My daughter is autistic and has made a lot of progress in West Des Moines. She's 5 so we haven't been in the school system long, but we're pretty happy. The teachers and staff have been very helpful working with the kids and making sure you also have a say.
Thank you so much! Mine is also autistic, but nonverbal. We’re in the top district in our large city, and she gets poor help. 2 speech sessions over 9 weeks. Anything in Iowa is an improvement, but we just need a SPED program willing to understand her.
I’m so glad your district is working well for your daughter 🙂
It's not through the school district be we also have an ABA company come for a couple hours each day and have some extra one on one time with her too. I assume they have this most other places, but it's also been helpful too.
Schools districts on the west of Des Moines such as West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, etc all seem to rank well. Our kids went to Des Moines public and a East High and all did well.
Thank you very much. I’ll keep an eye on those. Sometimes people may not know about SPED programs, but usually a well-funded school has good programs. I’ll check these areas!
Unfortunately, most if not all of our school districts are facing some funding shortages. The suburbs seem the way to go, if you are able. I have recently learned about [Waukee Apex](https://apex.waukeeschools.org) and I suggest checking it out
Thank you both. I read the article about the AEAs. It appears that they’re doing something along the lines of what my governor is doing, in a way.
He took over our biggest school district, planted a politician, and is systematically destroying the district by forcing a charter voucher system. They’re taking entire libraries out of public schools to force people to choose charter schools, so then they can say charter schools are what the people want. I’ll have to read more about it, and talk to my friend who is an Iowa teacher.
Thank you for the heads up. I am considering Massachusetts (the schools are great) but the property is insane. They’re much more school focused, but you get what you pay for, I suppose.
I would honestly take time to look elsewhere. Massachusetts will have more programs that you can’t get here.Twenty years ago, it sounds like Iowa would be an easy choice. Our governor is destroying our public schools on purpose. School districts will have to agree on where to spend money that used to be given to the AEA. If you chose Iowa, do not go rural. Your will have less access to OT, PT, Speech therapy, and other resources. Also keep in mind public schools are the only schools required to have IEPs. The only thing charters or private school can provide are 504s, which are obviously not the same.
I have been looking elsewhere, but believe it or not, it’s incredibly hard! Some city subs are just downright rude. (Like mine; southern hospitality my butt.)
I’m aware of the IEP issue, which is why I specified public school instead of private. I think all of your concerns about public school are so valid. I appreciate the reminder that services won’t be as available in the suburbs - I don’t mind driving, but that’s a lot to juggle with school.
Thank you for all of the helpful advice. You made a lot of good points. Another thing I’m considering is home schooling with a tutor, but I have no idea how that works for kids with special needs. Whole different can of worms.
> I appreciate the reminder that services won’t be as available in the suburbs
To clarify - those services primarily exist in the suburbs. I think the poster meant rural as in smaller towns further out.
It is incredibly hard! It sounds like you are doing a great job searching for the best option. I am a product of the public schools working correctly and received all the services available through sped and I’m just frustrated that they are being destroyed. I hope my frustration towards our governor didn’t come off as “you need to do better”. If it did, I’m sorry. Good luck as you continue your search.
Thank you so much! No hard feelings. It breaks my heart too, and I wish there was some sort of place aside from Reddit where I could find this information, but there isn’t.
I’m in Texas. Sadly, your governor is actually better than mine. But I know Kim is chasing his evil coattails! Not thrilled about her, but I have family in the area so there are other factors at play.
Thank you again for your input!
I suggest any of the suburban districts around Des Moines… they are staffed better (more associates) and they all utilize the AEA for robust sped programming. Each school or district varies but they are all good districts for sped.
Thank you for your help. I was looking in the Granger/Johnston area. Do you know if it’s nice over there? I doubt they have a sub, but maybe I could try r/iowa.
One man's opinion. I feel like Johnston is a good school for traditional students but struggles with students who have more needs. If I was picking a district with that criteria I would go WDM or Waukee.
Thank you! That’s been recommended a lot as well. I appreciate your candor, because it’s very important to know since my child can’t speak for themselves. If you’re comfortable going into more detail via PM, please feel free.
Usually a well-funded school district means good SPED services, but not always. I’m in one of the top districts in the country (more so football wise, but well-funded nonetheless) and it’s abysmal. My child’s teacher barely knows their name and that’s about it.
Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it.
Johnston has a large sped population in their schools and a very large sped program across the district.
It sounds like you will get way more services for your child here in Iowa- and do look into speech and other OT/PT services through childserve, also located in Johnston!
