Bethune for prek3?

Anonymous
We were matched at Bethune. I put it as our last choice only because of the Spanish component. Wouldn’t be a long term option for us. Any thoughts? I haven’t even seen the space yet. Not particularly excited about it. ;(
Anonymous
Which one? My child was at Brookland for PreK 3. He had a good year but the Spanish was nonexistent. He started his day in the English homeroom and there were so many weeks he never got Spanish because the classes didn’t switch for various reasons. He went to an immersion day care up until
Bethune and lost a lot of his Spanish. So definitely don’t do it for the Spanish. But the teachers were sweet and he loved school. I think the other location is a bit different. In hindsight I would have picked my Inbound over Bethune.
Anonymous
Good to know. Thanks for sharing. This would be 16th st.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Which one? My child was at Brookland for PreK 3. He had a good year but the Spanish was nonexistent. He started his day in the English homeroom and there were so many weeks he never got Spanish because the classes didn’t switch for various reasons. He went to an immersion day care up until
Bethune and lost a lot of his Spanish. So definitely don’t do it for the Spanish. But the teachers were sweet and he loved school. I think the other location is a bit different. In hindsight I would have picked my Inbound over Bethune.


Thanks for this. I also pick the Brookland one as my last choice for Spanish and that’s where my son matched. Now I’m wondering if I should do my IB, DC Prep - Edgewood or KIPP Grow.
Anonymous
What's your IB?
Anonymous
16th street has much stronger Spanish. It’s a very good option while waiting for another immersion spot.
Anonymous
16th St is 90/10 Spanish immersion for prek3. It’s a great little school. Brookland is the main campus, I don’t think they have a strong Spanish program
Anonymous
We got bad lottery number for 22-23 school year and were looking to get our child into any spanish immersion. Mary Mcleod Bethune Day Academy (MMBDA) was our last choice based on ridiculous postings on DC Urban Mom. We were wrong to listen to the nonsense- people on these forums are elitist and ignorant (lack knowledge) to make an informed opinion. Unless someone says they are a parent of child attending, take their post for a grain of salt.

My child loves PK3 at MMBDA 16th St. Campus. We are a non-spanish speaking family and our 3 year old understands basic commands, colors, numbers, and objects in spanish. I am actually surprised how much they know and they corrects us in spanish when we say something in english . Too funny, gotta love 3 years olds. Ms. Garcia is their the teacher, who is amazing with the children and our little one loves her. They cannot wait to go to school everyday and is happy when we are picking them up! At the beginning of the school year there were PK3 A/B (2 classes), which merged into 1 classroom. The class size grew by a few students, and the school added additional teachers in the room. We didn't see an impact on learning or behavior. Ms. Mamiam is the school principal and is very active in the community. She is outside EVERYDAY when students let out to speak to parents. We use class dojo as an app to communicate with school staff. We get updated pictures of activities all day long, to include nap time. The staff responds almost immediately. There is an active PTO who really cares about the school, and isn't over overboard. Before care is at 7 AM and last pick up is a 6 PM- cost $100 per week for after and before care combined- Super Cheap. All children's food is free. If we are running behind they do serve breakfast, lunch, and snack on the way out of school (you have the option to send meals in). They make it really EASY FOR BUSY PARENTS. This place is a little gem.
Anonymous
I know someone who worked at Brookland and because so many of the kids from Saratoga need remediation, there is not much time for Spanish. The 16th St campus has native Spanish speaking teachers, so the kids definitely get more immersion.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We got bad lottery number for 22-23 school year and were looking to get our child into any spanish immersion. Mary Mcleod Bethune Day Academy (MMBDA) was our last choice based on ridiculous postings on DC Urban Mom. We were wrong to listen to the nonsense- people on these forums are elitist and ignorant (lack knowledge) to make an informed opinion. Unless someone says they are a parent of child attending, take their post for a grain of salt.

My child loves PK3 at MMBDA 16th St. Campus. We are a non-spanish speaking family and our 3 year old understands basic commands, colors, numbers, and objects in spanish. I am actually surprised how much they know and they corrects us in spanish when we say something in english . Too funny, gotta love 3 years olds. Ms. Garcia is their the teacher, who is amazing with the children and our little one loves her. They cannot wait to go to school everyday and is happy when we are picking them up! At the beginning of the school year there were PK3 A/B (2 classes), which merged into 1 classroom. The class size grew by a few students, and the school added additional teachers in the room. We didn't see an impact on learning or behavior. Ms. Mamiam is the school principal and is very active in the community. She is outside EVERYDAY when students let out to speak to parents. We use class dojo as an app to communicate with school staff. We get updated pictures of activities all day long, to include nap time. The staff responds almost immediately. There is an active PTO who really cares about the school, and isn't over overboard. Before care is at 7 AM and last pick up is a 6 PM- cost $100 per week for after and before care combined- Super Cheap. All children's food is free. If we are running behind they do serve breakfast, lunch, and snack on the way out of school (you have the option to send meals in). They make it really EASY FOR BUSY PARENTS. This place is a little gem.


