OH heck, if I could do it safely, my son would definately be on NO medications. Not an option for us as he would jump of the proverbial bridge not to mention he would have seizures, and probably be in a residential setting, but that is not your issue.
I know several parents who do not choose to use medications. Some dont even do natural types of things like special diets, vitamins etc. The fact is medications dont work for everyone. And for some, the side effects are not worth the benefits. If it is working for you and for him then do what you feel is right.
That said, I would just never say never. IF you come to a point where your child is being really punished for things he can't control, his self esteem and frustration levels are changed to a really negative degree, he is not able, even with good support, to learn in school... well then, I would just consider it. There are more options than stims now. So if you get to that place... just dont let him suffer because at one point in time it was the right decision to not medicate.
One dad really sticks out in my mind. He said no to medications for three years. His wife was not as sure but they played it conservative. then they decided to do a trial (remember, you can try stims and stop them relatively easily so if it becomes a question again, that is an option...it is not that you would be suck with it then forever)... Anyway, no one was thrilled, especially not their son. but after a month he came in and during the meeting dad started crying. He said he felt so guilty that he had allowed the suffering his son had gone through to continue because of his feelings about trying medications. In this kids case it was amazing. He now could learn coping skills, he could do his work, he could listen and accept help. It was crazy different. But for many it is not that clear cut. another mom who I actually worked with took her son off them. he was so skinny and couldn't eat that they had other complications. One crazy teacher I worked with ... a principal wannabe, told her tha tit was child abuse to stop the medications because now it was hard for her to teach him. I wanted to punch her in the nose. (and I am not a violent person at all) She had no business telling that mom that. She did not know the whole picture. she was not even a mother so didn't get that understanding of how we have to look at what will affect their whole life, their future.
It is such a personal decision. Usually no clear right answer. My nephew loves how he feels off the medications, he says the other kids think he is funny (well, he is acting up in class and getting in trouble, sigh) But on the medications he gets work done and feels better about himself that way.
My sister has just decided to send him to a new charter school. he had been in a similar one before but it had financial issues and closed. He has struggled since. Now they are going back and very hopeful He also has a 504 plan but the school is largely ignoring it.
Do you feel that the school staff is willing to use positive approaches to help him with his challenges? If so then medications or no medications, go for it. Do they help him with his attention, does he get the kinds of motor activities he needs or accommodations like using a bouncy ball or soft disk chair pad that is like a ball so he can move and wiggle in an acceptable way when seated? Can he stand to work if he wants? YOu get the idea....
Do you do any diet or vitamin options? Lots of folks here have discussed things they use with their kids. I hope they share with you.
Welcome and take care. Sorry for the struggles but glad you found this board to help give you support.