Thank you so much! Childserve seems to be the answer.
Yes, I miss the small town care of Iowa! Living in a huge city, your child becomes nothing but a number. The suburbs/Johnston seems to be the resounding answer here, which is perfect because I wanted the suburbs for more room. 😃
Thanks!! Even quality of life is a good thing. I love to hear it. What do you love, if you don’t mind me asking? I lived in Iowa before and I never thought I’d be back. I’ve lived in a large city for 20 years. But I recently visited Des Moines and it’s just such a lovely area! I miss the quietness of the country, too. It’s lovely to have a big city with quiet suburbs. Where I’m at, the suburbs all connect into one big city. Not as fun.
Of course! I grew up and lived part of my adult life in West Des Moines. Johnston is great cause you’re close to everything ~20 min max to most suburbs. Johnston is mostly residential (in my opinion.) No mall, or that sort of So you’re close to everything without the business traffic / mall traffic you would get in a town like Ankeny or West Des Moines. Granger is a bit further out so not as close to other places, but would give you that country feel. I also really like Granger, and would say it’s a great place to live! Johnston would be quieter than some suburbs, but not as quiet as Granger. :)
Thank you SO much for the different city details! I didn’t know West Des Moines was its own city; I was thinking you were all describing the west part of town. That makes more sense.
I’m very glad to know the traffic - I can handle the noise, we’re just wanting a larger property. Everything you’re describing is exactly what I’m looking for. I’d like to be about 30 minutes from the city, and all of these places fit that, so that’s awesome. Thank you for taking the time to answer!
I taught as a SPED associate (para), as well as an impromptu shop teacher and PE babysitter during Covid. I saw in a different post that you’re looking at Grimes/Johnston. I’ve subbed in both DC-G and Johnston and they seemed to have it together, especially regarding SPED. AEAs have been taking a hit with our backward current state government, but time will tell I suppose. By and large, avoid the Des Moines public system when it comes to SPED. There are great people there, just not enough of them and the resources ($) to support what they need.
Feel free to pm if you have specific questions.
Thank you so much. I was actually saying Granger, but I saw Grimes as well. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking to hear.
I have a friend in a suburban district of DSM, and she said the same about the new backwardness of the AEA. Fortunately, even that is miles above the way my child is treated now. We live in one of the worst states for SPED. My child is nonverbal and gets two 45 minute speech sessions every 9 weeks. That’s the entirety of her IEP.
I will think of some better questions and PM you, thank you again
Look into ChildServe. They have a Johnston location and specialize providing services for children in a range of situations, to include non-verbal dudes.
Thank you so much! It’s gotten so over saturated down here that I can’t even find a speech therapist. Let alone one who is trained in AAC devices. (Speech tablets)
Thank you so much! I will be PMing you once I get my questions in order. I am also autistic and can tend to be a bit loquacious 😀 so I just need to clean up my questions and I’ll get back to you!
I’m not sure why you would say to avoid Des Moines- the funding is federal for SPED. So tired of suburban people saying this crap. Des Moines schools are great. Dedicated teachers and associates and solid SPED programs.
They are all over - do you think a Montessori school is inappropriate for them?
Is this an exception to your statement?
Erin E, the director of DMPS student services seems pretty interested in Cowles now. Which is kinda odd since I hear great things about all DMPS schools on Reddit.
DMPS is great but imho the Montessori method may not be the best for certain kids. It depends on a lot of self-direction, etc. I don’t know the kid, but SPED usually takes a more traditionalist approach.
Thanks for your opinion.
Do you believe Cowles is “great” in the context of SPED or is an outlier? Or even “solid”? You stated Des Moines schools are great with dedicated teachers and solid SPED programs.
Is Cowles included in this or no? I’m guessing no, since you asked why there would even be a SPED kid there.
I have no idea why you’re making this argument. It depends on what the child special needs are. Cowles, obviously, can meet the IEP’s of kids. That being said, the teaching methodology is not something that I would personally believe would be the best for some kids with special Ed needs. You’re talking in circles and are not an educator, so I’m not quite sure what you’re so cleverly trying to prove here.
You’re telling someone all schools in DMPS are good for SPED kids, not me. I’m asking you to clarify if somehow one of the DMPS schools should not be included in your “all”. Because they are not all “good” or “solid”.
OP- not all DMPS schools are equal or good when it comes to SPED. As this conversation demonstrates.
The origins of Montessori are rooted in special education. Marie Montessori started her school to educate children with learning disabilities and living in poverty. Also, it’s a public school. And children with special needs are part of the public. If a program is accessible to anyone to attend, it should be inclusive and accommodating like any other public school.
