Why are HRCS so popular? Test scores stink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CMI seems like a great little school in many respects (I know a couple of families there), but I wonder if they should streamline their approach? They have a special ed focus, which is great, but also a global perspective which includes taking classes in two languages, and then an arts focus too. I wonder if it is difficult to adequately address the basics, especially for some kids with challenges, given so many different focii? Or, if administration plans on retaining all of them, perhaps they could do something like lengthen the school day a little, or make language tracks (either Spanish OR Mandarin for each child, but not both) to free up some time to spend on the basics. Just a few thoughts.

Agree with this. The two languages thing seems pointless.

Well, lucky for us you are not making decisions about our childs education.

Unluckily for your child though.

Do you have research to back your statement? Or just not-so-witty one liners?

I don't care what you do with your kid because it's obvious you're a good parent who cares and is doing what's best. But confusing kids with "exposure" to two languages is utter nonsense and I think that time could be best directed towards improving fundamental skills, which would help bring CMI's test scores. And yes you might not want immersion, and that's fine (really!). I think exposure to language is good, but as someone who speaks multiple languages and understands how children learn languages, it's clear to me that being "exposed" to two languages, not learning either in any depth is just a time-waster that looks good on a brochure.

Absolutely ditto ^^^. Well said PP.

Totally agree. We haven't pursued immersion for our DS, and while I appreciate the exposure to different languages, I take it for what it is--exposure.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores for MV, CMI, and IT. There are a number of DCPS Title I schools with huge populations of ELL and at-risk kids doing better. So why are these charters so popular?

Because there are a number of DCPS schools doing worse. MUCH WORSE. And their performance stinks so much, that parents are willing to cross the city to try better luck elsewhere.

The point is that there are actually DCPS schools that are much loathed on this site that are doing better than MV/CMI/IT. Yes BETTER. Just check some Title I schools and see for yourself. Sure, there are some that doing much worse. But, surprisingly, there are some that doing better. So if people are willing to cross the city for these so-called HRCS, why not save the gas money and go to the neighborhood school?

I know it's hard for you to wrap your mind around this, but many of us who understand education choose a specific modality. We aren't educating our children as if it's 1950 in cookie cutter classrooms where every kid is treated the same, no matter what they need. Do some research on educational practices. Try and keep up.

Amen!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

Wow

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

This actually sounds pretty similar to what I've heard about ITS (I know someone who left for middle school elsewhere due to concerns re: academic rigor, etc.). Nonetheless, both schools still seem to have a lot to like for the early grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

This actually sounds pretty similar to what I've heard about ITS (I know someone who left for middle school elsewhere due to concerns re: academic rigor, etc.). Nonetheless, both schools still seem to have a lot to like for the early grades.

Agree with pp. Love Bancroft but wouldn't stay at it for elementary school when Deal offers more for us. I'm sure there are amazing K-8 schools but it's a lot harder to be a preschool-8 school. Don't demand too much from a preschool. Washington Latin is 5-12 if you don't want to change schools too much (and get in) as are many privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

This actually sounds pretty similar to what I've heard about ITS (I know someone who left for middle school elsewhere due to concerns re: academic rigor, etc.). Nonetheless, both schools still seem to have a lot to like for the early grades.

So it's 2Rivers all over again.

Can't imagine anyone at CMI or ITS would "penalize" someone for admitting you are already out the door and why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

This actually sounds pretty similar to what I've heard about ITS (I know someone who left for middle school elsewhere due to concerns re: academic rigor, etc.). Nonetheless, both schools still seem to have a lot to like for the early grades.

Agree with pp. Love Bancroft but wouldn't stay at it for elementary school when Deal offers more for us. I'm sure there are amazing K-8 schools but it's a lot harder to be a preschool-8 school. Don't demand too much from a preschool. Washington Latin is 5-12 if you don't want to change schools too much (and get in) as are many privates.

So you're not considering going to MacFarland?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

This actually sounds pretty similar to what I've heard about ITS (I know someone who left for middle school elsewhere due to concerns re: academic rigor, etc.). Nonetheless, both schools still seem to have a lot to like for the early grades.

