Middle school for sensitive, artistic kid

[Anonymous]

We are renting at the moment and our sensitive, artistic, on-grade-level 3rd grade daughter goes to a good public elementary with a not great in-bounds middle school. We moved to DC somewhat recently from a city where we could more easily afford private school, and she loved her old school - I think just because the classes (and the entire school) were small and the people were friendly. Honestly the public elementary school is pretty good too (also smallish and good class sizes) and she seems content. Trying to think about setting down roots and curious what you all would do in my shoes. Recognizing that middle school is always kind of a disaster and that lotteries are a long shot, what's the best approach?

My thoughts are generally that everyone says move in-bounds for Deal but given the size I'm just not convinced it's a great fit for her. Planning on applying for the lottery for both Latin campuses but assume we probably won't get in. So where else would you consider moving in-bounds for or trying to lottery for? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Maybe Inspired Teaching would be a good fit for this kind of kid?

[Anonymous]

(much better chance than the Latins).

[Anonymous]

If your daughter is in 3rd now, it's too early to enter the lottery for either Latin campus. They don't start until 5th. For 4th grade next year, try for Inspired Teaching in the lottery. Not so many spots in 4th, but more open up in 5th when some kids leave to go Latin and Basis for a known 5th-12th path. For a small middle school experience, she could stay at Inspired through 8th, but that may be even too small for you/her.

[Anonymous]

People in my neighborhood speak very highly about Stuart Hobson's arts programs. If you are not IB for SH feeder you might want to explore that so you can see if maybe worth it to move in at least 5th if the lottery doesn't work out.

[Anonymous]

It's a question of which high school you want, or are you comfortable moving for high school.

I would look at Sojourner Truth.

Lotteries are not always a long shot, it just depends on how desirable the school is relative to how many seats it offers.

[Anonymous]

100% try for Inspired.

[Anonymous]

Inspired Teaching, Truth, Francis-Stevens, Capital City, maybe Hardy. I think your odds are good if you lottery for schools or feeders for 4th, 5th, and 6th.

[Anonymous]

Keep renting and play the lottery. If you don't find something you like by MS, move. Rent again and wait to see if the school you go to is a good fit for your kid before buying.

[Anonymous]

My sensitive, artistic kid in a small school toured Deal and came away with a good impression. She liked that they had a theater program and music, and all the club options. It’s a big school, but they divide each grade up into smaller clusters, and kids have the option of going to the library at lunch to avoid the big cafeteria. My kid liked the principal and the kids leading our tour. She has always gone to a small school but we are going to try it and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Deal is big, but I get the impression that every kid can find their tribe there and they have the resources and size to do a lot of stuff that smaller schools can't really do. Lottery for ITDS or Latin if you want, but I'd still move in-bounds for Deal so you have access to the Jackson-Reed feeder pattern.

[Anonymous]

I know several kids with the disposition you describe for your daughter who have done or are currently doing really well at Ida B Wells. The classes are about 30 students but all have two teachers. The school also offers both visual arts and digital arts, as well as orchestra/band, all of which meet 2-3 times per week. The Schoolwide Enrichment Model clusters (held once weekly) also offer opportunities to participate in art, crafts, creative writing, etc.

Graduates of Wells have gone on to all of the DCPS application schools plus several privates.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to the Wells poster, good info to have!

People like our middle - School Without Walls at Francis-Stephens. The good thing for your daughter is that it's Prek-8 so she could enroll as soon as you move and then she wouldn't need to adjust to a brand new school for middle. Worth at least taking a look if you have another high school plan up your sleeve. The feeder high school, Cardozo, is not worth moving for (understatement of the year!!)

I have friends whose children currently attend and really like CHML's middle, which can be accessed from anywhere in the city. Classes are tiny. But getting in requires lottery luck. CHML has DCUM detractors, for what that's worth.

From what you describe, though, the Latins sound like the best fit. Wish it was a sure thing!

[Anonymous]

<Move to PG County and have your kid go to the public school for the arts, there are two of them that are K-8. They're awesome.