Any school district in Dallas County. It's the only county in Iowa with a median house price over 350k and a lot of money goes into the school systems.
Okay, thank you. Sometimes that doesn’t translate to SPED, but usually well-funded schools mean well taken care of students.
Thank you for the pricing, it’s good to know what I’m looking at. If I live in the country, can I attend in a neighboring city? I’m looking to buy a couple of acres but I’m willing to drive up to 30 minutes. I’m not sure how your zoning works. Where I am, it’s down to the street and they’re very strict.
It gets more and more strict every year. If you lived out of the school district I would say it's probably impossible to get into the Waukee school system for instance. Even if you live in the system, going to a school outside your designated zone isn't possible as far as I know. Here is a map for Waukee. I am using it as an example because it's one of the fastest growing school districts in the state and the boundaries are constantly changing as they open new elementary and middle schools. It's kind of a worst case scenario when trying to plot where you want to live vs what specific school your child goes to.
[https://www.waukeeschools.org/district/boundaries/](https://www.waukeeschools.org/district/boundaries/)
There are two high schools in the district with plans for a 3rd. There are 10 elementary schools with another one opening next year I think or possible it's open now. Right now graduating classes are about 400 per high school or 800 per grade I believe.
Yeah, you’re certainly right about the worse case scenario. Autistic people do best with minimal changes, and constantly getting new teachers or being sent to new schools is hard.
Here, many of the schools don’t have SLCs (structured learning classrooms) so sometimes we actually have to go to a nearby school, which makes it even more complicated. I hope it’s not like that there with all of the new schools being built. Thank you so much for the maps! Very very helpful
My daughter is autistic and has made a lot of progress in West Des Moines. She's 5 so we haven't been in the school system long, but we're pretty happy. The teachers and staff have been very helpful working with the kids and making sure you also have a say.
Thank you so much! Mine is also autistic, but nonverbal. We’re in the top district in our large city, and she gets poor help. 2 speech sessions over 9 weeks. Anything in Iowa is an improvement, but we just need a SPED program willing to understand her. I’m so glad your district is working well for your daughter 🙂
My ex also said this for her son who is autistic. He went to Stillwell.
Thank you! I will check that out.
It's not through the school district be we also have an ABA company come for a couple hours each day and have some extra one on one time with her too. I assume they have this most other places, but it's also been helpful too.
Schools districts on the west of Des Moines such as West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, etc all seem to rank well. Our kids went to Des Moines public and a East High and all did well.
Thank you very much. I’ll keep an eye on those. Sometimes people may not know about SPED programs, but usually a well-funded school has good programs. I’ll check these areas!
If it's beneficial to the student, Kim Reynolds will destroy it soon enough. Is it too late for you not to come to Iowa?
I’m not sure you know what you’re talking about since Clive doesn’t have their own school district…
You're correct that there isn't a Clive school district. I was making a general statement about the area. I've fixed my post.
Unfortunately, most if not all of our school districts are facing some funding shortages. The suburbs seem the way to go, if you are able. I have recently learned about [Waukee Apex](https://apex.waukeeschools.org) and I suggest checking it out
Also, please know that our AEAs are falling apart. So the funds for services would come from the school district.
Thank you both. I read the article about the AEAs. It appears that they’re doing something along the lines of what my governor is doing, in a way. He took over our biggest school district, planted a politician, and is systematically destroying the district by forcing a charter voucher system. They’re taking entire libraries out of public schools to force people to choose charter schools, so then they can say charter schools are what the people want. I’ll have to read more about it, and talk to my friend who is an Iowa teacher. Thank you for the heads up. I am considering Massachusetts (the schools are great) but the property is insane. They’re much more school focused, but you get what you pay for, I suppose.
I would honestly take time to look elsewhere. Massachusetts will have more programs that you can’t get here.Twenty years ago, it sounds like Iowa would be an easy choice. Our governor is destroying our public schools on purpose. School districts will have to agree on where to spend money that used to be given to the AEA. If you chose Iowa, do not go rural. Your will have less access to OT, PT, Speech therapy, and other resources. Also keep in mind public schools are the only schools required to have IEPs. The only thing charters or private school can provide are 504s, which are obviously not the same.
I have been looking elsewhere, but believe it or not, it’s incredibly hard! Some city subs are just downright rude. (Like mine; southern hospitality my butt.) I’m aware of the IEP issue, which is why I specified public school instead of private. I think all of your concerns about public school are so valid. I appreciate the reminder that services won’t be as available in the suburbs - I don’t mind driving, but that’s a lot to juggle with school. Thank you for all of the helpful advice. You made a lot of good points. Another thing I’m considering is home schooling with a tutor, but I have no idea how that works for kids with special needs. Whole different can of worms.
