Is Stokes really all that and more?

[Anonymous]

Its a bit of a hike for us but it looks really great. Considering applying

[Anonymous]

Make sure you visit. The location is an odd building so the classrooms seemed really small and crowded compared to other schools we toured. The older grades seemed less expeditionary and more standard education then a lot of the other charters are touting. Desks in rows rather than set up in groups, etc. But I don't have direct experience so I hope others weigh in.

[Anonymous]

OP that is a very vague question. The answer to your question really depends on how you in particular define "all that" and "more". What are your biggest priorities in a school, or what about Stokes on paper is most exciting to you that you're asking for feedback on?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP that is a very vague question. The answer to your question really depends on how you in particular define "all that" and "more". What are your biggest priorities in a school, or what about Stokes on paper is most exciting to you that you're asking for feedback on?

Completely agree with this. I think it's all about figuring out what will work for your child. I'm finding as I go to open houses that it's a very individualized approach. Some kids would do great in Montessori, e.g., others not so much. You need to think about what attributes of a school are important to your child and your family--from location to school focus (Montessori, dual language, international baccalaureate, etc.), class size, and the like--and then make your own decisions. Stokes might be great for one child but not for another.

[Anonymous]

We got in last year and rejected it because of poor communication from administrators, no promise of any sort of community event or open house over the summer, and just average test scores. The woman I talked with encouraged me to hold onto a spot at my current school while accepting at Stokes and when I said I couldn't ethically do that, she didn't understand why. I also don't like that they didn't join in the PCS common app last year or the myschool common lottery.

When given the choice, we honestly didn't think it was all that, so we chose not to become a Stokes family. Other families may not have that choice and so they accept it, warts and all. Maybe when it was one of the few charters in the city, but now with others around that have strong communication, active parent engagement and events, and better scores, we had no problems saying no.

[Anonymous]

It is all that to my family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is all that to my family.

Not OP, but interested to learn more about your experience. I met someone this weekend who was looking to leave Stokes because of lack of parental involvement (not sure whether that was that parents didn't want to get involved, or the school didn't want parent involvement). But I have overall heard great things about the school. Would love to hear your experience. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Stokes has a lot of problems, but a lot of pluses too. Some of the teachers are great. Administration is terrible and getting worse, their ability to handle parent concerns, incidents that arise at school etc. is very poor. Communications is bad, but not as terrible as it used to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP that is a very vague question. The answer to your question really depends on how you in particular define "all that" and "more". What are your biggest priorities in a school, or what about Stokes on paper is most exciting to you that you're asking for feedback on?

OP -- I think it's obvious what you mean by "all that" and "more" and yes, it is indeed "all that and more." The rest of you idiots need to get schooled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP that is a very vague question. The answer to your question really depends on how you in particular define "all that" and "more". What are your biggest priorities in a school, or what about Stokes on paper is most exciting to you that you're asking for feedback on?

OP -- I think it's obvious what you mean by "all that" and "more" and yes, it is indeed "all that and more." The rest of you idiots need to get schooled.

Not OP, but PP you definitely are not doing Stokes any favors by advocating for it like that. You sound like a jerk. Hope the other parents/supporters are more sensible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stokes has a lot of problems, but a lot of pluses too. Some of the teachers are great. Administration is terrible and getting worse, their ability to handle parent concerns, incidents that arise at school etc. is very poor. Communications is bad, but not as terrible as it used to be.

So you're back, Stokes "admin sucks" poster--haven't seen you in a while. Stokes has started a PTA, and they hold more events than I can count. So, your post is nonsense.

[Anonymous]

I think Stokes is an amazing school: Tier 1, diverse, excellent staff, great facility, and French and Spanish immersion.

[Anonymous]

Terrible test scores, cramped facility, majority FARM student population, so so administration ---- what else do you want to know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Terrible test scores, cramped facility, majority FARM student population, so so administration ---- what else do you want to know?

Careful, PP, your racist slip is showing....
They are a Tier 1 school. That is most decidedly not based on terrible test scores. Compared to most charters their facility is spacious. and FARMS kids---what is it that you're saying???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Terrible test scores, cramped facility, majority FARM student population, so so administration ---- what else do you want to know?

Comments like this degrade this website, but then again there are parents that are in alignment with this way of thinking. I just love what DC is becoming.