Opinions about Bancroft

[Anonymous]

I would like to hear how parents of children at Bancroft feel about the school. My DC is there and I feel like I made the wrong decision. I have looked for older posts on this topic and not much info is given. There is only warnings and no real details. I feel like I allowed some neighborhood parents to sale me on a school that isn't delivering. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

I think Bancroft is on an upswing. Leadership has remained pretty consistent. I think given a few years the school will be in better shape. I do know the teachers work really hard. The Early Childhood program is awesome without a doubt.

[Anonymous]

A good friend interviewed for a teaching position there and was offered the job...several times, but she turned it down because she did not like the vibe of the school. There are some Mt. Pleasant families that attend but most that I know have opted for charters like Inspired Learning, CapCity, etc. We live in Petworth and sometimes go there on weekends to use the playgrounds and there are rarely other families there--just groups of guys playing soccer, which tells me something. I think a sign of a healthy, community school is when families hang out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would like to hear how parents of children at Bancroft feel about the school. My DC is there and I feel like I made the wrong decision. I have looked for older posts on this topic and not much info is given. There is only warnings and no real details. I feel like I allowed some neighborhood parents to sale me on a school that isn't delivering. Thanks in advance.

Why do you feel like you made the wrong decision? We're in our third year at the school and are pretty happy. I can get into details if you describe your concerns.

By the way not sure what pp is talking about. We're at the playground all the time and usually bump into friends.

[Anonymous]

I have a nephew there and from what I hear, the school is okay. I think the fact that is bilinual is a plus. The only complaints I have heard is a "not so strong" admin team. Otherwise I hear teaching and learning are evident on a day to day basis. What specifically makes you think you made the wrong decision?

[Anonymous]

Original Poster here:

When people say the school is o.k. that scares me.

I am not impressed with admin. This will come out snobby but I feel they do not want to deal with educated middle class parents. They are much happier with low income immigrants who will not ask questions or make demands for rigor and professionalism. The letters that are sent home actually demonstrate poor writing skills. Yes, I know this is petty but if they were at a private school they would triple check any communication before it was sent. I find it insulting and scary that a school leader would have such sloppy writing. They do not reply to communication in a professional/prompt manner. No one ever seems to know what is going on. I can talk to four different people about something and they all tell me something different. It is just a general vibe I get from the place.

There is more but I don't want to identify people because that is not fair to them. I feel comfortable in saying the above about admin because if they want to put themselves in that position they need to be open to criticism.

In general, I am not happy. I feel like there are a few select Mt. Pleasant parents who try to convince themselves and everyone else that it is a good school. Most likely because their housing values are dependent upon it. The test scores are horrible. I am very sad that this school isn't working out.

I just wanted to hear other opinions. I have hope that maybe I am just being too critical and reading too much into things. I want to hear someone tell me to relax and that it is a good school at least. Not just o.k. However, I feel like my gut feeling is correct.

Sorry, I just have very high standards for any school.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, but everything I've heard confirms your gut feelings. Schools like LAMB are destination schools, bilingual by choice. Bancroft is bilingual by necessity, and using that as a selling point. That's fine if you prioritize Spanish acquisition more than English literacy, but if your expectations also include high academic standards you would probably be happier at another school.

[Anonymous]

I feel similarly about the school we chose, and it was one I also championed as a "let's all go in this together!" parent. It's just fine for early childhood, but we've seen many red flags that indicate we will absolutely not be staying long term, and may even be looking to move next year if that makes sense logistically.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think if your concerns are related to academic rigor then Bancroft is probably not the place for you. The test scores are bad there and have declined actually from last year. Have you expressed your concerns to administration? Perhaps getting involved with PTA may be a good start to voice your opinions. I had my child there for grade K, but I pulled her out after one year. I felt that the academic rigor was not there and the status quo was ok. I do agree with your comments about admin only reaching out to the lower income families.
Try to set a meeting with the admin team and voice your concerns. If not, the instuctional superintendent may listen to your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A good friend interviewed for a teaching position there and was offered the job...several times, but she turned it down because she did not like the vibe of the school. There are some Mt. Pleasant families that attend but most that I know have opted for charters like Inspired Learning, CapCity, etc. We live in Petworth and sometimes go there on weekends to use the playgrounds and there are rarely other families there--just groups of guys playing soccer, which tells me something. I think a sign of a healthy, community school is when families hang out there.

Let me see if I'm getting this right. You have no personal experience with the school. You know someone who says they turned down a teaching job because of a "vibe", as opposed to concerns about let's say, curriculum or FARM level? You don't even live in ward 1 but you can judge based on "sometimes" seeing guys play soccer in a space designed for soccer? News flash. If you live in a heavily Hispanic neighborhood and you DON'T see guys (as in residents or family) playing soccer, then there is something wrong.

By the way, many of the guys you apparently find objectionable in some way also have kids at Inspired Teaching and other charters. Stay on your side of 16th if you're that freaked out.

[Anonymous]

I keep hearing about "rigor" on this thread. It seems to me that simply because the school is bilingual, then the rigor is automatically there. Does Bancroft have a Talented and Gifted program? How are the academically inclined students challenged?

[Anonymous]

OP here

I don't see rigor. The other day I saw writing pieces in the hall about the election. Yes, I understand children wrote them. However, the writing was horrible. They misspelled Barack Obama. The teacher couldn't write his name on the board? Editing and revising are part of the writing process. Work that is hung on the wall should be exemplary. I was shocked.

Talking to admin is pointless. They walk right past me and don't even greet me. The same with my DC's teachers. I can go on but I won't.

I know there are much better schools but that is the best we could do with the lotteries. I will start all over again for next year. It just sickens me to think that no one seems to care about middle class children in this city. Thanks for confirming my gut feelings.

[Anonymous]

OP, it sounds like you should be considering private school based on the things you are mentioning. I know people at LAMB, Mundo Verde, and most of JKLMO schools and they all mention issues with administration, communication, etc. I think that's just the nature of urban public schools and if you are going to stay with a public/charter you will have to accept some level of that. If you expect a very high standard I'm not sure you will be happy anywhere but a private.

[Anonymous]

I think middle class families are cared about. Some schools are attentive to all families. Bancroft must have a high concentration of lower income families. It seems like there may be a disconnect at Bancroft for whatever reason. I like to give admin and teachers the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, they were busy at the time and couldn't speak? I personally would be annoyed if admin and teachers never spoke to me if we are in each others presence. I think it may be a good idea to start checking out schools now for next year.

[Anonymous]

OP, consider Hearst. Yes, I know the scores aren't great but I really believe they are going to shoot up soon. The principal is very involved and makes an effort to know all of the parents. She sends regular emails and robocalls to families, holds an open coffee talk once a month, and is very responsive to questions and concerns. We have a new assistant principal who is great as well. Most of the teachers know my kid by name even though this is her first year there. And although the details aren't in place yet, the school is going to be renovated next year.

Just a suggestion, since you mentioned entering the lotteries again.