Two Rivers Waitlist Movement

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think the OP said anything about adopted children, etc. It seems like an honest question of ensuring that a sibling is a sibling (whether through marriage, adoption, as a half-sibling, etc.) and that the adult applying the child is the legal guardian, etc. Something that I honestly hadn't thought of but is a concern. It's quite a leap to think this question somehow implies that the OP was trying to define a family unit solely as biologial moms and dads. You're looking for a fight where there does not appear to be any.

OP here. I never said anything about sibling preference, biological, adopted or otherwise. My original question was about the reality/probability of K waitlist movement at two rivers.

[Anonymous]

I'd be really surprised if the above story about someone's niece getting sibling preference via a cousin at Haynes is true, unless the cousins share a household. The Charter schools rules are pretty clear about what preferences are allowed. And, I double Haynes is violating the rules.

I suspect PP is a toll looking to stir up controversy. But, if you are on the Haynes wait list, you could always report to the Charter School Board and see if they are willing to look into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd be really surprised if the above story about someone's niece getting sibling preference via a cousin at Haynes is true, unless the cousins share a household. The Charter schools rules are pretty clear about what preferences are allowed. And, I double Haynes is violating the rules.

I suspect PP is a toll looking to stir up controversy. But, if you are on the Haynes wait list, you could always report to the Charter School Board and see if they are willing to look into it.

Well, it is true. Rules are not always followed.

[Anonymous]

My point is, Charters try very hard to follow the rules b/c they risk their Charter if the rules are violated.

[Anonymous]

I reported the story to the head of school, we'll see how she responds. If I'm not satisfied I'll bump it to the board.

[Anonymous]

Poster with the "niece"...are you the legal guardian? Maybe that's why preference is given? I agree that it's unlikely Haynes would risk a ding to their charter promising a spot to a non-sibling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think the OP said anything about adopted children, etc. It seems like an honest question of ensuring that a sibling is a sibling (whether through marriage, adoption, as a half-sibling, etc.) and that the adult applying the child is the legal guardian, etc. Something that I honestly hadn't thought of but is a concern. It's quite a leap to think this question somehow implies that the OP was trying to define a family unit solely as biologial moms and dads. You're looking for a fight where there does not appear to be any.

OP here. I never said anything about sibling preference, biological, adopted or otherwise. My original question was about the reality/probability of K waitlist movement at two rivers.

Sorry OP. Sometimes threads veer off on a tangent and then take on a life of their own.

I find it VERY hard to believe a school like Haynes would risk their reputation by breaking the rules in this fashion. I'll give the benefit of the doubt and suspect a misunderstanding (as opposed to suspecting the PP is just trying to stir up controversy).

[Anonymous]

From experience with charter, dcps and private, a waitlist spot in single digits is about 60-70% likely to get in for pre-k and k. Once you hit double digits it's a toss up. For same-aged or very close in age siblings (twins, adopted) or kids under guardianship (foster, step, etc), double check with school on the process and availability for all your kids.

In general, it seems highly unlikely that there is rampant abuse in waitlist and enrollment preferences in DCPS and charters. There are many many mistakes, misunderstandings and miscommunications. There are lots of complicating factors like DCPS boundary changes from closings, new online DCPS system, recession moving people to public from private, Fenty kids OOB, increasing demand for charters, etc.

In general it is not really in a school's interest to cheat on address or guardianship. Both systems are audited and can lose funds without verifiable info. Charters that don't follow guidelines or get lots of complaints could lose their charter.

Unfortunately, frustration and disappointment often breed conspiracy theories. (Check out the private school forum. Yikes!)

Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From experience with charter, dcps and private, a waitlist spot in single digits is about 60-70% likely to get in for pre-k and k. Once you hit double digits it's a toss up. For same-aged or very close in age siblings (twins, adopted) or kids under guardianship (foster, step, etc), double check with school on the process and availability for all your kids.

Thank you for your insight. We're in the top 15 for Two Rivers, but in the top 5 for another charter, which is my 1st choice. I'm just hoping it's well before school begins that the list actually moves.

[Anonymous]

You are in a good spot! Try to be optimistic. And yes, we would all love to get our children's education plans squared away a few months in advance (crazy, right!?) but unfortunately it may be August when you get that call. So try to hang in there and trust that it will work out. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Poster with the "niece"...are you the legal guardian? Maybe that's why preference is given? I agree that it's unlikely Haynes would risk a ding to their charter promising a spot to a non-sibling.

I refuse to say more regarding this....I wish to keep my child at the school and do not want anyone to get oust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From experience with charter, dcps and private, a waitlist spot in single digits is about 60-70% likely to get in for pre-k and k. Once you hit double digits it's a toss up. For same-aged or very close in age siblings (twins, adopted) or kids under guardianship (foster, step, etc), double check with school on the process and availability for all your kids.

OP here. Thanks 14:48. Your post has given me some hope that we may get in. I'll keep my fingers crossed, pray for the best but still have a backup plan. Thanks 16:36, we'll be expecting your update after the registration orientation.

[Anonymous]

We got in for PreK and will be taking the spot. Next week there are two registration orientation sessions for new students. According to the letter we received families MUST attend one of the orientations or they will otherwise lose their child's spot. So if there are no-shows for the grade you are seeking, it might mean the waitlist will move. Plus, according to the letter if a student isn't registered by April 30, they lose their spot. So the first week in May you should really call them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got in for PreK and will be taking the spot. Next week there are two registration orientation sessions for new students. According to the letter we received families MUST attend one of the orientations or they will otherwise lose their child's spot. So if there are no-shows for the grade you are seeking, it might mean the waitlist will move. Plus, according to the letter if a student isn't registered by April 30, they lose their spot. So the first week in May you should really call them.

That's good to know. I know of other charters that have mandatory deadlines and sessions and they get booted if they are a no show.

[Anonymous]

We were in the top 20 on the waitlist for PS - just removed our name - we accepted a spot at another DC Charter.
So one more off the list!