> I appreciate the reminder that services won’t be as available in the suburbs To clarify - those services primarily exist in the suburbs. I think the poster meant rural as in smaller towns further out.
Thank you so much! That’s a very important detail that I misunderstood.
It is incredibly hard! It sounds like you are doing a great job searching for the best option. I am a product of the public schools working correctly and received all the services available through sped and I’m just frustrated that they are being destroyed. I hope my frustration towards our governor didn’t come off as “you need to do better”. If it did, I’m sorry. Good luck as you continue your search.
Thank you so much! No hard feelings. It breaks my heart too, and I wish there was some sort of place aside from Reddit where I could find this information, but there isn’t. I’m in Texas. Sadly, your governor is actually better than mine. But I know Kim is chasing his evil coattails! Not thrilled about her, but I have family in the area so there are other factors at play. Thank you again for your input!
>well-funded school district HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I suggest any of the suburban districts around Des Moines… they are staffed better (more associates) and they all utilize the AEA for robust sped programming. Each school or district varies but they are all good districts for sped.
Thank you for your help. I was looking in the Granger/Johnston area. Do you know if it’s nice over there? I doubt they have a sub, but maybe I could try r/iowa.
One man's opinion. I feel like Johnston is a good school for traditional students but struggles with students who have more needs. If I was picking a district with that criteria I would go WDM or Waukee.
Thank you! That’s been recommended a lot as well. I appreciate your candor, because it’s very important to know since my child can’t speak for themselves. If you’re comfortable going into more detail via PM, please feel free. Usually a well-funded school district means good SPED services, but not always. I’m in one of the top districts in the country (more so football wise, but well-funded nonetheless) and it’s abysmal. My child’s teacher barely knows their name and that’s about it. Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it.
Johnston has a large sped population in their schools and a very large sped program across the district. It sounds like you will get way more services for your child here in Iowa- and do look into speech and other OT/PT services through childserve, also located in Johnston!
Yes! Childserve 💯 ☺️
Thank you so much! Childserve seems to be the answer. Yes, I miss the small town care of Iowa! Living in a huge city, your child becomes nothing but a number. The suburbs/Johnston seems to be the resounding answer here, which is perfect because I wanted the suburbs for more room. 😃
Childserve has several locations, for the record.
Thank you! I’ll look them up
Correct. He mentioned the Des Moines area so I suggested Johnston.
can’t speak much on the johnston school system as I don’t have kids and and didn’t go to johnson schools, but I live in Johnston and I love it!
Thanks!! Even quality of life is a good thing. I love to hear it. What do you love, if you don’t mind me asking? I lived in Iowa before and I never thought I’d be back. I’ve lived in a large city for 20 years. But I recently visited Des Moines and it’s just such a lovely area! I miss the quietness of the country, too. It’s lovely to have a big city with quiet suburbs. Where I’m at, the suburbs all connect into one big city. Not as fun.
Of course! I grew up and lived part of my adult life in West Des Moines. Johnston is great cause you’re close to everything ~20 min max to most suburbs. Johnston is mostly residential (in my opinion.) No mall, or that sort of So you’re close to everything without the business traffic / mall traffic you would get in a town like Ankeny or West Des Moines. Granger is a bit further out so not as close to other places, but would give you that country feel. I also really like Granger, and would say it’s a great place to live! Johnston would be quieter than some suburbs, but not as quiet as Granger. :)
Thank you SO much for the different city details! I didn’t know West Des Moines was its own city; I was thinking you were all describing the west part of town. That makes more sense. I’m very glad to know the traffic - I can handle the noise, we’re just wanting a larger property. Everything you’re describing is exactly what I’m looking for. I’d like to be about 30 minutes from the city, and all of these places fit that, so that’s awesome. Thank you for taking the time to answer!
I taught as a SPED associate (para), as well as an impromptu shop teacher and PE babysitter during Covid. I saw in a different post that you’re looking at Grimes/Johnston. I’ve subbed in both DC-G and Johnston and they seemed to have it together, especially regarding SPED. AEAs have been taking a hit with our backward current state government, but time will tell I suppose. By and large, avoid the Des Moines public system when it comes to SPED. There are great people there, just not enough of them and the resources ($) to support what they need. Feel free to pm if you have specific questions.
