Charter expo- which schools impressed you (not)?

[Anonymous]

I was at the charter school expo today and was surprised by how differently the schools were represented. I'm curious which schools represented you were most/least impressed with and why they either excited or dissappointed you? I loved being able to talk to lots of parents from different schools and get a better idea of what a typical day is like at the schools.

[Anonymous]

I was really impressed by the parent representatives at both Mundo Verde and Inspired Teaching. They really knew the school and answered a lot of questions (after care, class size, lottery process, etc). Was not impressed with LAMB folks at all. They made it seem like I should be honored to be in their airspace.

[Anonymous]

Anyone fight through the mob at Sela?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone fight through the mob at Sela?

I did and I have to say, they seemed liked an organized, friendly group of people. I had a lot of questions for them, and they answered every one fully and invited me to call them personally with any follow-ups. I wasn't sure what to make of the school initially since I hadn't heard very much about them (other than on DCUM), but all in and all, they convinced me to apply.

[Anonymous]

This was my first expo as a parent. I used to work the DCPS expo when I was in high school.

I was most let down by LAMB. I get all of my "buzz" about the schools from this website, so I was expecting something...more. If I hadn't done my own research, I would've gotten absolutely nothing from the person at the desk. I also got the feeling of "our reputation precedes us."

I thought it was funny when I told the woman from Yu Ying that I'd heard about them on this site. She responded with, "Uh oh. I've seen some of the things they say on there."

Creative Minds impressed me with just how much they were willing to share. I had a chance to talk to someone who may end up being DD's teacher and she walked me through most of the day to day, then she handed me off to someone else who explained the extended day programs.

Ditto for Inspired Teaching. I was impressed with their parent turnout. It really showed that they're passionate about that place. They went on and on about it, but it didn't seem like a plea for enrollment.

Meridian seemed most prepared in the marketing dept. They were handing out folders, handbags, water bottles and the woman I spoke with rattled off facts and statistics like she was studying for a test. I was impressed with the presentation.

I started looking at some "safety schools" that won't be named because that would be wrong, but I was a little discouraged by what I saw. Some of them seemed like they just sent a few people out with a science project board and a candy dish. They weren't really prepared to answer many questions. A few asked me to wait until someone else showed up later.

All in all, I enjoyed it. I got in at the open and was out by 1:00. Some of them really have given my DCPS choices a run for their money.

[Anonymous]

I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

Did they tell you where they are moving to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

Did they tell you where they are moving to?

It's the SW campus that is moving, right? We're not interested in that one so I didn't ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was my first expo as a parent. I used to work the DCPS expo when I was in high school.

I was most let down by LAMB. I get all of my "buzz" about the schools from this website, so I was expecting something...more. If I hadn't done my own research, I would've gotten absolutely nothing from the person at the desk. I also got the feeling of "our reputation precedes us."

I thought it was funny when I told the woman from Yu Ying that I'd heard about them on this site. She responded with, "Uh oh. I've seen some of the things they say on there."

Creative Minds impressed me with just how much they were willing to share. I had a chance to talk to someone who may end up being DD's teacher and she walked me through most of the day to day, then she handed me off to someone else who explained the extended day programs.

Ditto for Inspired Teaching. I was impressed with their parent turnout. It really showed that they're passionate about that place. They went on and on about it, but it didn't seem like a plea for enrollment.

Meridian seemed most prepared in the marketing dept. They were handing out folders, handbags, water bottles and the woman I spoke with rattled off facts and statistics like she was studying for a test. I was impressed with the presentation.

I started looking at some "safety schools" that won't be named because that would be wrong, but I was a little discouraged by what I saw. Some of them seemed like they just sent a few people out with a science project board and a candy dish. They weren't really prepared to answer many questions. A few asked me to wait until someone else showed up later.

All in all, I enjoyed it. I got in at the open and was out by 1:00. Some of them really have given my DCPS choices a run for their money.

This is helpful. Those of us in the greater U Street community are excited about Meridian at 13th and V. It is very nice to hear that the school's organization and movement toward Tier 1 are recognized by even casual observers. Overall, our charters are looking better every year. Thank goodness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

Did they tell you where they are moving to?

It's the SW campus that is moving, right? We're not interested in that one so I didn't ask.

I think they are sharing space with a charter school in Ward 4. One of the newer ones near North Capitol.

[Anonymous]

Why does LAMB even bother showing up? There are no places there! No wonder they have an attitude!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does LAMB even bother showing up? There are no places there! No wonder they have an attitude!

The woman was so rude to my friend. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

Did they tell you where they are moving to?

It's the SW campus that is moving, right? We're not interested in that one so I didn't ask.

I think they are sharing space with a charter school in Ward 4. One of the newer ones near North Capitol.

Maybe Sela?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

I highly recommend you go for a tour. And talk to current parents. And read recent threads on DCUM on AppleTree. They offer a great program - for a child who thrives in extreme structure. Your 3YO needs to nap a little bit longer than the designated window - not happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does LAMB even bother showing up? There are no places there! No wonder they have an attitude!

The woman was so rude to my friend. Ugh.

What was the person's name or role? I couldn't make it, but have questions about Montessori and how it's done at the school. I plan to call the school, but wouldn't want to run into the same person who was at expo.