Inspired Teaching?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Six years ago my DD went there for Grade 1 and it was a disaster. Teacher could have cared less, the administrators were out to lunch. That was 6 years ago so it may be totally different now, but that was my experience and we regret putting her there. We pulled her out at the end of the year.

It's couldn't have cared less

[Anonymous]

My DC was in Grade 1 at ITDS 6 years ago and had a good experience. He had one of his favorite teachers that year. I realize school experiences are teacher-dependent and children have different experiences. We are still at the school. Overall, good experience and we will be there until graduating out.

[Anonymous]

This has been very informative.

[Anonymous]

How's it going this year in the upper grades at ITS?

[Anonymous]

I have the same question. We’re interested in ITS for elementary and then middle school, but hear while its kid-centered, it’s lacking greatly academically. Is that the experience of families currently?

[Anonymous]

Nope. My 8th grader is taking algebra, reading their 3rd or 4th in class novel of the year in ELA, learning about civics and taking the US citizenship exam (orally!) as an assessment, and learning some basic physics in science. Not being stretched to “full” academic potential, but they have had a good, happy middle school experience and that’s worth its weight in gold to me. Oh and my kid does great on standardized tests and we’ve never hired a tutor or supplemented academics. I can’t speak to other grades - but I think things are generally stabilizing post pandemic and trending positively. I’ve been happy to see sports and extracurriculars pick up this year, and the theater program / spring musical is lovely.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. Is your child naturally “a good student” type? I don’t mean that sarcastically.

[Anonymous]

I'm not the PP but I have a middle schooler at ITDS who is a "good student"-- conscientious, moderately bright, tests well. She loves her school and her teachers. The teachers range from good to great. I don't think it's really maxing her out academically, it's not like they insist on 100% effort at all times, but there's lots of opportunity for going above and beyond. Considering that it's a small school (about 45-50 in a grade), there's about as big a cohort of high-performing kids as can be reasonably expected.

I certainly would not say ITDS is "lacking greatly academically". It's strong academically and strong in the arts. Not especially strong in science or sports. If we didn't go here I suppose my next pick would be Stuart-Hobson. I really do love having my older and younger kids in one location.

[Anonymous]

I have a later middle schooler as well and we are very happy we've stayed. Excellent middle school teachers and curriculum. Caring teachers. I actually would choose the school even just for middle school. Several friends who left for greener pastures after fifth grade sorely regretted the decision.

[Anonymous]

I removed my child from ITDS and sent them to a private school. Anyone who thinks that ITDS is academically solid has no experience outside of ITDS. We're very happy with our choice and have yet to meet a single family who regretted leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I removed my child from ITDS and sent them to a private school. Anyone who thinks that ITDS is academically solid has no experience outside of ITDS. We're very happy with our choice and have yet to meet a single family who regretted leaving.

Confirmation bias much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go for it. If you don't like your IB, why not?

+1 you can always go back to your IB if you don’t like Inspired.

i never understand this perspective. It is so disruptive to move schools. It seems like a lot to put your kid through unless you have done everything you can to be as sure as you can that this school is the right move for your kid. Especially if you then have to do yet another transition back.

[Anonymous]

We have been happy with inspired and have one student currently there and one who stayed through 8th and is now in high school. Both kids have had happy, supportive experiences.

Rigor as you get to middle school was ok. I would say English and social studies are the strongest, or were when we were there anyway. Not a lot of homework but there is plenty of time for that imo.

The 7th and 8th graders have a lot of high school prep support and the school spends time educating the kids on their choices to find the best fit. Often English assignments would focus on essay writing and they prepare the kids for interviews as well.

Overall very happy with the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go for it. If you don't like your IB, why not?

+1 you can always go back to your IB if you don’t like Inspired.

i never understand this perspective. It is so disruptive to move schools. It seems like a lot to put your kid through unless you have done everything you can to be as sure as you can that this school is the right move for your kid. Especially if you then have to do yet another transition back.

Similar to attend your IB and then move by third grade. I know people that have moved their kids at least 2x and the kids are fine!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I removed my child from ITDS and sent them to a private school. Anyone who thinks that ITDS is academically solid has no experience outside of ITDS. We're very happy with our choice and have yet to meet a single family who regretted leaving.

Nonsense. My older kid is at Walls and was well prepared by ITDS.

Several families in kid's class left for other middle schools, with some reporting real happiness in the change and others regretting it. This was not a surprise to me. No school will be perfect for every family.