Feedback on Washington Latin?

[Anonymous]

Please give your experience as a parent of a student at Washington Latin PCS. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My child started this year in 5th grade at Washington Latin. So far it has been wonderful. She is very engaged in all of her classes, the teachers are energetic, organized (for the most part) and very willing to communicate with parents. Homework takes some time every night but it has not been overwhelming. My daughter has always loved the social aspect of school but this year she is equally engrossed in the academics. I am very happy she is there.

Now if only they could find a great location to match the great academics!

[Anonymous]

I am not the pp, but could have written the same thing. Besides the great academic experience my girl is having she also feels valued and seen as an individual by all her teachers. So far it has been a great leap forward for her. She loves school and actually loves the homework.

[Anonymous]

would you mind saying which elementary schools your children came from and how that experience played into their adjustment at latin (if at all)?

[Anonymous]

parent of a 7th grader. We are very happy with the academics at Latin. Our child is thriving, engaged, and inspired to tackle subjects he doesn't really like. In fact he is putting the most energy into a subject he hates because he loves the teacher. I have found that the case in every year we have been there. Math curriculum is especially good -- algebra in 7th grade. We felt last year that discipline was an issue, but these issues seemed to have been addressed this year and thus far, no issues have arisen. We like that about Latin -- they realize when something is not working and work to improve the situation. I too wish that they had a permanent location. I don't love the facilities, nor the time it takes us to get there.

[Anonymous]

My child has been there since 5th and we made "the leap" to HS this year! Our child chose Latin for MS, and had other good options for HS but chose Latin again. Having our child's mentor call the house and email us to check in (in HS) speaks volumes. This is exactly why we stayed. The education and sports yadda yadda--have actually been great. Even better in HS than Middle, despite our misgivings that that would be the case. Having a teenager who feels heavily and positively connected to peers and faculty...priceless. I feel like my child is in good hands, and is looking towards a good future, when we part in the morning. MS parents, you should give HS a serious look. Also PP's, I hope you are bringing your positivity to support the school and if you are, thank you for being good role models! My one complaint at WL over the years has been anemic parent participation. Sorry, but I tend to see a lot of the same people over and over pitching in. I hope more parents take up the mantle as able (even in one small way) to support this intimate, special school.

[Anonymous]

Np-- how difficult is it to get in? I have a 3rd grader now and think Latin would be a great fit, but fear we may need to look at private or homeschooling. Do spaces open up as the year progresses?

[Anonymous]

Washington Latin starts in 5th grade. Just make sure you apply for 5th grade and do it before the application dead line. I think everyone who submitted an app before the deadline this year eventually got in.

[Anonymous]

We applied years before Latin got 'hot', but over the year many people I've met who expressed interest have eventually joined the school. The one thing I would check is whether applying early to the lottery makes a difference. Personally, as an interested parent I would apply the day it opens up. Can't hurt! Good luck PP. Our child had a great experience in Middle School, and the program looks so much MORE organized now (we were pretty much pathfinders!) that I imagine MS is pretty awesome now if you are entering in 5th. Again, we were surprised to find that HS is really, really smooth and exciting this freshman year. A lot of attention was paid to HS in the years since Latin was started, and it is evident for this class. Just like I think we and prior classes paved the way in MS, I thank this year's graduating class that no doubt took a few bumps as the HS came together. It doesn't mean they had a bad experience, but a different one. Still - it's nice to feel like things aren't on a learning curve and are unfolding really nicely.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Submit your app on the very day that the application window opens to ensure a low number on the waiting list if you don't get pulled in the lottery.

[Anonymous]

how many kids are in the 9th grade this year?

[Anonymous]

Think 80... About 14 or 15 a class... There are honors options for most classes in 9th.

[Anonymous]

Is Latin moving in the near future? Where?

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Do you think it would be next to impossible to enter the school at 9th or do some folks leave for other places?

[Anonymous]

One thing I wonder about when I look at the OSSE report cards for Latin is, why is there such huge disparity among races in who is advanced vs. who is below basic?

I don't mean to be facile and start a sub-thread about the history of racism and slavery in the U.S. What I'm getting at is, why can't such a lauded school close the gap a little more after 'X' years of teaching this group of kids?

The fact that it can't is a little worrisome. Put another way: Is Latin really that great at *educating* ? you wouldn't see that kind of disparity at a KIPP.