DC White flight - what will it mean for education?

[Anonymous]

Honestly at this point I don't know why anyone who can afford a million dollar house lives in DC proper anymore. The race to the bottom and throwing your tax money away while Rome burns must be infuriating

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Im not Black. But this forum is toxic about race and education. I’m a Banneker parent and refuse to click on Banneker threads. My kid attends school with many extremely bright students. It’s gross! And it’s all parents who don’t have kids at the school chiming in with racist vitriol. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.

I also have only heard people say in couched comments what I read here. As a non white person tje words i hear used are “schools aren’t focused on academics” or “kids aren’t ready to learn” or they don’t have a “strong language program” or “there might be a gang presence”. I imagine they’re more direct around whites only.

I don't know how to reassure you but I'm a white parent of DCPS kids that has never heard another white parent speak in negative terms about Black people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly at this point I don't know why anyone who can afford a million dollar house lives in DC proper anymore. The race to the bottom and throwing your tax money away while Rome burns must be infuriating

Only people from the exurbs call it “DC proper.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly at this point I don't know why anyone who can afford a million dollar house lives in DC proper anymore. The race to the bottom and throwing your tax money away while Rome burns must be infuriating

Beautiful homes and historic streets, walkability, shorter commutes, opportunities to try a new restaurant and/or cultural event every night. It only seems like it’s “burning” if you’re a Fox News junkie who hasn’t stepped foot in DC in years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Im not Black. But this forum is toxic about race and education. I’m a Banneker parent and refuse to click on Banneker threads. My kid attends school with many extremely bright students. It’s gross! And it’s all parents who don’t have kids at the school chiming in with racist vitriol. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.

I also have only heard people say in couched comments what I read here. As a non white person tje words i hear used are “schools aren’t focused on academics” or “kids aren’t ready to learn” or they don’t have a “strong language program” or “there might be a gang presence”. I imagine they’re more direct around whites only.

Maybe they mean exactly what they are saying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Im not Black. But this forum is toxic about race and education. I’m a Banneker parent and refuse to click on Banneker threads. My kid attends school with many extremely bright students. It’s gross! And it’s all parents who don’t have kids at the school chiming in with racist vitriol. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.

I also have only heard people say in couched comments what I read here. As a non white person tje words i hear used are “schools aren’t focused on academics” or “kids aren’t ready to learn” or they don’t have a “strong language program” or “there might be a gang presence”. I imagine they’re more direct around whites only.

Maybe they mean exactly what they are saying?

But where is the drama in that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Im not Black. But this forum is toxic about race and education. I’m a Banneker parent and refuse to click on Banneker threads. My kid attends school with many extremely bright students. It’s gross! And it’s all parents who don’t have kids at the school chiming in with racist vitriol. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.

I also have only heard people say in couched comments what I read here. As a non white person tje words i hear used are “schools aren’t focused on academics” or “kids aren’t ready to learn” or they don’t have a “strong language program” or “there might be a gang presence”. I imagine they’re more direct around whites only.

I don't know how to reassure you but I'm a white parent of DCPS kids that has never heard another white parent speak in negative terms about Black people.

White parent here, and I've had other white parents ask me in private if I was concerned about the demographics in the upper grades. But yes, usually they are less direct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly at this point I don't know why anyone who can afford a million dollar house lives in DC proper anymore. The race to the bottom and throwing your tax money away while Rome burns must be infuriating

You don’t know many people, apparently. Most houses in NW cost more than $1M, and lots of us send our kids to Adams, Hardy, Deal, Wilson, Walls, and Banneker.

Enjoy living in suburbia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Yes! I USUALLY resist engaging. I am hyperaware that many of these posters are fellow parents who smile in our faces and talk trash about Black people on anonymous forums.

Curious. Do you live in NW? If not, are you cool with the middle school status quo in the rest of the city? Do you think it’s racist to offer advanced classes in middle school? I genuinely care about your perspective.

I’m the person you are responding to above. No, I do not live in NW. What I will say is that I do not want my children to be an “other” or referred to that way. It is very divisive and can wreak havoc on my children’s self esteem. Most kids are capable. Some need more help than others - both black kids AND white kids, and kids of other ethnicities who are often left out of these discussions. We teach our children to respect others, find similarities whenever they can and champion the causes of others. We build. We do not tear down.

The comments on here do champion a cause but I feel like my children are not part of the “we.” Instead, it’s “us” and “you people” or “well, not really you people but those other people that look like you and you identify with culturally.” I realize those thoughts may come from a minority, but these types of thoughts can spread like wild fire. History tell us how dangerous they can be.

Yes, my children will likely stay in DC Public for middle school. Yes, we are aware that the majority of DC kids are behind in core subjects. We think the teachers are great and they challenge our kids when feasible. Whenever there are groups of kids who are excelling in a subject, teachers find a way to differentiate. We absolutely hope and pray that DC Middle Schools increase in rigor and challenge all kids. Yes, I want the same things that you do for your kids - but I want them for your kids, my kids and everybody’s kids.

