Anyone know anything about primary grade schools in these counties? Relocating in Spring 2008 with Autistic child who will be in 2nd grade. Currently in self-contained classroom. High-functioning, Verbal, PDD-NOS/ADHD--behavior & social skills biggest challenges. Any feedback (negative or positive) would be very much appreciated. We're considering Gulf Breeze/Navarre but would consider any areas near Eglin AFB with good reputation. Thanks!Thank you for your feedback. Do you know which Primary school your friend's child attended? Do you know anything about Navarre Primary or West Navarre Primary? I believe these are the main 2 Primary schools within the Gulf Breeze/Navarre area where we are considering living. I have attempted email contact with the Autism Society of the Panhandle with no response as of yet. Perhaps I should give them a call. I've also emailed the Autism Society that covers the Destin/Ft. Walton area but also have received no response. I will look further into CARD but I am really seeking Parental Feedback. I think it is truly most valuable. We've had both positive & negative experiences within 1 county here in Virginia. We want to do what we can to avoid a repeat of the devastating Kindergarten year we had last year. My child is in a much better environment this year for 1st. We hope to stay on a positive track.
I recently moved from the Santa Rosa County area. Santa Rosa schools are considered very good. People move from neighboring Escambia to have their kids in SR. My child was in the preschool which I felt wasn't a high priority for the school system. I did have a friend who's child started kindergarten in self-contained with some inclusion and was very happy with the progress he was making. I am not that familiar with Okaloosa. Have you considered contactingCARD(Center for Autism and related Disabilities)? They have alot of resources. I found you learn the most from other parents. Try contacting the Autism Society of the Panhandle... They are great! Oh, SS Dixon where my child was in Pace is a very desirable school. Good Luck and hope this helps:)
SS Dixon Primary in Pace is where my friend's child attends and where mine attended as well. I don't know much about the Navarre schools. I had one friend who had a child in the pre-k there and had some postive as well as negative experiences. I think it is a different ballgame when you hit kindergarten from what I hear. Better ratios, better IEPs.... I think your better bet between Navarre and Gulf Breeze would be Gulf Breeze. Pace has an excellent system as well but may not be close to where you are looking to live. I'm going to attach a link to the Autim Society of the Panhandle website (hopefully). Susan Byram would be the contact. She's GREAT and can help you plug in with other parents.Like you said, they are where we get the best (and most accurate) info.Hope this helps!
http://www.autismpensacola.org/
Oh, FYI... the Autism Society did a six week summer camp for our kids. 1:1 ratio and was featured on NBC nightly News. They are doing some great things! I miss them!
CARD helped us tremendously on educating, but not on finding services. We're on the east coast of FL.