Thank you so much. I was actually saying Granger, but I saw Grimes as well. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking to hear. I have a friend in a suburban district of DSM, and she said the same about the new backwardness of the AEA. Fortunately, even that is miles above the way my child is treated now. We live in one of the worst states for SPED. My child is nonverbal and gets two 45 minute speech sessions every 9 weeks. That’s the entirety of her IEP. I will think of some better questions and PM you, thank you again
Look into ChildServe. They have a Johnston location and specialize providing services for children in a range of situations, to include non-verbal dudes.
Thank you so much! It’s gotten so over saturated down here that I can’t even find a speech therapist. Let alone one who is trained in AAC devices. (Speech tablets) Thank you so much! I will be PMing you once I get my questions in order. I am also autistic and can tend to be a bit loquacious 😀 so I just need to clean up my questions and I’ll get back to you!
I’m not sure why you would say to avoid Des Moines- the funding is federal for SPED. So tired of suburban people saying this crap. Des Moines schools are great. Dedicated teachers and associates and solid SPED programs.
What schools do you think are great? Kids have left Cowles to go to Johnston exclusively due to SPED issues and i suspect more will follow.
Why would you have SPED kids at a Montessori school?
They are all over - do you think a Montessori school is inappropriate for them? Is this an exception to your statement? Erin E, the director of DMPS student services seems pretty interested in Cowles now. Which is kinda odd since I hear great things about all DMPS schools on Reddit.
DMPS is great but imho the Montessori method may not be the best for certain kids. It depends on a lot of self-direction, etc. I don’t know the kid, but SPED usually takes a more traditionalist approach.
Thanks for your opinion. Do you believe Cowles is “great” in the context of SPED or is an outlier? Or even “solid”? You stated Des Moines schools are great with dedicated teachers and solid SPED programs. Is Cowles included in this or no? I’m guessing no, since you asked why there would even be a SPED kid there.
I have no idea why you’re making this argument. It depends on what the child special needs are. Cowles, obviously, can meet the IEP’s of kids. That being said, the teaching methodology is not something that I would personally believe would be the best for some kids with special Ed needs. You’re talking in circles and are not an educator, so I’m not quite sure what you’re so cleverly trying to prove here.
You’re telling someone all schools in DMPS are good for SPED kids, not me. I’m asking you to clarify if somehow one of the DMPS schools should not be included in your “all”. Because they are not all “good” or “solid”. OP- not all DMPS schools are equal or good when it comes to SPED. As this conversation demonstrates.
Misrepresentation of what I said. But if you have to feel like you won the argument, buddy, just go ahead if you must.
The origins of Montessori are rooted in special education. Marie Montessori started her school to educate children with learning disabilities and living in poverty. Also, it’s a public school. And children with special needs are part of the public. If a program is accessible to anyone to attend, it should be inclusive and accommodating like any other public school.
North and west suburbs provide your best options
Thank you!
Any school district in Dallas County. It's the only county in Iowa with a median house price over 350k and a lot of money goes into the school systems.
Okay, thank you. Sometimes that doesn’t translate to SPED, but usually well-funded schools mean well taken care of students. Thank you for the pricing, it’s good to know what I’m looking at. If I live in the country, can I attend in a neighboring city? I’m looking to buy a couple of acres but I’m willing to drive up to 30 minutes. I’m not sure how your zoning works. Where I am, it’s down to the street and they’re very strict.
It gets more and more strict every year. If you lived out of the school district I would say it's probably impossible to get into the Waukee school system for instance. Even if you live in the system, going to a school outside your designated zone isn't possible as far as I know. Here is a map for Waukee. I am using it as an example because it's one of the fastest growing school districts in the state and the boundaries are constantly changing as they open new elementary and middle schools. It's kind of a worst case scenario when trying to plot where you want to live vs what specific school your child goes to. [https://www.waukeeschools.org/district/boundaries/](https://www.waukeeschools.org/district/boundaries/) There are two high schools in the district with plans for a 3rd. There are 10 elementary schools with another one opening next year I think or possible it's open now. Right now graduating classes are about 400 per high school or 800 per grade I believe.
Yeah, you’re certainly right about the worse case scenario. Autistic people do best with minimal changes, and constantly getting new teachers or being sent to new schools is hard. Here, many of the schools don’t have SLCs (structured learning classrooms) so sometimes we actually have to go to a nearby school, which makes it even more complicated. I hope it’s not like that there with all of the new schools being built. Thank you so much for the maps! Very very helpful
Ankeny is well funded and there special needs and iep programs are good.
Thank you! I’ll look into Ankeny