Piggybacking on Obama's remarks....

[Anonymous]

We have the resources for private and choose dcps. Private wasn't even a consideration for us; we believe in public schools.

[Anonymous]

20:46 What grade is your oldest in?

[Anonymous]

There's really two big differences in this: when you're entering a pre-k thru 4th grader DCPS is an easy answer, especially in proven good publics. It's trickier in 5-12, when Deal/Hardy are the only proven options for MS and Wilson, SWW, Wilson for HS (and Banneker). We did DCPS for years for two kids and the older has placed just fine for MS privaely, but we hate the tuition. Number 2 is still in public but again, we're not in boundary for Deal/Hardy so must do the dance everywhere. AS happy as I am for my kids' pals to be in-boundary and guaranteed spots at Deal/Hardy, it's sickening that the only guaranteed spots go to truly not needy families --Key, Hyde, Stoddert, Lafayette, Mann, etc...just check the Deal web site for "buddy days" and you'll see exclusive rights to these schools. SO, we pay the cost for older kid, and are prepared to pay for the younger...is it worth it?? Yes so far, but only because I couldn't sleep at night if I "faked" an in-boundary address for Deal when so many OOB kids should have that spot who can't afford my option.

[Anonymous]

That's why I asked the age of 20:46's child/children. We did public through Grade 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's why I asked the age of 20:46's child/children. We did public through Grade 6.

My oldest just started school--pre-K. If we have concerns about quality of education in the later years, we'll move or go charter. We're lucky to be in the Murch/Deal/Wilson boundary, so our hope and expectation is that we'll stick with DCPS.

[Anonymous]

SWW takes kids with pretty low scores -- none of the elite privates do that. Look at the SWW website for stats...I'm not doing your homework for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SWW takes kids with pretty low scores -- none of the elite privates do that. Look at the SWW website for stats...I'm not doing your homework for you.

My top 25 university took some kids with pretty low test scores -- it doesn't mean it wasn't an excellent place to get an education.

[Anonymous]

Obama opens his mouth and a lot of waste spews out. Liberals are getting a dose of their own medicine. I bet you wish he would just shut up now. All those years of making fun of GW Bush have come back to haunt you. Obama wasn't qualified to be president but you love hopey and changey.

[Anonymous]

12:44 Yes, some of the elite private schools take some UM's with low scores.

[Anonymous]

10:54 That was my expectation, too. But after three principals and several superintendents and Chancellor Rhee, the disruption and spotty curriculum proved too much for stalwart public school supporters like us.

[Anonymous]

"it's sickening that the only guaranteed spots go to truly not needy families --Key, Hyde, Stoddert, Lafayette, Mann, etc...just check the Deal web site for "buddy days" and you'll see exclusive rights to these schools."

Huh? The reason Deal is a better quality school is because of the number of high SES kids who go there. Open it up to "needy families" and the change in demographics is going to change the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's trickier in 5-12, when Deal/Hardy are the only proven options for MS and Wilson, SWW, Wilson for HS (and Banneker). We did DCPS for years for two kids and the older has placed just fine for MS privaely, but we hate the tuition.

We have been very happy with Latin for MS. DC is in 6th and loves it (except for the commute and uniform). I think facilities leave a lot to be desired, but the teachers are great and DC is thriving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"it's sickening that the only guaranteed spots go to truly not needy families --Key, Hyde, Stoddert, Lafayette, Mann, etc...just check the Deal web site for "buddy days" and you'll see exclusive rights to these schools."

Huh? The reason Deal is a better quality school is because of the number of high SES kids who go there. Open it up to "needy families" and the change in demographics is going to change the school.

Are you suggesting that only the children with parents who have high incomes or wealth are entitled to new school facilities, multiple language classes to choose from, science laboratories, and small insular academies? That is what Deal offers, while children in other sections of the city are denied all four.

[Anonymous]

18:44 -- Exactly - as in I'm with you. Public Education's success cannot be about quasi-private nice quarters in lovely parts of leafy-green DC and then explain its success is by NATURE because it's difficult to gain OOB entry. Since I'm so pissed off by the other poster's rhetoric I think I'll begin pushing for Deal to become a city-wide magnet. That will get those families jumping for safety while showing their true belief in a level playing field for all of our city's children....that said, I know several great Deal families who wouldn't want it to serve such exclusive purpose, and who choose to remainin DCPS via Deal do so for the diversity that, thankfully, still exists at least right now...

[Anonymous]

You're pissed off that I pointed out the basic educational fact that socio-economic demographics greatly influence the quality of a school? I think it is horrible that only 20% of kids in SE are proficient in reading and writing, but moving them to Deal isn't going to fix that.

And the claim that upper NW schools are better because they get more money or better treatment from DCPS is just really not supported by the facts.

Oh, and BTW, facts are different from "rhetoric."