DCI vs Latin Cooper

[Anonymous]

Cured at a DCI feeder we like (love friends, community and teachers but admin is meh). We have a low number on the Latin Cooper waitlist and no guarantee at DCI. Applied to a few MS because we were concerned about the lack of guarantee for DCI MS and when the numbers came out in April we thought it would never move. It’s moved 30 spots and we are really close. I realize this is our decision but for those who have switch from an ES you were happy with and where your child was socially thriving how did you handle telling your child about the decision. I’ve see. A few threads about Cooper and DCI and nothing is perfect - both schools have critics but feeling really torn right now with what to do. Language is important but we are not a bilingual family and from what we understand kids only take TL plus maybe one more class in the TL so it’s not that different than taking a language in MS. Any thoughts or feedback on either school (and yes we have spoken to friends/our network at both Latin /and and DCI. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You know what they say about a bird in the hand.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to figure out which school you actually want. And if that's DCI, do some real analysis on whether you'll get in. Which language track are you?

I think this year everyone got in eventually even those who were initially waitlisted.

[Anonymous]

Are you substantially closer to DCI? Does your child really want to continue with the language? Those types of considerations can matter. It sounds like OP you overall want Cooper if you get a spot and that is a fine choice too.

[Anonymous]

I think so far all DCI feeder kids have gotten in. My kid is in middle school and likes DCI. I know kids at Latin and it seems well run. The two Latin locations are crazy different. One is really novice and one is a storage unit.

[Anonymous]

My child likes language and is dong well. Math has been a challenge and ELA good. Cooper is much closer to us and we are attracted to the small class size at Cooper but since this all came as a big surprise (moving up the WL) so fast we do t know that much about the school. We are a little concerned about the size of DCI and that it would like depending on how to place your child might only have one language class. Of course the guarantee of getting into MS/HS is attractive.

[Anonymous]

I know a lot of families at Latin Cooper (Hill families). Everyone I know is pretty happy with it. I don't know enough about DCI, but I wouldn't dismiss Latin Cooper.

[Anonymous]

Those are two fairly different schools, so you have to consider which would be a better fit for your kid. Also, you may wish to let them be a part of the decision (but be very clear on the parameters, like: "I want to hear your opinion, but we are going to make the final choice for you," if that's your plan). I think buy-in for middle school is very important.

Also do not discount commute and other nonacademic/logistical factors. And consider what you would do if you don't get a spot at DCI next year. Do you have a backup plan?

Just based on your post, I'd be more inclined to suggest Cooper, assuming your kid's buy-in, but there may be other factors you haven't mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child likes language and is dong well. Math has been a challenge and ELA good. Cooper is much closer to us and we are attracted to the small class size at Cooper but since this all came as a big surprise (moving up the WL) so fast we do t know that much about the school. We are a little concerned about the size of DCI and that it would like depending on how to place your child might only have one language class. Of course the guarantee of getting into MS/HS is attractive.

With this update, I’d definitely take Cooper. I wouldn’t risk a bad lottery draw with uncertain preference odds when you have a closer, smaller, and likely to be academically stronger option right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child likes language and is dong well. Math has been a challenge and ELA good. Cooper is much closer to us and we are attracted to the small class size at Cooper but since this all came as a big surprise (moving up the WL) so fast we do t know that much about the school. We are a little concerned about the size of DCI and that it would like depending on how to place your child might only have one language class. Of course the guarantee of getting into MS/HS is attractive.

With this update, I’d definitely take Cooper. I wouldn’t risk a bad lottery draw with uncertain preference odds when you have a closer, smaller, and likely to be academically stronger option right now.

This. OP just doesn't seem very enthused about DCI. And, if it isn't Spanish, I wouldn't totally rule out non-feeder DCI for 6th.

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay

[Anonymous]

But if it is Spanish, there shouldn't be any issues getting in next year. Even for schools with larger 5th classes, there will be space made by the schools with smaller 5th classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But if it is Spanish, there shouldn't be any issues getting in next year. Even for schools with larger 5th classes, there will be space made by the schools with smaller 5th classes.

+1. Also IMO DCI much better option. It’s more established, IB curriculum and IB diploma a plus, and much better facilities, sports, extracurriculars.

Also the language is not the same at all. Copper is very limited in language offerings and your kid will start language 101 from the beginning which is a huge waste of time if they even offer the same language.

DCI tracks and offers advance language instruction. Also my understanding is that if your kid is in the highest language track, about 1/2 their courses can be taught in the language. Now if your kid is in the lower language track, that would not be the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But if it is Spanish, there shouldn't be any issues getting in next year. Even for schools with larger 5th classes, there will be space made by the schools with smaller 5th classes.

+1. Also IMO DCI much better option. It’s more established, IB curriculum and IB diploma a plus, and much better facilities, sports, extracurriculars.

Also the language is not the same at all. Copper is very limited in language offerings and your kid will start language 101 from the beginning which is a huge waste of time if they even offer the same language.

DCI tracks and offers advance language instruction. Also my understanding is that if your kid is in the highest language track, about 1/2 their courses can be taught in the language. Now if your kid is in the lower language track, that would not be the case.

At DCI they can get Spanish, social studies, and an elective like art in Spanish afaik. Not quite half the classes. If on the higher language track they can request to add an additional language in 7th.

Prior to COVID I would have chosen Latin. Post-pandemic lockdowns, Latin has moved more onto computers than before. Their lower tech focus had been a selling point for me but now I'm not sure the difference is that big.

From anecdotal conversations, my friend with kids at DCI found the school better than they had expected. And friends at Latin (original campus) found the school a little worse than they had expected.

[Anonymous]

Cooper is like being in elementary school again. Small building, same class, limited facilities, limited courses, etc…

DCI is your typical middle school experience. Different classes with lots different kids, lots of interests to pursue outside academics after school, lots sports and clubs. Much more diverse.

[Anonymous]

We are in French and understand this years 5th grade got in but, not sure what next year holds. Our child has a great cohort of friends and so moving would be socially hard (we know two kids who are going to Cooper). I like PPs suggestions of involving our child in the discussion and appreciate the clarification about language instruction at DCI. It won’t be an easy decision with pros and cons for both.