HRCS is a subjective term. This site is populated largely by Caucasian, middle- and upper-class families, so it does not surprise me that DC Prep is not considered a HRCS by many of the people on this website. If you look at different populations, on the other hand, it would not surprise me at all that DC Prep is on their list. We are at a school that most families on this site would never even consider. The families at our school are happy. I am ok that it is a LRDCPS (low-regarded DCPS) on this site; it is meeting my child's needs well. |
You are so right. And I'll go further to say that there are many LRDCPS and MRPS (middle-regarded public schools) that are little gems for parents and students who attend, where the parents are totally fine that the school is NOT the "flavor of the month" on DCUM. Yes, visiting schools that are near you are your best bet for info, talking to parents, talking on the playground (for playground-age kids). Other factors are important, but don't assume that just because people aren't arguing about the school on DCUM that it isn't a really good school for your family. Check as many out yourself as you can. |
I am the first poster that labled DC Prep MRCS. I am AA. I applied for an was waitlisted for DC Prep. We got into a HRCS while on WL for DC Prep. While I held it in high regard, I was also pleased that I got into a different school where I met two former families from DC Prep and realized it was not for us anyhow. I called it MRCS only in terms of DCUM. |
Bethune will likely achieve Tier One status next year. They're close. |
Not according to the families I know there who are very unhappy. |
Thankfully parental happiness is not a measure for charter tiers. |
Are they unhappy about the test stores? Or the traffic commuting from MD where they all live? |
Unhappy with the teaching and how their children have responded. |
It's a measure for whether DCUM thinks they are HRCS or MRCS or PRCS. |
Setting aside chances of admission, I would argue AT for just pre-k tops all. |
We have yet to hear any parents chime in on Bethune on DCUM. Only telephone gossip. |
| +1 |
Plenty of parents have (and my child went there shortly). There are posts on here regularly, and I see parents post on Bethune often. We had a great experience there. |
My daughter is in Kindergarten at Bethune currently. The communication from the administration is abysmal, but I keep letting them know when a lapse has occurred (squeaky wheel, thorn in the side, whatever.) My daughter is thriving - the teachers she has are amazing and I couldn't be happier with her year so far. |
| I will point out that many of the schools that DCUM considers HRCS have no real track record. And, many of the parents labeling those schools this way, only have experience with PreK - maybe 1st grade. I hope all of those schools that DCUM considers HRCS will prove to be just that - time will tell. In general, though, these labels used by DCUM are just not helpful in the end for most families, in my opinion. |