What Highschools are your kids applying to/going to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your student needs a lot of tutoring and handholding, then Banneker would be more suitable. Walls is less handholding and geared towards students who are more independent learners.

I’ve not seen any handholding at Banneker. I’m genuinely curious why you’d say that. Self advocacy is key at the school for all students.

Tutoring is available, but it is by invitation only. There are other study halls staffed by teachers, which any kid can attend.

Yeah, I haven't seen any handholding. I see it as a supportive and structured environment, but no handholding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC is in 8th grade and we are getting ready for applications. Their in boundary school right now is Macarthur but we might (not sure at all yet) be moving in a couple months and will then be in boundary for Jackson Reed. I don't want my kid to stress and apply to too many school like some of their friends are planning on. My first question is Macarthur or Jackson Reed? Although Jackson Reed is the better school right now, its very very big and neither my child or I are interested in such a big school. There is a lot of discussion about Macarthur though and I just don't know if it will end up being a good school or a total failure. I know Hardy kids feed into Macarthur but I would've thought that the "good" kids get into selective or private schools. Next for application schools; Walls seems like the best option to apply to but I have heard some negative things about it such as the staff and principal not being very good and communicative and it being very cliquey so I'm wondering if that's true. Banneker seems like a truly great school but is a bit far for us and the commute is difficult. Duke is out of the question and same with McKinley tech as it doesn't interest my child. I'm wondering if they should just go to Macarthur or if it's too risky and should apply to walls or even Banneker? My dc are very academic focused and we care about that as well. Any opinions, facts or experiences from current or former parents of these schools would be greatly appreciated!! And as the title states, what schools are your kids going to/applying to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Next for application schools; Walls seems like the best option to apply to but I have heard some negative things about it such as the staff and principal not being very good and communicative and it being very cliquey so I'm wondering if that's true.

Walls parent here. The principal has been very present from my experience this year. She attends the parent meetings and is visible at school events. I’m not sure transparency or communication is the issue.

There does seem to be friction between parents and the principal: homecoming location (at the school), the number of field trips teachers can take, etc. And I’m not sure they are at odds, it just seems like parents advocate for their kids a lot and the principal often says “we cannot do that for x reason.”

Other Walls parents, correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve had positive interactions with the principal and see how active she is with families so I don’t really understand that comment when I see it.

As for staff, my DC “has the best teachers.” according to DC. There is one teacher who is very disorganized and should probably not teach in a high school setting but all others seem to make up for that one.

[Anonymous]

I have a 9th Grader at Walls. DC is really happy, despite complaining A LOT about a couple of teachers--one in a core class. They like their other teachers; one is impressive.

The principal seems fine though uninspiring. The admin seem quite organized, and I find the communication solid. However, I consider the principal accountable for the uneven teacher quality, since the principal does the hiring and retaining

The facility is absurd. Only DCPS would think it adequate to have a 600-student high school so lacking in basics. Fortunately, the limited facility does not affect my child too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 9th Grader at Walls. DC is really happy, despite complaining A LOT about a couple of teachers--one in a core class. They like their other teachers; one is impressive.

The principal seems fine though uninspiring. The admin seem quite organized, and I find the communication solid. However, I consider the principal accountable for the uneven teacher quality, since the principal does the hiring and retaining

The facility is absurd. Only DCPS would think it adequate to have a 600-student high school so lacking in basics. Fortunately, the limited facility does not affect my child too much.

This is such a bummer to here. We are at BASIS now and dreamt that maybe Walls would be a step up in facility, if our kids were lucky enough to get in!

Why do two of the best high schools in the city have the worst buildings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 9th Grader at Walls. DC is really happy, despite complaining A LOT about a couple of teachers--one in a core class. They like their other teachers; one is impressive.

The principal seems fine though uninspiring. The admin seem quite organized, and I find the communication solid. However, I consider the principal accountable for the uneven teacher quality, since the principal does the hiring and retaining

The facility is absurd. Only DCPS would think it adequate to have a 600-student high school so lacking in basics. Fortunately, the limited facility does not affect my child too much.

This is such a bummer to here. We are at BASIS now and dreamt that maybe Walls would be a step up in facility, if our kids were lucky enough to get in!

Why do two of the best high schools in the city have the worst buildings?

I’ve been inside both schools and for all the complaints about the Walls building, it’s still a lot better than BASIS. There is a charm about the Walls building that is lacking for BASIS. That said, I wouldn’t chose a school based only on the facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 9th Grader at Walls. DC is really happy, despite complaining A LOT about a couple of teachers--one in a core class. They like their other teachers; one is impressive.

The principal seems fine though uninspiring. The admin seem quite organized, and I find the communication solid. However, I consider the principal accountable for the uneven teacher quality, since the principal does the hiring and retaining

The facility is absurd. Only DCPS would think it adequate to have a 600-student high school so lacking in basics. Fortunately, the limited facility does not affect my child too much.

