In-person enrollment deadlines as a weed-out tool?

[Anonymous]

I may be totally off base here, but I'm struck by the requirement to show up in person to officially accept a spot--some schools only for just one week during specific regular business hours and another within a week of the lottery. For me, a person with a reasonable boss and relatively flexible job, I can make it happen. But what if I'm a single mom who just started a new job with no ability to leave early or come in late? Or is a nurse or some other less flexible job? Am I paranoid to think this is a way to "weed out" the working poor and is biased towards creating a higher SES student body?

I know someone will say "If you're really committed to your child, you'll make it happen no matter what," but it *is* a barrier, is it not?

[Anonymous]

You have until May 1. Let you boss know what you have to do and either come in late or leave early. The charter we were matched with is holding and open enrollment session for families on a Saturday this month, but you can also do it in person during business hours up until May 1.

[Anonymous]

Why is the single mom always trotted out as a symbol of the downtrodden?

[Anonymous]

How is a nurse a low SES person? My aunt is a nurse who earns well over $100k, and with a total HHI of over $250k (including my uncle's salary). She could make it to the school to register. So could my friend who is a teacher.

I've also known single moms who have been very resourceful in getting what they need for their kids. Don't underestimate them.

[Anonymous]

You also have to enroll in person in your neighborhood school during business hours, so it is an across the board requirement for everyone, no matter where you go. The timing is different, but that is because they have wait list.

[Anonymous]

To make sure you're a DC resident so they don't waste time and effort holding a spot for a student who will be disqualified.

[Anonymous]

Schools that only have a week timeline are not honoring the commitment of the common lottery. It should be a May 1 deadline. The reason it is in person is to prove residency.

[Anonymous]

Yes you have until May 1. You have to prove residency in person at all schools. There is a document you sign which states the information provided is truthful.

[Anonymous]

I think every school in the nation requires you to enroll your kid in person. Stop trying to create a conspiracy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I may be totally off base here, but I'm struck by the requirement to show up in person to officially accept a spot--some schools only for just one week during specific regular business hours and another within a week of the lottery. For me, a person with a reasonable boss and relatively flexible job, I can make it happen. But what if I'm a single mom who just started a new job with no ability to leave early or come in late? Or is a nurse or some other less flexible job? Am I paranoid to think this is a way to "weed out" the working poor and is biased towards creating a higher SES student body?

I know someone will say "If you're really committed to your child, you'll make it happen no matter what," but it *is* a barrier, is it not?

I think you are paranoid. Why do you assume the burden is lighter on an attorney who doesn't get to punch out at 5 everyday?

[Anonymous]

What do you mean a week? You have a month, until May 1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think every school in the nation requires you to enroll your kid in person. Stop trying to create a conspiracy.

This!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think every school in the nation requires you to enroll your kid in person. Stop trying to create a conspiracy.

+10000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think every school in the nation requires you to enroll your kid in person. Stop trying to create a conspiracy.

+1...News flash, you also have to go to the dr and dentist during business hours.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]I may be totally off base here, but I'm struck by the requirement to show up in person to officially accept a spot--some schools only for just one week during specific regular business hours and another within a week of the lottery. For me, a person with a reasonable boss and relatively flexible job, I can make it happen. But what if I'm a single mom who just started a new job with no ability to leave early or come in late? Or is a nurse or some other less flexible job? Am I paranoid to think this is a way to "weed out" the working poor and is biased towards creating a higher SES student body?

I know someone will say "If you're really committed to your child, you'll make it happen no matter what," but it *is* a barrier, is it not?[/quote]

+1 great insight, it is inconvenient