School placement consultation

For families choosing between public, charter, and private schools in the D.C. area, or considering a specialized program. I work with families of children with learning disabilities, ADHD, or anxiety, and children on the autism spectrum.

A school change is a big decision and hard to undo. I’ve worked for over twenty years as a special education teacher, consultant, and school psychologist. I start from what your child needs, not from a school’s reputation.

This helps when

Your child is struggling at their current school and you’re weighing a move
You’re considering a private school that specializes in learning disabilities
The IEP team has proposed a different placement and you want to know if it fits
You’re moving to the D.C. area and need a school that fits

How it works

We get clear on what your child needs from a school, based on evaluations, history, and observation at their current school
I help you build a shortlist and check each school against what your child needs
You get questions to ask on visits, and help comparing what you see
We weigh the options together, including how your child’s rights change in a private school

How placement works in D.C. and Montgomery County

In D.C., families apply to most public charter schools and out-of-boundary DCPS schools through the My School DC lottery. In D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland, the IEP team, which includes you, decides where special education services are delivered. If you choose a private school on your own, your child may get a services plan instead of an IEP, which doesn’t include the full range of IEP services.

I work in person in D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland, and online with families anywhere. To get started, email john@hitestrategies.com.