Linder v Sycamore

[Anonymous]

We’re trying to compare these schools for a middle schooler (or maybe just wait til high school). Recognizing that Linder doesn’t have a high school up and going yet, are there folks who have looked at both schools for middle—and, if so, why did you choose the one you did?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re trying to compare these schools for a middle schooler (or maybe just wait til high school). Recognizing that Linder doesn’t have a high school up and going yet, are there folks who have looked at both schools for middle—and, if so, why did you choose the one you did?

Have you visited either school and discussed your DC with the director? Both schools seem to have a lot of individual emphasis and support, so the best fit may be with the one that seems to understand your family's situation best. Neither one has a "standard" approach to evaluate.

[Anonymous]

Have heard negative reviews about Linder from a friend who is pulling their child out for middle school. Sycamore seems much more established and stable as an institution, and better equipped and more focused on teens in particular (we visited but didn’t end up applying). I think Sycamore is the better option for middle and high school grades. Linder seems more focused on younger kids.

[Anonymous]

Is Linder accredited yet?

[Anonymous]

Since no one from Linder has chimed in here, Sycamore is known for emotional support in a diverse student body where teachers "meet the students where they are" and work with each student's challenges to get them not only the requisite skills and knowledge but a comfort level just going to school and functioning there. Many Sycamore students were dysfunctional or absent at their previous schools but thrive in the Sycamore atmosphere.

The Linder website seems very focused on the skills side, but that's just a cursory impression.

[Anonymous]

My impression having a kid at one and close friends at the other:
Linder is for kids with a diagnosis or two
Sycamore is for quirky kids

Both serve kids who fail to thrive at regular public/private.

There are downsides to each - really only worth considering if your kid is absolutely miserable elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

We have friends w/ a child at Linder and it’s been a great move for them. I think you need to know your kid and look at each school. It’s all about fit I think!

[Anonymous]

OP here—it wasn’t clear we could visit Sycamore, so we’re struggling to get a handle on it. They just have a zoom info session. Were folks able to go in person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is Linder accredited yet?

That would be my fear if they ever do get a high school up and running? If your kid wants to attend college, are they even able to with a diploma from an unaccredited high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is Linder accredited yet?

That would be my fear if they ever do get a high school up and running? If your kid wants to attend college, are they even able to with a diploma from a unaccredited high school?

Our public high school is not fully accredited so yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—it wasn’t clear we could visit Sycamore, so we’re struggling to get a handle on it. They just have a zoom info session. Were folks able to go in person?

You can visit in person. We did recently!

[Anonymous]

Another difference if it matters to you is Linder is no/low tech while Sycamore uses much more tech.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—it wasn’t clear we could visit Sycamore, so we’re struggling to get a handle on it. They just have a zoom info session. Were folks able to go in person?

Sycamore has weekly in-person tours on Tuesdays through the end of the month. Just call to sign up! The head of school will always make time for an individual meeting too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My impression having a kid at one and close friends at the other:
Linder is for kids with a diagnosis or two
Sycamore is for quirky kids

Both serve kids who fail to thrive at regular public/private.

There are downsides to each - really only worth considering if your kid is absolutely miserable elsewhere.

Correct that Sycamore works for kids who failed to thrive in bigger schools and has the limitations (and pluses) of a very small school.

Not correct that Sycamore kids don't have various diagnoses. The school is careful to accept the kids it can work with, so it's not for a full range or degree of learning challenges. That's why an interview is so useful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression having a kid at one and close friends at the other:
Linder is for kids with a diagnosis or two
Sycamore is for quirky kids

Both serve kids who fail to thrive at regular public/private.

There are downsides to each - really only worth considering if your kid is absolutely miserable elsewhere.

Correct that Sycamore works for kids who failed to thrive in bigger schools and has the limitations (and pluses) of a very small school.

Not correct that Sycamore kids don't have various diagnoses. The school is careful to accept the kids it can work with, so it's not for a full range or degree of learning challenges. That's why an interview is so useful.

My autistic daughter applied to sycamore and was accepted. Although she didn't end up going there, I was impressed by how carefully they read her neuropsych and asked questions to ensure that they would be able to support her.