DCI or Deal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A few questions for the DCI parents:
1. I've heard everything is done on chromebook and that books, hand written assignments, etc. are rare. Is that true? (I've heard similar for Deal so am wondering if DCI is any better.)
2. What about the kids that aren't high achievers? I have two bright kids that are average students. We do all we can to support them but math is still middling, punctuation/spelling terrible, etc. They won't be the kids that are automatically put in the grade above math. (Probably higher level Spanish but just because they speak and read well. Writting still average.) I'm a little worried the school works best for go-getters.

We have similar kids and are not doing DCI for those exact reasons. Kids can excel, but coasting is very normalized and the standards are low. My kids would never push themselves to anywhere near their potential, and I don’t want them to be applauded for putting in mediocre effort. It seems like a continuation of the feeder experience, but all on screens. If you are happy academically with your feeder or have a highly self motivated kid, and don’t mind them being 100% electronic, then give it a go.

I asked the question and probably wasn't clear. I think my kids have strengths and are aware, curious, etc. so used the word bright. But it doesn't come easy to them. They DO work hard, study, try .. they are still just middle of their class. So, my question, I guess is how are those classes for the kids that aren't necessarily going to make bilingual IB?

I think your kids will be fine. DCI middle does track in language and math.

So your kids could be in the highest language track and lower math track. BTW if your kid is in the highest language track, they will also “track” in other subjects taught in the language so DCI actually tracks more than most middle school

As to high school, DCI has a few pathways. The highest performing kids do the IB pathway. Their IB scores are good, esp considering they don’t self select and much better than Banneker. And contrary to what was said above, some kids do score high and have gotten into Ivy and top scores.

Kids get to choose which track so your kids don’t have to do the IB diploma track. They can do the career program track. The IT track looks good if your kid is into computers and programming

DP. Just want to point out that the "career program track" mentioned about is IB. There are just two different IB tracks. DCI is IB for all and doesn't offer non-IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at their college acceptances, IB offerings (AP tests are not as prestigious as IB diplomas) and diversity. DCI wins by a mile!

Deal has an abysmal record of getting its students into colleges. As far as I can tell, not a single student has ever been accepted from Deal into any college. These students usually require another four years of education at some other school before colleges will even consider them. Outrageous!

I love you! Let's start a commission together to look into this!

[Anonymous]

I’ve had kids at both. DCI is head and shoulders above Deal in every way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had kids at both. DCI is head and shoulders above Deal in every way.

Can you expand on above with specifics?

[Anonymous]

Agree would love specifics about why DCI is so much better.

[Anonymous]

DCI has had two middle school groups robbed after school this year; one time the perpetrators had a gun. Apparently Deal hasn’t had that happen in 4 years. Just an additional point for you to consider. I also agree with the posters saying that at DCI your kid needs to self-advocate. No one is making an effort to help you if you don’t help yourself. If your child is self-directed, your child will do well. DCI has no music program. Deal has an orchestra. Some differences to consider if these things are useful to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCI has had two middle school groups robbed after school this year; one time the perpetrators had a gun. Apparently Deal hasn’t had that happen in 4 years. Just an additional point for you to consider. I also agree with the posters saying that at DCI your kid needs to self-advocate. No one is making an effort to help you if you don’t help yourself. If your child is self-directed, your child will do well. DCI has no music program. Deal has an orchestra. Some differences to consider if these things are useful to you.

The incident did not happen on campus or the grounds. This happened at Fort Stevens Rec center which is about 6 minutes away. Crime happens all over the city.

Lastly, do you seriously think kids at Deal don’t need to self advocate also?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both schools have upcoming in person tours.

I don't see any dates for an open house on the Deal website. Anyone else know?