I can only deal with DCUM in small doses. So, I just came back to read responses. I don’t usually post here but someone out there is being influenced by this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Yes! I USUALLY resist engaging. I am hyperaware that many of these posters are fellow parents who smile in our faces and talk trash about Black people on anonymous forums.

Curious. Do you live in NW? If not, are you cool with the middle school status quo in the rest of the city? Do you think it’s racist to offer advanced classes in middle school? I genuinely care about your perspective.

Please note the radio silence when you ask people like PPP whether they support advanced classes in MS. They introduce segregationist and racist tropes to demonize anyone who dares demand academic rigor, but then go silent when the question direct and specific questions about advanced MS classes are asked.

You should pay people like this no mind. They don't have a solution; they like to sit around and complain. They talk about changing demographics without acknowledging that DC schools are hell of better now than they were 30 years ago. Facts are inconvenient. Solutions are not the ultimate aim. The point of their exercise is to be victims in their own minds.

White fragility much? Maybe try again once you have learned the basics about structural racism?

Structural racism is part of the reason there are few classes for advanced learners EOTR.

Also WOTR. There are few classes for advanced learners anywhere in the city in public schools. That's the point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Yes! I USUALLY resist engaging. I am hyperaware that many of these posters are fellow parents who smile in our faces and talk trash about Black people on anonymous forums.

Curious. Do you live in NW? If not, are you cool with the middle school status quo in the rest of the city? Do you think it’s racist to offer advanced classes in middle school? I genuinely care about your perspective.

I’m the person you are responding to above. No, I do not live in NW. What I will say is that I do not want my children to be an “other” or referred to that way. It is very divisive and can wreak havoc on my children’s self esteem. Most kids are capable. Some need more help than others - both black kids AND white kids, and kids of other ethnicities who are often left out of these discussions. We teach our children to respect others, find similarities whenever they can and champion the causes of others. We build. We do not tear down.

The comments on here do champion a cause but I feel like my children are not part of the “we.” Instead, it’s “us” and “you people” or “well, not really you people but those other people that look like you and you identify with culturally.” I realize those thoughts may come from a minority, but these types of thoughts can spread like wild fire. History tell us how dangerous they can be.

Yes, my children will likely stay in DC Public for middle school. Yes, we are aware that the majority of DC kids are behind in core subjects. We think the teachers are great and they challenge our kids when feasible. Whenever there are groups of kids who are excelling in a subject, teachers find a way to differentiate. We absolutely hope and pray that DC Middle Schools increase in rigor and challenge all kids. Yes, I want the same things that you do for your kids - but I want them for your kids, my kids and everybody’s kids.

I can only deal with DCUM in small doses. So, I just came back to read responses. I don’t usually post here but someone out there is being influenced by this

I’m the PP. Thanks for your thoughts and the work you put into your response. And know that I took it to heart.

[Anonymous]

I think living in DC is education itself. These kids have access to American history, culture, politics, sports and a lot more. Being able to take public transport opens up so many opportunities for teens. You experience all sort of diversity here.

You've access to so many internships, jobs and volunteer opportunities. For a go getter kid, sky is the limit here. You can have great education, have amazing experiences and build great resume to get into any college you want. Elite colleges value these experiences and have best financial aid programs to avoid debt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. As a Black middle class parent, I cringe when I read DCUM posts about race and schools. I have never had any conversations with my white friends about these matters but I imagine they happen, just not when I’m around. It then makes it awkward when I’m in a group and wonder what they are really thinking. Can anyone else relate?

Yes! I USUALLY resist engaging. I am hyperaware that many of these posters are fellow parents who smile in our faces and talk trash about Black people on anonymous forums.

Curious. Do you live in NW? If not, are you cool with the middle school status quo in the rest of the city? Do you think it’s racist to offer advanced classes in middle school? I genuinely care about your perspective.

Please note the radio silence when you ask people like PPP whether they support advanced classes in MS. They introduce segregationist and racist tropes to demonize anyone who dares demand academic rigor, but then go silent when the question direct and specific questions about advanced MS classes are asked.

You should pay people like this no mind. They don't have a solution; they like to sit around and complain. They talk about changing demographics without acknowledging that DC schools are hell of better now than they were 30 years ago. Facts are inconvenient. Solutions are not the ultimate aim. The point of their exercise is to be victims in their own minds.

White fragility much? Maybe try again once you have learned the basics about structural racism?

Structural racism is part of the reason there are few classes for advanced learners EOTR.

Also WOTR. There are few classes for advanced learners anywhere in the city in public schools. That's the point.

Get tutor or self prep for AP classes, do dual enrollment with community colleges. Take online/in person classes at universities. There are tons of opportunities for students and families. Also, colleges judge you according to your resources. If your school didn't have AP courses and you took 2 with self prep or took one at community college, it would make you look better than student whose school everyone had access to AP classes. There is a reason suburban students with great resume end up at ho hum schools.

[Anonymous]

Elite colleges want go getters not spoon fed applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Elite colleges want go getters not spoon fed applicants.

Yet they'll still fill out their classes with boarding school kids and kids from elite privates (the Harvard Westlakes, not anything in this city)