Bethune or Whittier

[Anonymous]

My DS has been accepted to Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy and also to Whittier Education Campus for PS3. We were really hoping for language immersion and applied to all of the popular language immersion schools (DC Bilingual, MV, YY, LAMB, Stokes, etc.) but we have been wait listed. Now we have to decide between Bethune and Whittier. Bethune seems ideal and we are leaning in that direction, especially based on all of the good reviews on the forum lately . It concerns me, however, that the school's DCCAS scores are lower than Whittier's. DS is very intelligent (reading on his own, sounding out words, doing simple math). I don't want him to fall behind. Should I be concerned with these test scores already. Which school would you choose? Current parents, feel free to chime in. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

We were accepted at DC Bilingual and just got off the waitlist at Bethune. We are choosing Bethune, even though CAS scores are higher at DC Bilingual. CAS testing does not begin until later grades, so they are not a reflection on the PS3 program, which has *tremendously* improved in the last 2-3 years. Second, I believe that the incoming PS3 students at Bethune this year will be coming from families that take great interst/put a lot of effort into their children's education. What happens at home is complimentary to and as important as what happens in the classroom...I think with the incoming classes we will see much, much higher scores in the next few years. Third, the outdoor play space at Bethune is amazing. It's important for 3 year olds to PLAY!!! Fourth, while we LOVED everything about DC Bilingual inside the building, I did not always feel safe in the neighborhood during our trial drop off/pick ups.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP. We are going into PK4 and expect scores to rise. Thanks for the shout out for the new playground!

[Anonymous]

We are also choosing Bethune next year, turned down a few other schools - Appletree, shinning stars, am really looking forward to next year!

[Anonymous]

Bethune's early childhood program is excellent. We aren't staying, but for unrelated reasons. I hope that Bethune reaches it's full potential and that everyone who decides to enroll their children are happy next year.

I sincerely believe that Bethune is a fantastic option for those who were waitlisted at their first choice schools. Despite a few minor bumps along the way, it was for us.

[Anonymous]

^^its^^

[Anonymous]

OP here- Thanks for the thoughtful and honest replies. You have all made me more comfortable with choosing Bethune. I hope to meet you there in the Fall!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bethune's early childhood program is excellent. We aren't staying, but for unrelated reasons. I hope that Bethune reaches it's full potential and that everyone who decides to enroll their children are happy next year.

I sincerely believe that Bethune is a fantastic option for those who were waitlisted at their first choice schools. Despite a few minor bumps along the way, it was for us.

Ditto this. We're another PS3 family that's leaving (moving overseas for work), but was looking forward to PK4. DC loves school and learning and the small classroom sizes at Bethune can't be beat. Seriously, the latter is not something to take for granted. Stokes was always my first choice, but I honestly would've preferred Bethune for PS/PK if given a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bethune's early childhood program is excellent. We aren't staying, but for unrelated reasons. I hope that Bethune reaches it's full potential and that everyone who decides to enroll their children are happy next year.

I sincerely believe that Bethune is a fantastic option for those who were waitlisted at their first choice schools. Despite a few minor bumps along the way, it was for us.

Thanks! We are going there next year and are excited. What are some of the bumps you encountered?