Deciding whether to try for latin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The practical way to achieve that would be every single school becomes a lottery only school and provides busing. Which would go over like a lead balloon.

Every school does provide bussing. Free bussing with a citywide network of interconnected routes. Along with free metro.

Yeah this. That's why BASIS works.

I do think Latin is kind of hard to access.

At least from the Hill, Latin is one of the easiest charters because they run buses from multiple pick up points. And the experience of riding the bus also helps the kids make friends.

It sounds like BASIS kids often commute on public transit together though, so they get a similar experience, and may also develop more independence skills because they have to navigate public transit.

DCI is the least accessible charter MS/HS from the Hill. Manageable on public transit but a much more annoying commute than to BASIS.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I was pro-DCPS all through elementary school and up until April of the month we did the middle school charter lottery, got a spot at BASIS, and had a candid conversation with a DCPS middle school teacher who told me straight-up to take the BASIS spot because her DCPS did not meet the needs of advanced students. she wanted to, but the structure of the curriculum, her inabiity to fail students, her principal all kept her from adding enrichment and appropriate instruction for advanced students.

She was really unequivocal and I made my decision immediately after that conversation. She also said getting a seat at BASIS is like getting a prep school education for free, which I think it true about Latin as well. I'm very, very glad we took the spot.

I'm sure I trash talked charters when my kids were young. But the middle school ecosystem in DC is very different than elementary. I recommend doing some research and allowing yourself some grace to change your mind.

It is absolutely true that dcps cannot meet the needs of an advanced child. I don’t think Latin can either, but it is better than the best dcps.

Yep. The parents of all those Ivy League admits must be kicking themselves for sending their kids to Latin. Latin obviously didn’t meet their needs.

I don’t have enough information about what kind of degree they were seeking, whether the parents supplemented at all, and what they did. All I know is looking at the curriculum, it could be stronger. I’m super happy there are so many Ivy League admissions- that’s amazing!!

The curriculum is good enough to get into MIT for Mathematics, but not strong enough for you. Nice to know you have higher standards than MIT.

One anecdotal college admission does not make a good curriculum, esp in math.

Instead of touting the MIT admission on all threads related to Latin when people actually talk about the curriculum, why don’t you actually tell us concrete examples of how the curriculum at Latin is actually meeting the needs of high performing kids.

I think Latin has more national merit schools per student than almost any school in the city, public, charter or private. The high performers are getting into great colleges. Not just MIT. Someone else this year is going to Yale. Another to Princeton. Michigan. NYU. And remember: the school is tiny. Each class is less than 100 people.

Since no one has given any specifics how Latin is able to meet the needs of high performers……..

I think the issue is you're very obtuse.

Sorry but no. If you can’t even give examples of how the school is able to meet the needs of high performing students, then Latin is just for the average kid like many on here have said.

It’s not like it’s a secret or anything.

Ok, crazy person.

Deflecting won’t help your stance, substance will

You're the crank who is constantly posting about how Latin is actually a horrible school, right? Yeah, no one is going to take you seriously.

No I am not and never posted that it was a horrible school. BTW you are talking to multiple posters on here with this thread. I did not post the initial one saying Latin can’t meet the needs of advanced kids or the responses following that.

But not one Latin family here can give any substantial example of how the school can meet the needs of advanced high performing kids??

Exactly.

Crickets from Latin families.

They are happy with just average.

+1

[Anonymous]

I'm a Latin parent, but I don't have any motivation to try to convince anyone that Latin is great for high-achieving kids. I know some high-achieving kids at Latin and I know others that leave to be high-achieving at privates. I think the poster upthread is correct, Latin parents typically don't get worked up over the high-achieving rat race.

I will say that the school at times feels like a private school, not a cutthroat public or a left-behind public.

Honestly, I think if you are lucky to get a spot in middle, you have a bunch of years to prep your kid for a private school application and/or Walls. That, or fight your way through Deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Poster didn’t say they did; they offered a thought on how to align middle school start points between DCPS and charters.

