High School Math with Dyscalculia - Tilden Prep?
Our 8th grader has learning differences that primarily impact their ability to grasp and retain math concepts. Our child currently attends a small independent middle school where they receive individualized support and accommodations (in addition to outside tutoring). We are very concerned about the transition to high school, as our child's challenges with math are quite profound. They want to attend a large high school that offers sports, music, drama, and clubs, etc. We are considering public as well as a couple of Catholic high schools, as these schools offer the overall high school experience our child is looking for. In an ideal world, they would be able to learn math outside of their regular high school - perhaps 1:1 through an accredited program like Tilden Prep. As I have researched this option, however, it seems that schools generally do not permit students to take "core classes" for credit outside of their regular school.
I have seen BPN posts that mention students having taken high school math at Tilden Prep, and I am hoping to hear from families that have successfully navigated this (or a similarly creative approach to getting through high school math). Which high schools have allowed this?
I would also be interested in hearing how high school has been for kids who thrive in most academic subjects, but who have profound challenges with math.
Parent Replies
Hello: my child attended Albany High School and took all of her math classes at Tilden. The math program at AHS is pretty accelerated and she definitely would have struggled considerably, even in the regular classes (there seemed to always be 2 tracks). I can't remember how we put it all into place, but she also had an IEP for her dyscalculia and the anxiety it caused. AHS accepted the class for credit and there were no issues at all. Her experience at Tilden was very positive, and the only drawback it it's expensive. She was able to do 4 years of math at Tilden (at a very slow pace), which allowed her to apply to UCs. Happy to talk to you off line!
Does your child have an official IEP/504 plan? If that is the case, working with the school will be much easier. I'm not sure about the specific question regarding Tilden Prep. My child attended a large high school with a 504 plan, which was primarily needed for extra time in math and science classes. They did well academically, and benefitted from involvement in various activities. I also taught math, and most students with IEPs/504 plans were able to learn the material with the correct accommodations. An official IEP/504 plan if needed is much better than unofficial accommodations because of the long-term need for SAT/achievement test accommodations, and the continuation of the plan in college.