New to DCI-Anything we should know?

[Anonymous]

Curious as to why so many people dismiss dci and say it’s not immersion. We do not want an immersion middle school- I want my kids to continue in their foreign language but I don’t want them wasting time learning math and science in Spanish/French/Chinese.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious as to why so many people dismiss dci and say it’s not immersion. We do not want an immersion middle school- I want my kids to continue in their foreign language but I don’t want them wasting time learning math and science in Spanish/French/Chinese.

I think because it was originally billed as immersion, and a continuation for feeder families in immersion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. This is BS. There aren't plenty of native speaking families at Stokes. In fact, there are hardly any, maybe 2 or 3% of the students. You speak French? We do. Partial French immersion at DCI just isn't a serious thing. We wish things were different.

No horse in this race but allow me to say:

1. Then you weren't paying attention - that's on you
2. Then pay for private school that supports true fluency
3. You and your kind whine and piss and moan about this lack of language purity and everyone around you rolls their eyes and makes fun of your self importance and inflated sense of self

Comment dit-on "douchebag" en français?

[Anonymous]

PP isn’t wrong. The most advanced French at taught at DCI isn’t half as strong as the most rigorous Spanish. Ask around about recent IB Diploma HL and SL exam scores for French. Just not impressive. Name calling seems unlikely to improve matters.

[Anonymous]

Hi, we aren't in the French track but we had a great middle school experience (until COVID hit!). Our kid felt supported, has learned how to advocate for themselves. Ups and downs but I am dying for our 2nd kid to get off the dang waitlist for Spanish so we can be an all DCI household.

I think you will find there are quite a few "new" kids who did not come through the feeder schools. It should be fine for your child as far as that goes. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Curious as to why so many people dismiss dci and say it’s not immersion. We do not want an immersion middle school- I want my kids to continue in their foreign language but I don’t want them wasting time learning math and science in Spanish/French/Chinese.

I think because it was originally billed as immersion, and a continuation for feeder families in immersion.

What is your definition of immersion? Students do take elective classes in their target language.

[Anonymous]

What does it matter if it's one-way immersion, two-way immersion, partial immersion or whatever when most of the "advanced" French track students at DCI can barely speak French. This is reality, an inconvenient truth. You can't just wish it away with a label or definition of immersion that works for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is going to be in DCI French track for 6th grade this year. We don't know any one else going or anyone who has gone. We did a tour and have talked to the administration, but any advice, etc that people who have DCI experience would share?

My family has 2 children at DCI (sophomore & 7th grade) and we are happy there. To specifically address your unstated concern that your child won't know anyone and everyone else will know someone, it won't really be an issue. The feeder kids can and do mix a lot and my 7th-grade daughter has a good group of friends from other feeder schools and a friend who came in like your DC. It is easy to get out of your feeder school friend cohort if you choose to.

[Anonymous]

It'll be okay-- kids from the smaller feeders don't necessarily come in with a lot of actual friends even if they do have people that they know. And often times a new friend is exactly what a kid needs! Friend group shakeup at this age is super, super normal and isn't always a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is going to be in DCI French track for 6th grade this year. We don't know any one else going or anyone who has gone. We did a tour and have talked to the administration, but any advice, etc that people who have DCI experience would share?

Welcome to DCI! 🐉 We have two kids there and we're happy with their experiences at the school and I hope you will be as well.

They've both made lots of friends outside their original feeder cohort and kids quickly become "DCI students" as opposed to language-based feeder alumni groups, so don't fret about the language track.

I do suggest taking a look at all the after-school activities (a.k.a. ACE) for middle school (teams, clubs, etc.) it's a great place to make more friends outside the regular school day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC is going to be in DCI French track for 6th grade this year. We don't know any one else going or anyone who has gone. We did a tour and have talked to the administration, but any advice, etc that people who have DCI experience would share?

Welcome to DCI! 🐉 We have two kids there and we're happy with their experiences at the school and I hope you will be as well.

They've both made lots of friends outside their original feeder cohort and kids quickly become "DCI students" as opposed to language-based feeder alumni groups, so don't fret about the language track.

I do suggest taking a look at all the after-school activities (a.k.a. ACE) for middle school (teams, clubs, etc.) it's a great place to make more friends outside the regular school day.

Agree that one of the great benefits of DCI is all the extracurricular and sports offerings at the school. Kids meet lots of other kids outside of their classes and make new friends.

Biggest benefit of all though is not having to drive freakin everywhere after school for clubs and sports. Huge lifestyle game changer for kids and parents.

[Anonymous]

NP. Does DCI run a bus at all from the metro? If so which metro and how often in am and pm? If not, then how do the kids get to school from the metro?

As to after school clubs and sports, same question. Is there late bus between 5-6pm to metro?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. Does DCI run a bus at all from the metro? If so which metro and how often in am and pm? If not, then how do the kids get to school from the metro?

As to after school clubs and sports, same question. Is there late bus between 5-6pm to metro?

Kids walk along Aspen or Butternut to Takoma metro. Some take the 54 bus, but a lot walk with friends. Other kids will take the 50 buses south towards Columbia Heights or the S buses down 16th. It seems like there are always groups of kids walking to and from the metro in the mornings and afternoons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Does DCI run a bus at all from the metro? If so which metro and how often in am and pm? If not, then how do the kids get to school from the metro?

As to after school clubs and sports, same question. Is there late bus between 5-6pm to metro?

Kids walk along Aspen or Butternut to Takoma metro. Some take the 54 bus, but a lot walk with friends. Other kids will take the 50 buses south towards Columbia Heights or the S buses down 16th. It seems like there are always groups of kids walking to and from the metro in the mornings and afternoons.

PP has listed good public transportation options, but there is no dedicated DCI-run bus. Students are expected to take public transportation, which works out fine for most students.

[Anonymous]

The school has always promised partial immersion. Electives and Social Studies classes are offered in target languages for those students with higher levels of proficiency. My DS took at least 3 classes per day in his target language and graduated with the IB Diploma and the Seal of Biliteracy. We have another child leaving the Middle School and going into High School.

What is really important to know, IMHO, is that the new ED is VERY removed from students, families, and faculty. He is also not a big cheerleader of the IB or Language. Very different from the founding ED. Mr. Nace, the HS principal, is a gem and is the biggest draw for us to stay at DCI. He is truly the spirit of the school. Middle School has a new principal, and hopefully will improve a lot if the ED is more hands-on.

Overall, though, it's a great school because of the many long-term faculty and staff who believe in the model and advocate to protect it.