Stokes vs Inspired

[Anonymous]

Pk3-5th(removing DCI from the equation), Could anyone provide insight into which is the better program all around? Curriculum, environment, parent groups, facilities etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pk3-5th(removing DCI from the equation), Could anyone provide insight into which is the better program all around? Curriculum, environment, parent groups, facilities etc?

This makes no sense. Do you want languages and prioritize that or not? If not then go to Inspired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pk3-5th(removing DCI from the equation), Could anyone provide insight into which is the better program all around? Curriculum, environment, parent groups, facilities etc?

This makes no sense. Do you want languages and prioritize that or not? If not then go to Inspired.

So are there not poorly run schools that provide an alternative language component? For some that isn't a differentiator, just a bonus. Every school still has their own plusses and minuses outside of "do you want language" or not.

[Anonymous]

When adjusting for the percentage of students who are at risk, the test scores are definitely higher at inspired. But stokes gives you immersion.

[Anonymous]

Don’t have a kid at either school, but both were on our list with Stokes ahead of Inspired. The key differentiators were (1) stokes had much more of a community feel (we’re in the neighborhood), and (2) even though I don’t care all that much about my kid actually learning another language fluently, there’s all sorts of psychological and mental benefits to language exposure at a young age.

I think my husband would have put inspired first, and the differentiator for him would have been how overtly progressive they are (which was to me a bit much…)

[Anonymous]

I can't speak to the Stokes experience at all, but I can share I have multiple kids who have gone through ITDS, from pk3 to 8th grade graduate. In general we've had a good experience. With a small school, sometimes it can be hard for a student to find their friend group or to deal with other kids who are bothering them so I know some families have struggled when their kid is experiencing social issues/bullying. It hasn't been an issue in our family but noting it. We've had strong social connections with families (easier when you start when your kid is younger), and kids are doing very well academically. I'm not sure what the PP meant about being overtly progressive, but as a family with multiple, non-dominant identities it's been a safe and welcoming (not just tolerant) place for us on multiple levels. They've expanded the building to be able to use the basement as a learning and enrichment space (with tons of natural light) but sometimes the classrooms or other flex spaces can feel tight. Having the Edgewood field and playground right behind the school offers great space and resources beyond what the school offers directly. The staff cares deeply for the kids.

[Anonymous]

I do roll my eyes at their constant self-regarding progressive posturing. Everything is "intentional", and whatever they do, they assure you that it's for equity. If they change what they're doing, that will also be for equity. Wokey woke woke, it feels pretty dated. Some of the parents love it, some roll their eyes. Having said that, the academics are real and overall performance is on par with demographics.

I think Stokes may have more of the downsides of a small school, because there's one French class and one Spanish class and that's who you're with, every year. ITDS has two classes per grade and mixes them up each year so at least you have some variety of peers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pk3-5th(removing DCI from the equation), Could anyone provide insight into which is the better program all around? Curriculum, environment, parent groups, facilities etc?

This makes no sense. Do you want languages and prioritize that or not? If not then go to Inspired.

So are there not poorly run schools that provide an alternative language component? For some that isn't a differentiator, just a bonus. Every school still has their own plusses and minuses outside of "do you want language" or not.

Sure there are. SSMA! Mundo Verde used to be one as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to the Stokes experience at all, but I can share I have multiple kids who have gone through ITDS, from pk3 to 8th grade graduate. In general we've had a good experience. With a small school, sometimes it can be hard for a student to find their friend group or to deal with other kids who are bothering them so I know some families have struggled when their kid is experiencing social issues/bullying. It hasn't been an issue in our family but noting it. We've had strong social connections with families (easier when you start when your kid is younger), and kids are doing very well academically. I'm not sure what the PP meant about being overtly progressive, but as a family with multiple, non-dominant identities it's been a safe and welcoming (not just tolerant) place for us on multiple levels. They've expanded the building to be able to use the basement as a learning and enrichment space (with tons of natural light) but sometimes the classrooms or other flex spaces can feel tight. Having the Edgewood field and playground right behind the school offers great space and resources beyond what the school offers directly. The staff cares deeply for the kids.

As a family of color, this was not our experience at ITDS, though admittedly we were there some time ago and for not as long as PP. We found that there were definitely some among both the administration and the families who claim to be progressive but are very white-centering.

YMMV, obviously.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure how it is at Stokes, but at ITDS it can be a baffling barrage of buzzwords and consultant-speak when they try to communicate about anything slightly sensitive. Almost as if they'd like to filibuster and avoid leaving time for questions. Also some of the staff is pretty poor at managing behavior despite having a favorable adult-child ratio. I do think the teachers are caring, though.

I really like how ITDS has a musical and all kids in grades 2-4 get to be in it. Definitely a highlight for my kids.