We are at an older testing grade at ITS. Things that the CMI parent said are similar to how we feel. We feel so lucky to be at ITS and honestly wouldn't change for any other elementary school. Most of the testing grades have seen a lot of kids depart for similar reasons. The middle school staff and teachers are very strong. If anyone can make the middle school successful it's the current principal. But there are many that are thinking ahead for high school, want a larger middle school, or are thinking of moving to the burbs. There have also been a lot of families moving out of state and out of country (I imagine every school sees this in this transient city). I honestly just don't see the PS-8th model ever working in this city, not as long as the middle school problem (and to an extent the high school problem) starts seeing the success that the DCPS EOTP and up and coming charters have seen as of late. That being said, we have no issue with test scores. My kid is learning at her best and in such a fun and inspiring way. I know she's where she needs to be (actually slightly ahead), so I'm enjoying our rock star teacher this year without thought but yes we will be playing the lottery to weigh our options.

[Anonymous]

For me, my kid is at a Tier II HRC but I value an early bilingual education and I knew my kid would be a top performer. There are studies that having high performing kids mixed with low performing kids helps the low performing kids improve while does not help the high performer. But I think that is more applicable to the higher grades. If you do any "word gap" research and the role of parents reading to kids daily and engaging in thoughtful conversations, that is the most important until about the 3rd grade or so. Also, back in my youth those testing for AP courses and cramming trivia in their head seemed to be less analytical than those who did Intl. Bac. It depends on the type of testing. There is a difference between spelling bee type of knowledge and analytical writing. Memorizing history dates and understanding the role of primary sources and critiquing historian bias.

[Anonymous]

If you read this thread (http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/388474.page) all you need to do is be the wealthy at the top of the food chain and you are all set.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

Are you not concerned that by the time your kids are in 3rd, 4th, and 5th, they will be far behind their counterparts who have been getting a more rigorous education? I can see the pluses and minuses to both sides. I worry that schools are focused too much on academics and there is much more in the area of socio/emotional that often gets ignored. On the other hand, I don't want my DC to coast along PK-5 and get smacked with reality in MS when it will be difficult to catch up.

[Anonymous]

CMI has gotten a lot of flack on these threads about their language "exposure," but their "specials"
programming took up a huge amount of time. There was drama "class" but also the drama projects
going on in the international primary curriculum themes as well as numerous community "meetings"
not to mention the social drama, which was considerable. Time for boring old reading and writing
got short shrfit. Former CMI parent here, upper grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if any one here is an actual CMI parent. Starting in 5th grade, there is only one language and it's only twice a week so language basically drops out for the parent who said there was too many focii. Exposure to any language is minimised. It becomes a joke. But...

No one is at CMI for the academics. Only a few kids stayed for 6th grade. The (those with options and not severe special needs) rest moved to better middle schools. Talking to the upper grades (3rd, 4th, 5th), that's the plan except for some kids with IEPs or who don't have a choice. Once IB schools (Deal, etc) and private middle start in 6th, the students will pursue academics.

CMI parents are there exactly for the carefree elementary school that allows our children to be sheltered from the pressure they'll face in a few years. I don't care about the PARCC and I never have. I originally chose CMI for the premise and stayed years later for the new campus. My child will go IB to deal or private to Georgetown Day eventually. I've drunk the koolaid of CMI but I'm not stupid.

Yes, there is a meeting on parcc but it's just so people continue to say they'll stay for middle school (it wasn't anonymous so 100% of parents said they'd stay, myself included, so our kid doesn't get penalized, but no one stayed for 6th and most won't). The "whole child" sales pitch doesn't work for a middle school that won't spend money on a language elective or real science curriculum. I'll go, applaud, pretend to agree, and stay on the inside.

Are you not concerned that by the time your kids are in 3rd, 4th, and 5th, they will be far behind their counterparts who have been getting a more rigorous education? I can see the pluses and minuses to both sides. I worry that schools are focused too much on academics and there is much more in the area of socio/emotional that often gets ignored. On the other hand, I don't want my DC to coast along PK-5 and get smacked with reality in MS when it will be difficult to catch up.

Yeah, that rigorous education in the 3rd grade. I'm terrified.

[Anonymous]

I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.