LAMB, Bridges, Inspired Teaching, and EL Haynes

[Anonymous]

OP Thanks for additional recent input.
Much of what is written about these schools is dated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cap City is impossible to get in. We were #14 on the ps3 waitlist and by end of Sept. we only moved up two slots to #12. Almost all of the movement on the waitlist is for newly admitted siblings.

last year was a unique year for CCPCS - and I would not use it as standard.
A few things:
1. They introduced the PreS 3 program
2. They doubled in size for all elementary classes

Item #2 meant that there were many new families that got spots throughout the school. When a family completed enrollment paper work for one child, the siblings jumped to the top of the waitlist for their grades. As you might imagine, there was quite a bit of this that happened. In the future, this situation will be the exception.

[Anonymous]

Not trying to be snarky,OP. You have about a .00004% of getting into any of them so really, it worth very little of your time worrying whether the teachers are warm and nurturing at this point. It's just not a rational decision to put this much energy into thinking about schools that your child will likely never attend.

You need to be putting this energy into researching the schools that you can live with and at which you have a much more likely chance of getting a slot. Those are the schools where the nurturing teachers and such are really going to make the difference for you and your child.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is a PS3er at Inspired Teaching, and I'm really pleased with our experience so far.

I love the learning environment, which lets her explore her interests and encourages independent thinking and exploring. So far my DD tends to gravitate toward mathematics and building things, which I might never have known had she stayed at the private school/daycare in VA she attended prior to IT. Her teachers are nurturing, creative and energetic, and the parent community is highly supportive and just incredible.

I agree with PPs who said the archives are a good source of info; yes, the posts are older, but most are still relevant. However, I also think OP is smart to ask about current info for the schools, and to ask here -- I did a lot of my school research on DCUM, posted questions, and based my school choices for the lottery on info I got here and from other parent boards/online resources.

OP, if you have specific questions about IT, please post and I'll answer as fully as I can. While not trying to be a "school booster," I can honestly say I have found all of the positives that were posted about IT in previous threads to be true. The only thing I ever remember seeing that was questionable about IT were some comments about the principal being young and somewhat stand-offish. At the time all when I read those comments, there were others that indicated that the principal was extremely capable and quite warm with the students. I have found all of these comments to be true.

The principal is young, younger than me; she can seem standoffish to some. However, as a former teacher, I can appreciate that; I taught high school at a relatively young age, and it took a certain reserve just to run an effective classroom, so I can imagine what it must be like to head up a staff and an entire school. She is very warm with the students, it's actually really amazing to watch the quiet transformation that occurs when she puts her arms around a child, which she does frequently. And as a volunteer at IT, I have watched her handle some really challenging situations quickly, calmly and effectively.

Full disclosure, I applied to all of the schools you're asking about, and while I would have been happy to get into any of them, I was most interested in EL Haynes, basically because the program is strong and goes thru high school, and IT because of its learning model and student/parent community. We didn't get into LAMB or EL Haynes; I got a notice about three weeks into the school year that Bridges still had spaces, but my DD was/is very happy at IT, so we opted to stay.

I'm not doing the lottery this year .

P.S. I agree with another PP who said not to invest too much in any school until you get your lottery number and know your chances of getting in -- I didn't go to any open houses until I got lottery numbers, and saved myself a lot of time/anxiety. You'll have to throw your energy into making whatever school you get into/choose the best possible experience for your DC, and that's easier if you don't have the disappointment of having your heart set on one and then not getting in.

GL!

[Anonymous]

What kind of challenging situations?

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is a PS3er at Inspired Teaching, and I'm really pleased with our experience so far.

I love the learning environment, which lets her explore her interests and encourages independent thinking and exploring. So far my DD tends to gravitate toward mathematics and building things, which I might never have known had she stayed at the private school/daycare in VA she attended prior to IT. Her teachers are nurturing, creative and energetic, and the parent community is highly supportive and just incredible.

I agree with PPs who said the archives are a good source of info; yes, the posts are older, but most are still relevant. However, I also think OP is smart to ask about current info for the schools, and to ask here -- I did a lot of my school research on DCUM, posted questions, and based my school choices for the lottery on info I got here and from other parent boards/online resources.

