Feedback E.L. Haynes PK3

[Anonymous]

I'd appreciate any feedback from Haynes families on the PK3 program. I was supposed to attend the open house that was cancelled this week for snow, and I am out of town for the next one. Is the PK program very academic/structured (like Appletree) or more play-based? Are you happy? Do you think the school is one you'll want to attend through elementary, and possibly beyond? Finally, I'd love to hear about experiences with the after-care program. Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

2nding the request for information.

[Anonymous]

Anyone?

[Anonymous]

I do not have a child at E.L. Haynes.

I have, however, known a number families who were fortunate enough to be accepted into Haynes through the lottery. They were/are from different races, religions, socio-economic statuses, countries, parental education levels (up to and including PhDs from prestigious universities in the U.S.) and even requiring special education services.

E.L. Haynes is well respected not only here in DC, but nationwide, for many reasons. This is due to the school's model, out-standing academic results, and the reputation of the head-of-school, Jenny Niles.

I have never known anyone to regret sending a child there. In fact, rumor has it that a parent in the administration of one highly-regarded charter school sends a child there (though the child is apparently too old to be at the parent's school).

If you should get in, consider yourself fortunate.

[Anonymous]

Seems the school used to be the one to get into. Now with so many other quality options, it doesn't seem a popular choice, at least in my circle. Most I know want IT, CM, MV, YY, Stokes, TR, etc.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP that Haynes used to be the one that everyone wanted to get into, but I've heard grumblings that there have been some changes and administrative challenges of late when asking, and people are unwilling to give more details. I would love to hear from current parents on what those administrative changes/challenges there are in the elementary school, and what you like about the school.

[Anonymous]

I think EL Haynes just has a lot more competiton now. I live close by and this school is definitely going on my lottery list when its time but most of the kids around my house are now all trying for the schools mentioned by 6:50 above. Or are considering the other DCPS schools in close by such as Barnard, Powell, West and even a few for Bruce Monroe (at least for PK). And now Basis and Latin are so popular, more parents are leaving by 4th grade. I know folks who have kids in 3/4th grade and while they liked it they too will likely try the lottery for something more rigorous or a better fit for their kid moving on. Again, middle school really is the weak link for so many families in DC. I will definitely be following El Haynes closely, I would hate for it to go "downhill" but ultimately charters are providing a product and service and they have to compete for the interest and committment from parents/kids if they want to stay viable and not just a 3rd or 4th choice.

[Anonymous]

I plan to visit the open house on Feb 27 and intend to include it in the common lottery application. The question remains on how high up to place the school. The extended school year curriculum and STEM focus looks very promising. However, I am concerned by the test scores: 38% proficiency for math; 60% for reading. Can any current parent comment on the quality of their child's education?

[Anonymous]

EL Haynes PK3 parent here.

We feel very fortunate to have gotten in via the lottery last year. Our daughter enjoys going to school.

At the PK level EL Haynes aims to dedicate 1/3 of the day to play (in groups, at activity centers around the class and recess), 1/3 to structured teaching and 1/3 to logistics such as lunch, nap and transitions.

I really like the 7:1 ratio. There are 21 students in the class which is a lot but with a very dedicated teacher and 2 classroom aides it works. Specials include: Spanish twice a week, PE once a week, Art twice a week and Music twice a week.

The Haynes Family Team (HFT) is the beginnings of somewhat of a PTA. A place for parents to voice any concerns, plan school wide events and directly interact with staff and administration.

Feel free to ask more questions.

[Anonymous]

How do the breaks work out with the year-long school?

[Anonymous]

Can you give feedback on aftercare? How many PK students are there, and how many teachers? I have heard that it can be unruly at times, with too many little kids and not enough teachers. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Year-Long Breaks:

Two weeks off in October (with intercession provided)
Two weeks off in December (no intercession options)
Two weeks off in April (one week intercession option)
Seven weeks off in June-August (4 weeks intercession option)

intercession is theme based and does have a fee. same hours 8:30-3:45pm

[Anonymous]

Sorry can't give much feedback on aftercare since we don't use it. However, I have used it on a drop in basis. They are trying to provide more structure to it in regards to themes etc. I do not know about the ratio of teachers to students during aftercare hours that end at 6pm.

[Anonymous]

another PK3 parent here. We are generally very happy. Have the same concerns with dropping scores, but that may be due to a number of things (moving toward core curriculum earlier than other schools, its turning out to be rough; influx of students new to haynes in the high school, etc). We feel the quality of teaching--so far--has been good. Good student/teacher ratio, a fairly established structure/building; diversity; an ethics of kindness and politeness. Our child who has some fine motor issues gets OT twice a week, even though there is no formal IEP/504, so that's a plus. Most of all, DC LOVES LOVES LOVES school and has learned a fair amount through what appears to DC like play. afterschool: seems fine--its not TV and junk food, kids do 'themes' and my child wavers between participating happily and doing their own thing in the classroom (drawing, playing with another kid, etc). Its not violin lessons, but for aftercare seems fine.

cons: PTA (or equivalent) in early stages, hard to gauge sense of community. communication from school could be better. test scores downtrend worrisome (see above), not immersion as we had hoped.

pros: great ratio, love our teachers, love the variety of classes (art, music, etc), love how engaged our child is and how much calmer and centered since starting school, love the schools commitment to equality and excellence for all students despite background, socioeconomic status, race, etc. really like the year round for us, since means less rush to program an entire summer. most intersessions do offer programming.



all in all, we are happy and feel that we are going to stick it out for a while.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for the informative responses from current parents! It is great to hear about how engaged the kids are and how much they enjoy learning. I am looking forward to the open house to get a better feel for the school for PK3.