v. Lamorinda for autistic 6 year old
Hi, my husband has accepted a job in Walnut Creek and we are entering a whirlwind of moving our autistic 6 year old to the Bay Area from Southern CA. I'm reviewing schools and would love to hear of any personal experiences with the special education departments in either Walnut Creek or the schools in Lafayette or Moraga. I know the ratings are higher in Lafayette and Moraga but are the schools that much better? Or, for our needs, would Walnut Creek schools be just as good? Or better? For context, our daughter is on the autism spectrum, currently in a mild/mod class, and needs moderate support - not someone who is going to be in a mainstream class anytime soon, but has the potential to learn and we would like to see her in a setting that does an effective job of helping her access academic content. She does well with a teacher who is willing to think differently about how to approach her - things like using music or activities other than just sitting at a desk. Anyone have some inside information? Thank you!
Parent Replies
Hi,
i have similar situation. I’m wondering if you have found your answer yet. If so, please share them with me. Thanks a bunch!
-Rubi
I didn't get an answer, but we are going with Walnut Creek for now. I'll update with how our experience goes once we start school. I did hear privately from a local friend that there had been a shake up in Lafayette at the administration level and that the district's program may not be at its best right now, but that's not something I've confirmed.
Hi there, there are some parts of Walnut Creek that feed to Lafayette schools, so you can look into the Saranap neighborhood if that interests you. What I do know is that the SEED program in Lafayette is located at Springhill Elementary and is outstanding. My son goes to Burton Valley in Lafayette and there is a boy in his class that is on the spectrum and he has his own aide at all times. I don't know if she is provided by the school district or what but he is with the rest of the kids and usually doing his own thing but he is very much a part of the class and is always included. They do music, science, computer lab, PE, library time, so it is not a "sit at a desk all day" situation. Also, some parts of Walnut Creek are in the Mt. Diablo School district and some are in the Walnut Creek School district. I have friends in both districts and I only hear grumblings and annoyances from the ones in MDSD. Good luck!