OP, if you have specific questions about IT, please post and I'll answer as fully as I can. While not trying to be a "school booster," I can honestly say I have found all of the positives that were posted about IT in previous threads to be true. The only thing I ever remember seeing that was questionable about IT were some comments about the principal being young and somewhat stand-offish. At the time all when I read those comments, there were others that indicated that the principal was extremely capable and quite warm with the students. I have found all of these comments to be true.

The principal is young, younger than me; she can seem standoffish to some. However, as a former teacher, I can appreciate that; I taught high school at a relatively young age, and it took a certain reserve just to run an effective classroom, so I can imagine what it must be like to head up a staff and an entire school. She is very warm with the students, it's actually really amazing to watch the quiet transformation that occurs when she puts her arms around a child, which she does frequently. And as a volunteer at IT, I have watched her handle some really challenging situations quickly, calmly and effectively.

Full disclosure, I applied to all of the schools you're asking about, and while I would have been happy to get into any of them, I was most interested in EL Haynes, basically because the program is strong and goes thru high school, and IT because of its learning model and student/parent community. We didn't get into LAMB or EL Haynes; I got a notice about three weeks into the school year that Bridges still had spaces, but my DD was/is very happy at IT, so we opted to stay.

I'm not doing the lottery this year .

P.S. I agree with another PP who said not to invest too much in any school until you get your lottery number and know your chances of getting in -- I didn't go to any open houses until I got lottery numbers, and saved myself a lot of time/anxiety. You'll have to throw your energy into making whatever school you get into/choose the best possible experience for your DC, and that's easier if you don't have the disappointment of having your heart set on one and then not getting in.

GL!

[Anonymous]

I'd apply to all of the schools you've mentioned, and more. When, or more likely if, you get a spot, then you can investigate further. The PS3 waitlist for IT was over 300 last year. The waitlist for Bridges was shorter. Hardly anyone gets into LAMB. When we applied our waitlist number was in the 500's!

FYI my son is in his second year at IT and we are hoping to stay all the way through to Middle School.

[Anonymous]

Another IT parent here, DD is also PS3. First, I want to say I find the principal to be quite friendly and warm. She is very visible around the building and always warmly greets my family by name. I haven't had any cause to meet with her but I have no complaints.

My DD is thriving at IT. We feel fortunate to have gotten in during the initial lottery. We were wait listed at Mundo Verde and LAMB (I speak Spanish so those schools were appealing), we never heard from those schools (wait list # 200+ and 180 something, respectively).

Also happy to answer IT questions. I really like the engaged parent community, quality of the teachers, walkable location (for us). We hope to stay through 8th grade and then move to private or move. We're zoned for Cardozo FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Another 2nd year IT parent here. I'd like to echo the sentiments above. To answer a question above about what situations the Principal and Director have handled so eloquently. There have been a few incidents where the admin and staff have proven to be fast acting, responsive, safe and effective leaders. There was the earthquake first week of school last year as well as a small fire in a the building (trash fire, no injuries). There was a break in at the former building that wasn't noticed until hours until school was set to open and the principal was quick to notify us via text, email, and cell about what happened and had quick backup plan to enter school via a separate location (the kids were none the wiser). This year, on Dec 14, the morning of the Sandy Hook tragedy, as we watched with terror and tears as the news unfolded, we received word that IT was on lock down due to a suspicious person outside the building with what appeared to have concealed weapon. You can imagine the terror we were feeling and the relief we felt when the principal was updated quickly thereafter about every detail that occurred and what was going on in the classrooms. Turned out it was a teenager with a water gun that was playing pranks completely separate and not related to our school. Nonetheless, the way in which the principal and director handle these events as well as the running of the school as a whole is something that wows me. That day, they were visually shaken upon hearing what happened in CT (as we all were), they were outside greeting every parent with warm hugs and answers to any questions. IT really is a special place. The teachers are incredible and I thank my lucky stars that I took a chance on a starting charter in 2011. There will be students given spots off the lottery, there aren't that many siblings yet, so please don't let that deter you from applying. I'm not saying IT is perfect, there are some things that are lacking organizationally, but the recent collaboration with the YMCA is really exciting and my DC loves the art and dance teachers as well. Aftercare is just ok, but parents are great as is the IFA (family association) and the parents are always working to do other aftercare ventures like swimming, potential scouting opportunities, sports etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another 2nd year IT parent here. I'd like to echo the sentiments above. To answer a question above about what situations the Principal and Director have handled so eloquently. There have been a few incidents where the admin and staff have proven to be fast acting, responsive, safe and effective leaders. There was the earthquake first week of school last year as well as a small fire in a the building (trash fire, no injuries). There was a break in at the former building that wasn't noticed until hours until school was set to open and the principal was quick to notify us via text, email, and cell about what happened and had quick backup plan to enter school via a separate location (the kids were none the wiser). This year, on Dec 14, the morning of the Sandy Hook tragedy, as we watched with terror and tears as the news unfolded, we received word that IT was on lock down due to a suspicious person outside the building with what appeared to have concealed weapon. You can imagine the terror we were feeling and the relief we felt when the principal was updated quickly thereafter about every detail that occurred and what was going on in the classrooms. Turned out it was a teenager with a water gun that was playing pranks completely separate and not related to our school. Nonetheless, the way in which the principal and director handle these events as well as the running of the school as a whole is something that wows me. That day, they were visually shaken upon hearing what happened in CT (as we all were), they were outside greeting every parent with warm hugs and answers to any questions. IT really is a special place. The teachers are incredible and I thank my lucky stars that I took a chance on a starting charter in 2011. There will be students given spots off the lottery, there aren't that many siblings yet, so please don't let that deter you from applying. I'm not saying IT is perfect, there are some things that are lacking organizationally, but the recent collaboration with the YMCA is really exciting and my DC loves the art and dance teachers as well. Aftercare is just ok, but parents are great as is the IFA (family association) and the parents are always working to do other aftercare ventures like swimming, potential scouting opportunities, sports etc.

