Washington Latin Public Charter School - Looking for Input

[Anonymous]

Dear DC Moms and Dads:

My 4th grader has won the lottery and has been admitted to Washington Latin Public Charter School to start in 5th grade. I would be grateful for any input about the school. I am looking for a quality education for her in a nurturing environment. She is high performing at her current Catholic school, and I want her to be appropriately challenged but not given so much homework that she is overstressed and has her childhood cut short. I would want her to learn in a classroom where most kids are really nice and have really nice parents. I am particularly interested in knowing how, if at all, the school incorporates the building of character into the program. Also, I wanted to know whether you think the 5th graders get enough exercise.

Any other pros and cons are welcome. Why send her to Latin as opposed to Wilson? She is very happy at her current school and we are considering moving her solely for financial reasons.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

DC Mom

[Anonymous]

Why are you concerned about Wilson at this point? High school is 5 years away. Assuming you are in bounds for Wilson, you can always decide to attend there after finishing 8th grade at Latin. Or you can continue at Latin. But again, that is a long way off.

[Anonymous]

Search Washington Latin in this forum. You will find several threads discussing the school. Our kids are there and we have been very happy-- the curriculum is challenging but not a pressure cooker, the energetic faculty makes middles school fun, and the experienced administration has created a culture where character, integrity and critical thinking skills are inculcated into the students. We are IB for Wilson but staying at Latin for HS.

[Anonymous]

what were your impressions when you toured?

[Anonymous]

I was impressed with the school when I toured and I've been very impressed with the teachers and parents I've met so far. But from my experience with my older children, I've learned that it's also very important to talk to parents (and kids if possible) and ask them about their experience at the school.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. Glad to know your family is happy with Latin.

[Anonymous]

Congrat OP.
We're not at Latin but we have several friends with children at different grades, including high school . They are extremely happy with Latin.
What I hear is that there's a lot of learning in a nurturing environment. Students feel teachers love being there. The curriculum covers a lot, but it is not a pressure cooker as someone previously said. Homework is adequate, not exceeding 3 hours per night.

[Anonymous]

OP, what is your middle school alternative to Latin? You mention Wilson, but that is for high school.

[Anonymous]

I would assume the OP is at a catholic school that goes through 8th grade.

If I was spending 10K at a local Catholic School and had the choice of Latin, I would go to Lating.

Why?
Worse case it is not a good fit and I go back to Catholic School.
10K a year for the next few years pays more than a year of college.
Latin is a nice school with nice kids. Everyone I know there is thrilled to be a part of the community.

[Anonymous]

Go for Latin. Coming from parochial school, you should be really happy with your choice. Every family I know there is.