Kay or Science Focus

[Anonymous]

We are looking at buying a home in an area that feeds to Key or ASF. I have a rising 4th grader and a rising kindergartener. I think that my 4th grader would not be able to attend Key because she does not know Spanish. But I think my K kid could still go? Although the thought of having one kid at one school and one at another is not fun, but I'd love for my K kid to get the benefit of immersion.

Thoughts? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Sigh. Should have been Key or ASF. It's been that kind of day.

[Anonymous]

If you're in the Key/Science Focus area, you also have the choice of Jamestown and Taylordon't you? Have you ruled those out?

I would be hesitant to have kids in two schools if I didn't have to, too, but it would only be for two years. Maybe it's worth it to get the immersion for your younger child.

I tend to do what's easiest, but if your kids aren't happy at their schools (or if you aren't happy with the school, regardless of how your kids feels), that wears on parents, too.

Wow. I have been completely unhelpful, huh?

[Anonymous]

Only reason not Jamestown or Taylor is that my older child is very science/math focused and I would like my younger to get the benefit of language immersion.

[Anonymous]

No reason not to have the kids in different schools if there's good reason, especially if they are as close as key and science focus. You can't lose with either of those.

[Anonymous]

Yep. This is us, the Internets, telling you to do the two schools thing. You know it's right. And we all know it's more of a hassle than one school, but not as bad as it could be, and, well, to repeat: I think you know this is what would work best for your family.

But ignore me if I'm wrong.

[Anonymous]

I think before you totally exclude Key for your older child you should call and find out what the deal is - I mean surely your child is not the first to move into the school district at an older age, and they do conduct half the school day in English. Obviously it's not ideal but I don't necessarily think it's "too late" for your older child to learn enough Spanish to succeed....you should talk to the principal though.

I don't think it would be a huge deal to have kids at different schools for 2 years. I mean, in 2 years they'll be at different schools anyway. You should probably check the times though because if they start/end at exactly the same time you could have a problem. It will be logistically more challenging, but I don't think totally unmanageable.

The other solution would be to send both kids to Science Focus. Yes, the opportunity for bilingual education is appealing to many parents, but Science Focus is also a good school and that might be the easy way to keep them both together. There will be other opportunities for your kids to learn Spanish (or other languages) later on if that's something that interests you/them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. They are in different schools now (well, younger is in preschool/daycare) and it's just such a pick-up/drop-off scheduling hassle. I was so looking forward to them being at the same place! And then I read on the key website that kids admitted after 1st had to pass a Spanish test. But you all are right and I should call the school.

[Anonymous]

Chances are that even if they're at different schools, they'll be at the same bus stop (assuming they both take a bus, and assuming you'll be using the bus).

[Anonymous]

I agree that your older child would not be eligible but you can confirm with the principal. I pulled this right off Key's website.

We do not take English speaking children after the first grade unless they have had instruction in Spanish in another immersion school or have been overseas in a Spanish speaking country.