Mundo Verde Feedback

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there any former Montessori families that started MV in K that would be willing to discuss their experiences with the transition from non-language immersion Montessori school to MV? Would appreciate any feedback!

Yes I’m very concerned about this as well.

[Anonymous]

If a child is going to be biliterate, MV’s goal, they must learn everything in both languages. Math, reading, writing and science.

This is not unusual. LAMB does it too. But it is why test scores may lag until upper elementary when it evens out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but I’m in a similar boat except that mundo was our first choice.

I do have some concerns:

(1) why do they switch off Spanish and English days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to do half days? Pros/cons to both. Transitions are often hard for kids ... having an entire day "off" of the target language or "on" in the new language allows them and the teachers to delve more indepth.

(2)why is math taught in both languages? This makes no sense to me. No idea, but most likely to pull up scores.

(3) why do they walk to playgrounds so far away? Doesn’t this eat into their rec time? Limited on-site play area. Walks can be fun for the kids ... not the worst thing- parents tend to be more bothered than the kids, who enjoy having the time to talk with a friend/buddy.

(4) the teachers seem young. Is that the case with all of them? Are any more experienced? Some excellent, outstanding teachers. Others not so much. You experience this at every school. Unfortunately with the current (and founding) administration, not a lot of effective support to really have an impact as needed. Ask parents in the 2nd grade, 5th grade cohorts how its going. If they are honest, they will give you concrete examples of the frustrations.

(5) how is discipline handled? Is there a “rubber room” for kids who are in trouble?

The infamous "Breathing Room" where kids dread going ... and can be forced to visit, dragged by teachers/aides/counselors. Not fun to witness. Kids feel they have no control, so situations often escalate rather than having the calming effect desired. The inability to manage the classroom environment and the weak communication of the leadership are big drawbacks.

Thank you for these answers- can anyone speak to the curriculum? We are also coming from a Montessori and love the child lead approach.

I am happy at MV but it is not child-led learning. If your kid isn't that interested in a certain expo theme, he or she is still going to be doing work related to that expo theme for several months. That is just the way it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS Spanish immersion schools teaches Math in the foreign language as well. It’s modeled after Oyster across all schools now.

Mundo verde is not a dcps school so thanks but I think you’re confused.

In case I wasn’t clear, at the admitted open house we were told the bilingual expeditionary curriculum was essentially created in house. That sounds fascinating and impressive, but can anyone discuss how this works in practice?

I’m certain the poster is not confused, but was just letting you know DCPS does this as well. Anyhow, to be billerate courses should be taken in both languages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, from what I understand, middle school (DCI) is no longer a guarantee with MV anymore anyway, so factor that in to your decision.

How do you know this?? Curious, because MV families have been told otherwise. Unless I'm late on the news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, from what I understand, middle school (DCI) is no longer a guarantee with MV anymore anyway, so factor that in to your decision.

How do you know this?? Curious, because MV families have been told otherwise. Unless I'm late on the news.

It is on the admissions section of the website. After the expansion, there will be more kids graduating from Mundo than can fit in Mundo's share of seats at DCI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, from what I understand, middle school (DCI) is no longer a guarantee with MV anymore anyway, so factor that in to your decision.

How do you know this?? Curious, because MV families have been told otherwise. Unless I'm late on the news.

It is on the admissions section of the website. After the expansion, there will be more kids graduating from Mundo than can fit in Mundo's share of seats at DCI.

Yes, so that would start in 2025.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, from what I understand, middle school (DCI) is no longer a guarantee with MV anymore anyway, so factor that in to your decision.

How do you know this?? Curious, because MV families have been told otherwise. Unless I'm late on the news.

It is on the admissions section of the website. After the expansion, there will be more kids graduating from Mundo than can fit in Mundo's share of seats at DCI.

Yes, so that would start in 2025.

This affects students who would be in Pk3 and PK4 in 2018.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS Spanish immersion schools teaches Math in the foreign language as well. It’s modeled after Oyster across all schools now.

Mundo verde is not a dcps school so thanks but I think you’re confused.

In case I wasn’t clear, at the admitted open house we were told the bilingual expeditionary curriculum was essentially created in house. That sounds fascinating and impressive, but can anyone discuss how this works in practice?

I’m certain the poster is not confused, but was just letting you know DCPS does this as well. Anyhow, to be billerate courses should be taken in both languages.

LAMB teaches math in both languages, with different subject areas of math taught in each language. All these immersion schools will aim to teach as many subjects as possible in both languages, since their goal is being bi-literate. It is not a difference between DCPS and charter schools, it is an immersion model.