Anyone know what's going on with the K lottery for Garrison?
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Anonymous
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Looking at this dashboard:
https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay Garrison has historically offered 3-15 seats in the lottery for Kindergarten. They've also had a waitlist ranging from 7-33 kids. However, they've offered a seat to almost all those kids every year, and almost all those waitlist offers happened by June. This year - they offered zero spots. That kinda made sense to me, the school's been growing in popularity, and kindergarten is somewhat unpredictable since they have to take everyone IB. But the June waitlist data shows zero K offers. And it's not just that they're behind in paperwork or something - all the other grades at Garrison have had some waitlist movement this year. Anyone have any insight into this? Are they closing a K classroom or something? We were kinda banking on a K seat there based on the historical data. |
Anonymous
| It's probably what you think-- that they're being cautious because they don't know what their incoming enrollment will be, and what their PK4 retention will be. In past years kids often switched to MV from Garrison for K, but those times seem to be gone. So it's good they're being cautious. No worries, there's still plenty of time to get a spot! |
Anonymous
OP here - thanks for responding. Maybe. But wouldn't they have a good idea about PK4 retention after May 1st? Just seems crazy that there are still zero seats. |
Anonymous
| No, because people say they will stay at Garrison but then it turns out they get a waitlist offer somewhere over the summer. |
Anonymous
| We're on DCPS waitlists for an older grade and have seen zero waitlist movement across 8 schools so far (aside from one up or down due to people removing themselves or siblings enrolling). I think since there's been no movement, it's not school specific. Hoping for some substantial movement in late summer! |
Anonymous
| Lists in general are shorter this year, even though the total number of students in the system isn't lower (I believe, not gonna fact check right now). I think that might reflect less "recreational" lottery playing. |
Anonymous
| Highly desirable school with an excellent leader. More and more people in bounds are choosing it. It’s also popular because of the huge field and recent renovation. |
Anonymous
This. Impressive test scores relative to demographics! You can definitely be happy here through 4th. |
Anonymous
OP here - I know! That's why I want in! We're one catchment over (Tubman). |
Anonymous
Well, if you don't get it this year, you likely will next year. |
Anonymous
| Did they have in-bound preK students on the waitlist the past couple years? Those are also students who might (or might not) enroll outside of the lottery for K. With the pandemic still recent, last year is not always a good proxy for this year. |
Anonymous
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Hi OP. Sorry about the waitlist at Garrison. Two other schools with no wait list right for K that you might want to consider:
-Seaton. Also in Shaw. Similar demographics and test scores to Garrison. (Actually Seaton's are slightly higher). I don't have personal first hand experience with this school but friends love it. -Thomson. Also similar demographics to Garrison and similar test scores (also slightly higher). DC is slated to start OOB in the fall. I'm really impressed so far though of course, no way to know for sure til we've been there awhile. Encouraging signs: The principal has been there 12 years and last year, none of the teachers had less than 2 years experience, which seems to be rare in DCPS. Solid feeder middle. (School Without Walls at Francis Stephens). We think we may have found a preK-8 solution. In fact, I'm sure why Thomson isn't more popular. I think it has to do with the facilities, especially a lack of outdoor space. Teacher and leader quality is more important to me. You may still prefer Garrison to both of those schools, and if you get in for K, great. But I would pick either Seaton or Thomson over Harriet Tubman, hands-down, going by test scores, reputation and a friend's experience at Tubman. Good luck! Some links: Short wait list: https://www.myschooldc.org/short-waitlists Garrison scores: https://stossepublicdocsprod.blob.core.windows.net/public-docs/dc-school-report-card/2021-22/profiles/001-0239(Garrison%20Elementary%20School).pdf Seaton scores: https://stossepublicdocsprod.blob.core.windows.net/public-docs/dc-school-report-card/2021-22/profiles/001-0309(Seaton%20Elementary%20School).pdf Thomson scores: https://stossepublicdocsprod.blob.core.windows.net/public-docs/dc-school-report-card/2021-22/profiles/001-0326(Thomson%20Elementary%20School).pdf |
Anonymous
Meant to say "I'm NOT sure" why Thomson isn't more popular...Sorry for my poor proofreading skills! |
Anonymous
| Garrison parent here. It is a lovely school - wishing you luck with the wait list! But it is bursting at the seams with more students staying. They are adding trailers for some of the specials to create more space as they need to add classrooms in upper grades to accommodate current students, which means a reduction in K classrooms. I believe they are going from 3 to 2. |
Anonymous
OMG. And to think they were trying to close the whole school down not so long ago! |