I forgot to mention, there is free summer school until the following next school year for returning students.
Anonymous
DD is in 8th grade now but completed PreK3 at Bethune in Brookland. It was a great experience for her. I would highly recommend the school for the preschool years.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We got bad lottery number for 22-23 school year and were looking to get our child into any spanish immersion. Mary Mcleod Bethune Day Academy (MMBDA) was our last choice based on ridiculous postings on DC Urban Mom. We were wrong to listen to the nonsense- people on these forums are elitist and ignorant (lack knowledge) to make an informed opinion. Unless someone says they are a parent of child attending, take their post for a grain of salt.

My child loves PK3 at MMBDA 16th St. Campus. We are a non-spanish speaking family and our 3 year old understands basic commands, colors, numbers, and objects in spanish. I am actually surprised how much they know and they corrects us in spanish when we say something in english . Too funny, gotta love 3 years olds. Ms. Garcia is their the teacher, who is amazing with the children and our little one loves her. They cannot wait to go to school everyday and is happy when we are picking them up! At the beginning of the school year there were PK3 A/B (2 classes), which merged into 1 classroom. The class size grew by a few students, and the school added additional teachers in the room. We didn't see an impact on learning or behavior. Ms. Mamiam is the school principal and is very active in the community. She is outside EVERYDAY when students let out to speak to parents. We use class dojo as an app to communicate with school staff. We get updated pictures of activities all day long, to include nap time. The staff responds almost immediately. There is an active PTO who really cares about the school, and isn't over overboard. Before care is at 7 AM and last pick up is a 6 PM- cost $100 per week for after and before care combined- Super Cheap. All children's food is free. If we are running behind they do serve breakfast, lunch, and snack on the way out of school (you have the option to send meals in). They make it really EASY FOR BUSY PARENTS. This place is a little gem.


I forgot to mention, there is free summer school until the following next school year for returning students.


Thanks a lot for taking the time to type this out. Can I ask what your plan is for after prek? Our inbound is not great so trying to think beyond just prek. Thanks again!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:What's your IB?


Houston
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:What's your IB?


Op here. My IB is Truesdell.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We got bad lottery number for 22-23 school year and were looking to get our child into any spanish immersion. Mary Mcleod Bethune Day Academy (MMBDA) was our last choice based on ridiculous postings on DC Urban Mom. We were wrong to listen to the nonsense- people on these forums are elitist and ignorant (lack knowledge) to make an informed opinion. Unless someone says they are a parent of child attending, take their post for a grain of salt.

My child loves PK3 at MMBDA 16th St. Campus. We are a non-spanish speaking family and our 3 year old understands basic commands, colors, numbers, and objects in spanish. I am actually surprised how much they know and they corrects us in spanish when we say something in english . Too funny, gotta love 3 years olds. Ms. Garcia is their the teacher, who is amazing with the children and our little one loves her. They cannot wait to go to school everyday and is happy when we are picking them up! At the beginning of the school year there were PK3 A/B (2 classes), which merged into 1 classroom. The class size grew by a few students, and the school added additional teachers in the room. We didn't see an impact on learning or behavior. Ms. Mamiam is the school principal and is very active in the community. She is outside EVERYDAY when students let out to speak to parents. We use class dojo as an app to communicate with school staff. We get updated pictures of activities all day long, to include nap time. The staff responds almost immediately. There is an active PTO who really cares about the school, and isn't over overboard. Before care is at 7 AM and last pick up is a 6 PM- cost $100 per week for after and before care combined- Super Cheap. All children's food is free. If we are running behind they do serve breakfast, lunch, and snack on the way out of school (you have the option to send meals in). They make it really EASY FOR BUSY PARENTS. This place is a little gem.


I forgot to mention, there is free summer school until the following next school year for returning students.


Thanks a lot for taking the time to type this out. Can I ask what your plan is for after prek? Our inbound is not great so trying to think beyond just prek. Thanks again!


We also loved Bethune for PK3 and are sad we won't be able to stay. Unfortunately, the commute is just too hard for our family. If we lived closer to the school, or even worked in the city, we would probably stay long-term. I have honestly been surprised and impressed by the school. Our child has grown and developed both social-emotionally and acadmeically more than I expected. Ms. Mamiam is excellent and the teachers and staff are wonderful. Everyone knows our child's name and arriving in the morning is always such a pleasure. It is a great group of kids and parents. The PK3 parents have organized socials both for kids and parents-night-out gatherings, which I think is great. I would not discount Bethune 16th Street as a long-term option.
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