Hello, I am new to this community. I apologize in advance for the long rant. I found this group in desperation. I have a 12 year old, 7th grade son with ADHD. Schooling has been a stressful topic since the 1st grade. We have been through the public school system, charter school, homeschool and now his first year of private school. This has been the toughest year academically for him. He generally did well in his classes before now, he was just very behind in reading which made it difficult to keep up in all of his classes in a normal classroom setting. We are now beginning to think about high school and may possibly have to move him next school year based on the current schools displeasure with his first year grades.
I strongly believe that he would thrive in a non-traditional school that focuses on children with executive functioning challenges. He retains information extremely well and has almost a photogenic memory. He is very intelligent (per his teachers) the struggle is his performance in class. We cannot afford the very high tuition for the alternative schools in our area (DC Metro), but we make too much to qualify for assistance. Are there any options for us at this point? I am so tired of fighting and searching (and crying). I just want my son to be somewhere that he feels confident about himself and comfortable without always feeling like he's screwing up. I would like to be able to spend more time helping my other children instead of having all of my focus on his homework in the evenings until it's time for bed. I am desperate.
I am new here and wondering about holding back a year in school.
Still having school problems 
Who qualifies for a 504 or iep? How to be prepared for the meeting with the school about this
Grades? Middle and high school
Separation Anxiety and School Refusal
Welcome to the group! We are excited that you have joined us. I am sorry that you guys have not found what you are looking for in a school.
Just curious what tools your son has to help him cope with having ADHD?
Many kids find tools like therapy, educational plan and medications help a lot.
The many strengths you describe are exactly like our son. I also wonder if you found a reading specialist that really connected with him if that could really help him. Just curious if you have tried him listening to books while reading would make a difference for him. He may not love reading, but it may help a lot.
We are always here to support you when you need us.
Thanks again for joining us on this journey.
Thank you so much for your comment. He has an education plan at school that includes things like audio reading on some assignments, extended time, pull out services for reading (that is typically spent on catching up classwork/retaking tests instead of reading). We have tried a few different reading programs, but the challenge is finding something for his level that isn't "baby-ish". Of course everything for his age is way above his reading level. I will definitely trying having an audible version for him to listen too. I tried it once, years ago and dropped the ball because he didn't seem to like it. It's worth a shot. We are somewhat holistic parents and have avoided medication because of the effects that we have seen on children around us.
Sounds like you have a full plate. It sounds like he has had a reading assessment before? Since you know his level.
Not sure if you have heard this or if you are aware, but there is a connect between reading and attention space. A number of parents in this group have discussed reading and ADHD. When you can, maybe look at old posts to learn about this connection.
Your son working with a reading specialist who can help teach him the fundamentals of reading might made a huge difference in his life.
Also might be a good idea to have an assessment to see if he has any other reading/language disabilities. While I do not find the labels helpful, if he does they can give you strategies which could really be helpful.
Best of luck while you find what works best for your child.
Big hug for all your struggles.
THANK YOU! He had a reading assessment in public school, but he admitted that he just picked answers and didn't really take the test. It is definitely worth assessing him again. I have been moving strictly based off of my evaluation of him. Thank you so much for all of this info.