Why are HRCS so popular? Test scores stink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I'll join you as a former CMI parent, upper grade one day. It has a lower grade focus where specials are fun, creative, and important. Fellow lower-grade parents, who have done the research, visited the CMI middle and visited the other middle schools (there are a few of us) all will follow you. I'm there until 5th grade. I may even leave after 4th since Washington Latin starts in 5th (if we are so lucky). Where did you go? Did you like it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

[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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

I got the stare down not the shoot down. I like the teachers, but we're at a Charter School folks (looking at you admin), not a Big 3 private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

[Anonymous]

Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

Sounds like a cult or gang.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

I got the stare down not the shoot down. I like the teachers, but we're at a Charter School folks (looking at you admin), not a Big 3 private.

Maybe it was a stare down. I don't remember her actually saying anything to me. But she then spoke to another parent in our class and said something to her implying that I wasn't "one of them" anymore.

[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.

I an ITS parent. I am not concerned at all. My kid did quite well on PARCC and is getting the best of both worlds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

Yikes. You should actually report that to the PCSB. It's not cool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Another long-time CMI parent here. The survey (whether or not I'd be there for MS) was required in order to return to school this year. So, it was not anonymous. Maybe I wouldn't have been penalized, but it wouldn't have been good. I joked with the founder that I felt silly making a decision about 6th grade in 2nd grade. She got very serious and shot me down. I backtracked, and she said something like "Great. I wouldn't want to question your loyalty." CMI can be a fishbowl.

Yikes. You should actually report that to the PCSB. It's not cool.

The PCSB isn't interested in "cool". Does the practice increase brand loyalty and market share? If so, maybe they can pass it to their business partners as a best practice.

[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.

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.

With abysmal PARCC scores (33 for ELA & 27 for Math), you should be terrified.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

Are you kidding??? Your kid got up to 5th grade without you even looking at what grades various middle schools begin. Poor kid.