Does anyone else plan to only apply to a few schools?

[Anonymous]

We're applying for PK4 for next fall and there just aren't very many schools that will work for our family given factors like commutes and inflexible job schedules. So the only schools that really work on ones that are on my way to work. Which is 3, maybe 4 schools.

If we don't get into one for next year, I'll just keep my kid at the daycare center and we'll take our guaranteed spot at our IB for K.

[Anonymous]

Last year we only applied to two schools, both DCI feeders, mostly because we were relatively happy at our DCPS, though we doubted it would work long term. We got into one of them and it was a hard choice to take the spot but we did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're applying for PK4 for next fall and there just aren't very many schools that will work for our family given factors like commutes and inflexible job schedules. So the only schools that really work on ones that are on my way to work. Which is 3, maybe 4 schools.

If we don't get into one for next year, I'll just keep my kid at the daycare center and we'll take our guaranteed spot at our IB for K.

This is a great strategy if you are happy with your IB school and you can afford private preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last year we only applied to two schools, both DCI feeders, mostly because we were relatively happy at our DCPS, though we doubted it would work long term. We got into one of them and it was a hard choice to take the spot but we did.

this will be us this year. We love his current school, but I feel we have to try for a dci feeder so he has a route through high school. will do mv and yy and hope he doesn't get in so I don't have to make the choice

[Anonymous]

We only applied to three schools last year for PK4, two in the common lottery and one additional charter. Unexpectedly got into the charter not in the common lottery. Ended up pulling DD from her private preschool (which we loved). Was a hard choice, but are happy so far.

[Anonymous]

We applied to 3; our IB and two neighboring schools. We are in the IB.

[Anonymous]

Last year we used all 12 slots applying and ended up at our IB which we ranked pretty far down. We've been pleasantly surprised at how much we like the school! As a plus, it's only 3 blocks away. It's also made us realize how much we prefer a traditional program. Next year, our list will be much shorter. I can only think of a couple of schools that would make us leave.

[Anonymous]

If those are the only schools you could be happy with, then they're the only ones you should apply to. There's no reason to feel badly about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If those are the only schools you could be happy with, then they're the only ones you should apply to. There's no reason to feel badly about that.

This is true. But please refrain from the hang-wringing about how you were "shut out" by the lottery next spring if it works out that way.

[Anonymous]

Yes, only late-birthday schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If those are the only schools you could be happy with, then they're the only ones you should apply to. There's no reason to feel badly about that.

This is true. But please refrain from the hang-wringing about how you were "shut out" by the lottery next spring if it works out that way.

No hand-wringing. We just moved from a place with no free PK, so it never factored into our plans. I'd be delighted if it works out, but I am not prepared to clone myself or find a new husband whose job would allow him to take on either pick up or drop off to make an option outside my commuting route work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If those are the only schools you could be happy with, then they're the only ones you should apply to. There's no reason to feel badly about that.

This is true. But please refrain from the hang-wringing about how you were "shut out" by the lottery next spring if it works out that way.

No hand-wringing. We just moved from a place with no free PK, so it never factored into our plans. I'd be delighted if it works out, but I am not prepared to clone myself or find a new husband whose job would allow him to take on either pick up or drop off to make an option outside my commuting route work.

It's not just about having free PK. You have to think about it strategically. PK is best opportunity to get into a school OOB if you're not happy with your IB. That is why I would not limit my choices to 2 or 3. That said, like a poster above, we got into our IB school, which we ranked pretty low. We really love it and don't plan to play the lottery this year. Another word of advice - don't believe the hype on DCUM. You'll hear a lot of negativity about your IB school. How it's full of FARMs and minorities, how your kid will not thrive in such a setting, etc. etc. If I bought into that without doing my own homework, I may not have put down our IB at all and would have missed out on a great school. It's so odd how so many on this forum want to see our IBs fail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, only late-birthday schools.

What are these schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If those are the only schools you could be happy with, then they're the only ones you should apply to. There's no reason to feel badly about that.

This is true. But please refrain from the hang-wringing about how you were "shut out" by the lottery next spring if it works out that way.

No hand-wringing. We just moved from a place with no free PK, so it never factored into our plans. I'd be delighted if it works out, but I am not prepared to clone myself or find a new husband whose job would allow him to take on either pick up or drop off to make an option outside my commuting route work.

It's not just about having free PK. You have to think about it strategically. PK is best opportunity to get into a school OOB if you're not happy with your IB. That is why I would not limit my choices to 2 or 3. That said, like a poster above, we got into our IB school, which we ranked pretty low. We really love it and don't plan to play the lottery this year. Another word of advice - don't believe the hype on DCUM. You'll hear a lot of negativity about your IB school. How it's full of FARMs and minorities, how your kid will not thrive in such a setting, etc. etc. If I bought into that without doing my own homework, I may not have put down our IB at all and would have missed out on a great school. It's so odd how so many on this forum want to see our IBs fail.

+1

A lot of posts here are equal parts pettiness and risk aversion. Do your own homework on your IB, visit the school, talk to parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last year we only applied to two schools, both DCI feeders, mostly because we were relatively happy at our DCPS, though we doubted it would work long term. We got into one of them and it was a hard choice to take the spot but we did.

This makes sense but it's such a shame that the middle school situation is pulling families out of good elementary school situations, an exodus that ensures that the MSs stay unattractive. A chicken and egg problem that hopefully the city can solve soon!