is this how all the charters operate?

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm with you. I'd be annoyed with the school, too, and that is not the way I would want to feel toward my first public school experience for my child. A bit of good customer service by the school administration goes a long way. If MySchoolDC says you have until May 2nd, then you should have until May 2nd. I agree with the PP who suggested contacting them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'd like to also welcome you to the world of public schools. You will need to start preparing to scramble for lots of things- registration is one of them. This isn't a system designed around parental needs, in general. So, while I know it's jarring, I'd suggest you prepare yourself for more requests just like this.

This is good advice. Nobody in the schools cares that you are busy and a working parent. Public education does not resemble daycare in the least. Get ready now.

[Anonymous]

I'm with you too, OP! Seven business days is ridiculous and no, I don't think that's standard for charters. Ignore the PP who said that's more time than many schools would give you - that's BS. All schools should give you until May 2, which is much more than seven business days away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Call the school and talk them.

Most charters have small admin teams, as they do not have the large budget that DCPS has. However, if you call them (vs posting randomly on DCUM) they may be able to assist.

Also, obviously, not all charters are the same. Is this Breaktrough? A brand new school which probably is just getting their feet under them? or LAMB which has been doing this for 10+ years. Or Bethune, which is known for being terrible with admin. All charters are different, yet you just painted them with a broad brush.

No it is not!

[Anonymous]

It's a sign that it's a fantastic school that it can treat parents so poorly but still be in demand. Success!

On that note, I'm going to found the Eric Cartman Theme Park Public Charter School, where no one will be accepted.

[Anonymous]

Realizing that school is in session, and the administration is probably renerolling current parents, dealing with running a school (believe it or not...it's hard work), and trying to meet my school dc deadline so they can let those who are on WL move up...giving you 7 days is extremely reasonable.

I've been doing this awhile, and you realize they are rushing you along so that those without a seat for their child can get one. Yes the deadline (or the LAST day) is May 2nd. But get your shit together OP.

[Anonymous]

Do you get a lunch at your job?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Realizing that school is in session, and the administration is probably renerolling current parents, dealing with running a school (believe it or not...it's hard work), and trying to meet my school dc deadline so they can let those who are on WL move up...giving you 7 days is extremely reasonable.

I've been doing this awhile, and you realize they are rushing you along so that those without a seat for their child can get one. Yes the deadline (or the LAST day) is May 2nd. But get your shit together OP.

Seriously! It sounds like she had almost two weeks. Two weeks where the school and other potential future families were waiting for her to make up her mind.

[Anonymous]

No, it's not how they all operate. At YY, you have to get your registration/enrollment paperwork in by the deadline, but medical/dental records can come in over the summer.

[Anonymous]

The enrollment deadline is May 2. Period. All of us on wait lists would love to see movement, sure, but we understand it doesn't happen until after May 2.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pro tip: next time get the medical, dental and residency paperwork together before the lottery day so you're ready to move quickly if you get a slot.

And make copies if you anticipate you would give up that slot to register at another school if you were offered a slot off the wait list.

This should be totally unnecessary and, in my experience, is. I've always turned in all the other info in May and then submitted medical and dental over the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, it's not how they all operate. At YY, you have to get your registration/enrollment paperwork in by the deadline, but medical/dental records can come in over the summer.

If I recall, last year YY was giving people 48 hours to decide. Outside of the myschool dc deadline.

So OP, get your paperwork in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, it's not how they all operate. At YY, you have to get your registration/enrollment paperwork in by the deadline, but medical/dental records can come in over the summer.

If I recall, last year YY was giving people 48 hours to decide. Outside of the myschool dc deadline.

So OP, get your paperwork in.

48 hours to decide is different than having your medical paperwork in with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pro tip: next time get the medical, dental and residency paperwork together before the lottery day so you're ready to move quickly if you get a slot.

And make copies if you anticipate you would give up that slot to register at another school if you were offered a slot off the wait list.

This should be totally unnecessary and, in my experience, is. I've always turned in all the other info in May and then submitted medical and dental over the summer.

That's how it usually is for DCPS. Some charters ask for it all in May. And even among those, most will work with you if there's a good reason you can't comply.

Also be kind to the registrars and administrative folks and try to comply with their requests.

[Anonymous]

I am stunned at how quickly women turn on other women when they think they don't have it together. Get your medical forms in advance? Are you kidding? No one does that.

I'd do what you can do, get the bulk of forms in and just say pending for the others. Hell, I'm alway getting the medical forms in around October! (or not at all, one year).

Our providers take about 2 weeks to turn around forms. (and CHARGE you for the privilege to boot).