Thoughts on Inspired Teaching School?

[Anonymous]

We're considering applying for Pre-K. Any thoughts by current families about the teachers, and about how the school has done thus far? Also wondering if a new location has been decided upon, and if so, where?

[Anonymous]

Fabulous, fabulous school. Learning is fun and relevant, teaching is innovative, leadership is responsive and intelligent, student body is diverse, and parents are involved. We took a chance on this first year school and feel like we won the schooling lottery. Our child LOVES going to school and in just 3 months, has gained more than I ever thought possible. Apply, take a tour, and cross your fingers you get in!

[Anonymous]

There will be strong demand for next year's preK (current PS3). Lots of committed families and happy kids already there.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We're looking forward to attending an Open House. We're wondering if the change in location might result in a few families possibly leaving, which may open up spots in the PreK class. We've continued to hear great things about the school, and we're excited to try and get in next year.

[Anonymous]

For sure, if they move to a very different part of the City, some families will leave as the commute will just be 'too much'. Plus, not everyone is thrilled with the school, thus, some will just leave anyway.

[Anonymous]

I have heard rumors that they are considering a move to Capitol Hill. If that is where they end up, many will not stay as it is very inconvenient to get to from other parts of DC. Most people I have spoken to believe that the school will stay in Brookland out of loyalty to the founding families.

[Anonymous]

Any truth to the rumors that the 3rd grade teacher already left? Makes you wonder. Also exec director quit just before school started and operations manager is now leaving too? Why the turnover?

[Anonymous]

OP definitely apply, not a big deal to do so, then you can do your research and make a decision. I am a current IT parent and have not heard anything about location choices for next year. We are mostly happy with the school but are applying to other schools for next year in case the new location does not work for us. It is a good school so far but not so amazing that I will go nuts getting my kids there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any truth to the rumors that the 3rd grade teacher already left? Makes you wonder. Also exec director quit just before school started and operations manager is now leaving too? Why the turnover?

Not a parent there, but it's a charter in it's first year. Charter startups are no place for those given to hysterics. Turnover in any school is normal, in the founding years of a charter especially so. Different visions, expectations, reality checks, yadda yadda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any truth to the rumors that the 3rd grade teacher already left? Makes you wonder. Also exec director quit just before school started and operations manager is now leaving too? Why the turnover?

3rd grade teacher left for health/medical issues and was quickly replaced by another supremely qualified and energetic teacher.
Operations Manager is returning to a career in government/public affairs.
Exec Director is superb. School year began with her - for all intents and purposes, no one knew/experienced the school under the previous exec director!

Read the bios:
http://www.inspiredteachingschool.org/who-we-are/schoolstaff/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have heard rumors that they are considering a move to Capitol Hill. If that is where they end up, many will not stay as it is very inconvenient to get to from other parts of DC. Most people I have spoken to believe that the school will stay in Brookland out of loyalty to the founding families.

I live in Capitol Hill so that would be great for our family (we didn't choose the school because of it's current location). However, I don't think that will happen as the Cap Hill Cluster Schools (DCPS) will go crazy about the competition and the community is very NIMBY! Case in point, Two Rivers and AppleTree. IMO Capitol Hill doesn't really need another school compared to Ward 5.

[Anonymous]

Really it depends on what you want. IT does have smart and enthusiastic teachers. However, there are not any extras. No separate classes/teachers for music, gym, art etc. The teachers do try to integrate these subjects into their classes. I feel for the teachers as they don't get a break all day. The kids are always with them!

[Anonymous]

If you can afford to live in a part of DC that allows your kid to go to a good DCPS, I think you are better off there. Lafayette, Janney, Murch just offer so much more and run with far greater efficiency.

[Anonymous]

We love the school so far and plan to stay there if it's doable with their new location. Unfortunately, we will NOT stay if they move to Capitol Hill or anywhere in SE or SW due to the commute. Also, as a previous posted mentioned, in this first year there are no specials. We're hoping this will change in by year three at the latest.

[Anonymous]

Go to an open house and pose hard questions to Zoe.
I am a current parent and feel a little misled.[list] At open houses they talked about having a richer day of programming than they actually do. They said the kids would garden and cook, our son's class has not. They talked about partnerships with a dance company, have not seen this either. I have been a bit disappointed by how 'bare bones' the facility and day is. I don't have a good feel for exactly what the school is doing with the Phillips Collection.