Yall are so focused on tracking in schools but we need tracking on this forum. the reading comprehension can be lacking!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Latin parent, but I don't have any motivation to try to convince anyone that Latin is great for high-achieving kids. I know some high-achieving kids at Latin and I know others that leave to be high-achieving at privates. I think the poster upthread is correct, Latin parents typically don't get worked up over the high-achieving rat race.

I will say that the school at times feels like a private school, not a cutthroat public or a left-behind public.

Honestly, I think if you are lucky to get a spot in middle, you have a bunch of years to prep your kid for a private school application and/or Walls. That, or fight your way through Deal.

Not really because private schools have more curriculum offerrings, more tracking that can meet the needs of high performing kids, much better facilities, and more EC and sports.

You are right though that Latin loses a number of kids who don’t stay for high school - wherever they go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Latin parent, but I don't have any motivation to try to convince anyone that Latin is great for high-achieving kids. I know some high-achieving kids at Latin and I know others that leave to be high-achieving at privates. I think the poster upthread is correct, Latin parents typically don't get worked up over the high-achieving rat race.

I will say that the school at times feels like a private school, not a cutthroat public or a left-behind public.

Honestly, I think if you are lucky to get a spot in middle, you have a bunch of years to prep your kid for a private school application and/or Walls. That, or fight your way through Deal.

Not really because private schools have more curriculum offerrings, more tracking that can meet the needs of high performing kids, much better facilities, and more EC and sports.

You are right though that Latin loses a number of kids who don’t stay for high school - wherever they go.

Well, yes, not really, but more LIKE private than other DCPS middles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Poster didn’t say they did; they offered a thought on how to align middle school start points between DCPS and charters.

Yall are so focused on tracking in schools but we need tracking on this forum. the reading comprehension can be lacking!!

“..DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools..”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Poster didn’t say they did; they offered a thought on how to align middle school start points between DCPS and charters.

Yall are so focused on tracking in schools but we need tracking on this forum. the reading comprehension can be lacking!!

“..DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools..”

"There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well." I do personally believe that changing the entry grade could change the culture and character of the schools that start at 5th. I believe this and do not think it would be a good thing to do. I think there will be lots of unintended negative consequences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Poster didn’t say they did; they offered a thought on how to align middle school start points between DCPS and charters.

Yall are so focused on tracking in schools but we need tracking on this forum. the reading comprehension can be lacking!!

“..DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools..”

"There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well." I do personally believe that changing the entry grade could change the culture and character of the schools that start at 5th. I believe this and do not think it would be a good thing to do. I think there will be lots of unintended negative consequences.

This is what they want to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Doesn't BASIS genuinely want to go from K-12 eventually? I think this would actually benefit the school and would change this whole middle school question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are a lot of reasons why all middle schools including latin and basis should start in 6th grade. its probably just a that ship has sailed sort of thing. but there are actually even some latin and basis families who would like this too.

Count me in this group. I don't know the educational theory behind whether middle should start in 5th v. 6th, but I know the different entry years are a confusing mess. Charters and DCPS should definitely align. Yes, this would mean more competition for BASIS and LATIN, but I would prefer a test-in method. The self-selection and promotion standards at BASIS is not foolproof. Many kids wash out after a year or two.

There are a lot of reasons that they shouldn't start at 6th as well. Charters aren't allowed to offer a test-in method. Starting in an earlier grade lets open enrollment charters (like Basis and Latin) give kids more time to catch up for grade level work and also to get used to the school. Many of the charter middles in the highest poverty areas actually start at 4th to do the same. Perhaps DCPS should rethink its grade alignment or parents could lobby Basis, Latin and others to offer half new seats at 5th and half at 6th. I personally believe this could change the culture and character of the schools but who knows?

Why do you want to change the culture and character of Basis and Latin?

Doesn't BASIS genuinely want to go from K-12 eventually? I think this would actually benefit the school and would change this whole middle school question.

I think they did, but not sure if they still do. They might have realized that many people who come prefer to send their child to a neighborhood/nearby school for elementary.

[Anonymous]

It will not happen. But Latin would remain extremely popular as a 6-12 and would also be the actual first choice of everyone who enrolls. Basis would still have solid enrollment levels and those would all be students who are actively choosing the school.