19:00 here, I was also referencing the Dec 14 incident, ditto this post - I couldn't have said it any better. As this is our first year at IT, I didn't know about the other incidents, but not at all surprised to hear they were handled effectively as well.

[Anonymous]

Re: previous post on aftercare, I've had a good experience, but I signed my DD up for some of the specials offered, so that may make a difference. I don't have a lot of expectations for aftercare, just that DD is safe and has a good time.

My impression has been that aftercare does a pretty good job -- they read stories, do art, have snacks, play games that let the kids expend energy. They also have some nice classes that are offered as part of aftercare if you sign up for them like yoga and Spanish. I wish they were offered more often (only once a week so far), but I'm glad to take advantage of them when they are.

[Anonymous]

Your list is just weird. It seems like a random selection of the better charters with no reference as to why these and not the others. I think that is why a lot of people are turned off by your question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re: previous post on aftercare, I've had a good experience, but I signed my DD up for some of the specials offered, so that may make a difference. I don't have a lot of expectations for aftercare, just that DD is safe and has a good time.

My impression has been that aftercare does a pretty good job -- they read stories, do art, have snacks, play games that let the kids expend energy. They also have some nice classes that are offered as part of aftercare if you sign up for them like yoga and Spanish. I wish they were offered more often (only once a week so far), but I'm glad to take advantage of them when they are.

PP here that said it was ok. I agree and have the same expectations. Some parents have other expectations (for $15/day) and feel those expectations aren't being met. My little one likes it a lot. The spring classes aren't filling up so most of them just got canceled which is sad. However, I do like aftercare for what it is. I can't speak for the older kids as we're in the younger group.

[Anonymous]

22:23, you have no idea how much the school picture will change in 10-12 years when your PS3 child is ready to graduate from 8th grade. Do you think that you would still have to move from the Cardozo HS boundary that many years out?

Failure of imagination.

Look how much the school situation has changed in the last 5 years much less the last 10. 10 years ago there were a handful of charters, physical wait lines for OOB acceptance had parents camping out for two weeks in front of Ward 3 schools. The few charters that were open were meeting in churches or converted stores for the most part. East of the park and cap hill schools were almost completely off the table in terms of desirable choices. Look how much has changed! Expect more of the same.

[Anonymous]

The aftercare for the older kids at IT is pretty bad. Started out ok but now all they do is sit around. We are really hoping for other options next year. Other than that we love the school.

[Anonymous]

OP
Thanks for all the input.
And to answer the question as to why I queried these specific charter schools, it is because I felt I had enough current information on the others we are planning to apply to.