Anyone have a kid going to Jordan Lake School of the Arts?

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I'm thinking about this school for my son for Kindergarten next year. He has the diagnosis autism, but he's very high functioning and I'm assuming it will be PDD-NOS as he gets older. He loves math, science and arts. I'm very concerned about sending him to a public school as he's the typical nerd type, gets nosebleeds, very clumsy, still has accidents... I figure if I can get him at a school where he doesn't have to be the different one, he'll be more apt to make friends and fit in.

Anyhow this is their site: http://www.jordanlakesa.com/ and we live not too far from there. If anyone has a kid going to Jordan Lake, or has heard anything about it, good or bad, please let me know!

Do you truly have the tuition of $10,000. a year to send your child here since he is only a preschooler now?

Considering preschool costs over $10,000 a year it will be a welcome relief to spend less than that for Kindergarten. Most private schools cost a lot more, so cost was not even a consideration for me. I just want to know if the school is good or not.

My son goes there and it is heaven on earth. We tried other private schools and public school was a horror. It is beautiful, but I think they are going to be full in the near future- word has gotten out.

I'm interested in learning more since I live in the area and DS is 5. He'll be going to K in 2010. Looks like a nice happy place but how are the academics? I know academics are not truly stressed in K but when I see alot of art and mountain hiking and nature walk things, it puts me off a little. Of course I could be totally wrong! I guess I don't understand private school fully, does this mean that Wake County services are completely out of the picture? I do know that DS does better in small classes, like his current preschool class, and could not handle the noise and confusion of a class with 26 kids, like regular K classes are around here.

The nature hikes and gardening are actually for regulatory purposes so the kids are ready to learn and anxiety is reduced. The bells, lighting etc is tough for sensitive kids in regular public school. The gardening and greenhouse are great for environmental science and hands on learning. Private schools are all different than public and this school is for college preparatory or vocational interests based on each child and really addresses the social skills and fine/gross motor stuff through the arts . There is a FB fan page with pictures. You just have to decide if you really believe your child will flourish in public school. For me, that was never going to happen.

I'll definitely look into it...I'm just in the "I have no clue what I'm going to do" stage. The cost of private school may be prohibitive but it's something I will look in to.

My daughter just started at JLSA this week. Very high functioning 7 year old. She absolutely loves it. It is great to see her in a place where she can make friends - mainstream just did not do it for her socially, and 25 kids in an auditory-style learning environment was not fantastic either. JLSA seems to be the program we were looking for. As for the academics mentioned above, the individually planned curriculum was a plus for us as we looked at the school - daughter is advanced in some subjects but struggles in things like group academic projects without additional support beyond a single mainstream teacher for 25 kids like she had in public school.

As for JLSA itself, I do agree word is getting out - lots of interest and new kids scheduled to start and I don't think they have even really advertised yet.

The concept is great, but the reality is not. If your kid has any meltdowns at all it will not be a good fit. The social is wonderful because the students and families are great, but the academics are lacking. Ask about the current turnover of teachers and aides (over 200% in one year) - could have been initial growing pains. Still high turnover is always a bad sign. Do not under any circumstances pay in advance. Definitely ask around before you commit.

Gotta be honest-this sounds like sour grapes.

Our experience could not be more positive. Great families and kids-and staff. Basic private school contract-you don't pay in advance. Kids work at an advanced curriculum=more challenging than public school. Staff and kids have a "try out" period and it is a challenging program some people aren't a good fit. I like that they are picky in who is a part of the school.

I know everyone associated with the school is up front that if your child is violent or agressive-this is not the place! It is too disruptive for my child-and all the students if a child were to "meltdown" all the time. I do know they have worked with some VERY anxious kids who have completely changed. It is a wonderful place but kids need to be school ready.
Sorry you feel so negatively-just not the experience of all the families I know.