This is such a bummer to here. We are at BASIS now and dreamt that maybe Walls would be a step up in facility, if our kids were lucky enough to get in!

Why do two of the best high schools in the city have the worst buildings?

I’ve been inside both schools and for all the complaints about the Walls building, it’s still a lot better than BASIS. There is a charm about the Walls building that is lacking for BASIS. That said, I wouldn’t chose a school based only on the facilities.

I'm PP above and I agree with this. The old building has charm; the classrooms and hallways are fine. It's the missing communal and athletic spaces and the miessing lockers and a few missing classrooms that are the problem.

[Anonymous]

My DC did not care about the lack of lockers. This was not a priority in the decision making to accept the admission offer. We wanted a small, urban, centrally located, and high performing DC public high school. Walls fits all these criteria. Its location is perfect and easily accessible, with a short walking distance to the metro for commuting. It is beautifully nested within GWU, and the top 15 students can pursue an AA degree with GWU. Plus the penguin.
Also, I do not know about the long history of Walls administration, but this constant complaining about the principal from other posters does not seem to align with our current experience. The principal, assistant principal, and grade counselor do communicate consistently about the ongoing issues.
And yes, the principal does the hiring, but it is not as simple to remove a teacher!
For the prospective parents/students, pick a school that aligns with your values, priorities, and what really matters to you the most. There will be compromises. We love Walls!

[Anonymous]

if it doesnt have lockers, where do kids put all their stuff for sports and everything?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC is in 8th grade and we are getting ready for applications. Their in boundary school right now is Macarthur but we might (not sure at all yet) be moving in a couple months and will then be in boundary for Jackson Reed. I don't want my kid to stress and apply to too many school like some of their friends are planning on. My first question is Macarthur or Jackson Reed? Although Jackson Reed is the better school right now, its very very big and neither my child or I are interested in such a big school. There is a lot of discussion about Macarthur though and I just don't know if it will end up being a good school or a total failure. I know Hardy kids feed into Macarthur but I would've thought that the "good" kids get into selective or private schools. Next for application schools; Walls seems like the best option to apply to but I have heard some negative things about it such as the staff and principal not being very good and communicative and it being very cliquey so I'm wondering if that's true. Banneker seems like a truly great school but is a bit far for us and the commute is difficult. Duke is out of the question and same with McKinley tech as it doesn't interest my child. I'm wondering if they should just go to Macarthur or if it's too risky and should apply to walls or even Banneker? My dc are very academic focused and we care about that as well. Any opinions, facts or experiences from current or former parents of these schools would be greatly appreciated!! And as the title states, what schools are your kids going to/applying to?

Hardy parent here as well and I’m glad this forum is anonymous because I can’t get over the fact that you used the word “good” kids… as opposed to… the “bad” kids? Only “bad” kids go to MacArthur? Really?

Thank you for saying this. This is so gross and I’d love this family to go as far away as possible from the “bad kids”.

It is really gross and I can’t believe everyone here except for you has just skirted by it like it’s a normal thing to say.

To be fair the OP was a huge wall of text; I skimmed past the “good kids” remark without registering it. Thanks to the PP for pointing it out as I agree that is gross. You can’t be good if your parents can’t afford private schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:if it doesnt have lockers, where do kids put all their stuff for sports and everything?

The lack of lockers is a real bummer - BASIS definitely wins on that front (even if walls building more “charming”)! Kids haul around absurdly heavy backpacks all day long (plus a sports bag). Not cool, not fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 9th Grader at Walls. DC is really happy, despite complaining A LOT about a couple of teachers--one in a core class. They like their other teachers; one is impressive.

The principal seems fine though uninspiring. The admin seem quite organized, and I find the communication solid. However, I consider the principal accountable for the uneven teacher quality, since the principal does the hiring and retaining

The facility is absurd. Only DCPS would think it adequate to have a 600-student high school so lacking in basics. Fortunately, the limited facility does not affect my child too much.

What subject does the impressive teacher teach? That word doesn’t come up often to describe teachers!

[Anonymous]

I would be worried about the lack of art at Banneker. Even if you can’t take an art class until junior year, there are loads of other opportunities for expression. They have great clubs, for example. My kid draws all the time and the lack of an art class hasn’t been an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be worried about the lack of art at Banneker. Even if you can’t take an art class until junior year, there are loads of other opportunities for expression. They have great clubs, for example. My kid draws all the time and the lack of an art class hasn’t been an issue.

*wouldn’t* be worried

[Anonymous]

I was at the Eastern open house this weekend and thought it was really nice. For the average or slightly above average student who wants a classic, comprehensive high school experience with all the school spirit and traditions, it seemed great.

The staff was surprised at how many people showed up to the tour.