Thoughts on Garrison for PS3?

[Anonymous]

Hello - looking for Garrison parents to talk about PS3 program. We were accepted OOB through the lottery and we know about how the school was cancelled for closure and was saved, but we'd like to hear about the classrooms and what's really happening on the inside, especially if neighborhood families feel the school is turning around and able to retain PS3/PK4 kids.

Our alternative is Marie Reed Dual Language, top 10 on the WL.

thanks.

[Anonymous]

We were also accepted to Garrison (in bounds though) for the PS3 program. We attended the PTA meeting last week and were impressed with the principal. Although we are planning on attending the Pizza Playdate on April 12th current and admitted families, I would also be interested in feedback from current families. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Any Garrison parents at all?

[Anonymous]

You might have more luck if you post to the moms in Logan circle yahoo group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might have more luck if you post to the moms in Logan circle yahoo group.

That group isn't open to parents outside the neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Wow, that's short-sighted and exclusionary. You mean all the OOB families that attend Garrison and therefore spend a significant amount of time in the Logan Circle aren't approved to participate in that group?

[Anonymous]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/momsinlogancircle/

"Membership is restricted to families residing in Logan Circle. In order to keep the group truly local, we have set the boundaries as Florida Ave, 6th Street NW, K Street NW, and New Hampshire. Please indicate approximately where you live in your membership request."

[Anonymous]

We meet many Garrison kids in Stead park. I recently spoke with one parent whose child is at Garrison now for PS-3, and they are very happy with the principal and teachers. They are planning to stay at Garrison as long as possible.

[Anonymous]

I did not know about that restriction. I am on that Listserv an will post the link to this page so others can give feedback.

[Anonymous]

Also a prospective PK3 OOB parent here. The principal is great, the PTA is very active, and the PK3 teachers have a great reputation. Everyone loves Miss Lo but good things are heard about Miss Miller too. They will have three mixed classes next year, mixed meaning pk3 and pk4. Kids remain with the same teacher for both years.I like the idea of mixing 3 and 4 year olds. My only complaint is I wish the facility in general was nicer. We are considering a charter but still keeping Garrison as a good option.

[Anonymous]

If you had a PS-3 spot at Garrison, but also had secured a spot at a well-regarded charter school like Inspired Teaching -- what would you do? Is there even a question about what to do in this case?

Every instinct tells me to lean strongly toward IT. I think Garrison would be great for my kid for a few years, but will it work for all of elementary? And IT's plan to grow to 8th grade is super attractive at this point. My concern is whether IT will move locations to somewhere more permanent (but harder to get to for my C-H dwelling family) in a year or two.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it would necessarily be crazy to turn down IT for Garrison. First of all, all this talk about making a choice through 8th grade seems insane to me. Who's to say if the IT model will be a good fit for your kid for that long? Who's to say what will happen with Garrison? Who's to say where anything will be 10 years from now WRT schooling in this city?

I really think that observing a preschool class in action at each school and evaluating your family needs (before/aftercare, commute, costs, school food options, etc.) is the best you can do. Realistically, both schools will probably be fine to great for you in the short term. Both might have problems in the long term. Choose the one that makes you most comfortable or makes your life smoother. Your kid will thrive at either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you had a PS-3 spot at Garrison, but also had secured a spot at a well-regarded charter school like Inspired Teaching -- what would you do? Is there even a question about what to do in this case?

Every instinct tells me to lean strongly toward IT. I think Garrison would be great for my kid for a few years, but will it work for all of elementary? And IT's plan to grow to 8th grade is super attractive at this point. My concern is whether IT will move locations to somewhere more permanent (but harder to get to for my C-H dwelling family) in a year or two.

I was in a similar position and chose the charter, but my decision was made easier because Garrison is our IB school and I know it's always an option (from K forward) if we decide our charter isn't working out. I think Garrison has a lot going for it, and it seems to be getting more and more people excited every year. If I were you I'd ask a lot of questions about the upper grades at both schools and see what you think.

I agree with PP that there is just no telling what the middle school landscape will look like 10 years from now. I think there will be a lot more viable options by then. But I can certainly understand wanting to have a "sure thing."

[Anonymous]

Garrison is also our IB school and we live very close to the school. Three years ago I didn't consider it to be a long-term option so we went charter. A lot has changed (for the better) in those three years and if I had to choose today, I wouldn't hesitate to send my children there for PS-1st grade. I don't know enough about upper grades to comment. I see many more local families, including some we know, sending their kids to G and having a positive experience. I believe it is scheduled to be renovated soon. You really can't beat all of that outdoor space. Also, if you have never been inside, it is much more attractive than it is on the outside.

[Anonymous]

We have also been accepted into the PS 3 program and were very impressed with the PTA and the new Principal.
It is our in-boundary school. However, since we also got into AppleTree - Columbia Heights - very torn about making a decision. My friends who have their kids at Garrison have the nicest things to say about it.