Charter expo- which schools impressed you (not)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

I was going to make that same point. We're in 2nd at YY, came from Bridges. We loved it, and know of many families who did Bridges for pre-school. Everyone I've met who went to one of those schools only has nice things to say. I understand Bridges is going to grow up to 5th grade now. If it had been an option for us, we would still be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

I was going to make that same point. We're in 2nd at YY, came from Bridges. We loved it, and know of many families who did Bridges for pre-school. Everyone I've met who went to one of those schools only has nice things to say. I understand Bridges is going to grow up to 5th grade now. If it had been an option for us, we would still be there.

Oops - sorry, that wasn't meant as a criticism of YY. It's been a terrific experience for our family, and we're amazed to have such an opportunity.

It's just that DC had some special needs and we feel like we really "won the lottery" when we got in to Bridges. It's apparently true that if you get early intervention, some SNs can be remediated or eliminated. For some families, the right pre-school is a life-altering experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

If you are happy at Appletree, why are you looking to move?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1 had the same feeling at other events. Some charters think and act like they are private schools.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not an Yu Ying hater. But, I came away from it like was being sized up like a private school. I've been to private school open houses and didn't feel that.

This is interesting. To me it was definitel low energy, but not judgemental or "sizing up". The YY rep seemed really patient and willing to answer all questions, but not going out of her way to put on a show or offer info. There is definitely a value to feeling like the rep from the school really really really wants you to walk away interested in the school, and on that front definitely didn't feel like YY or LAMB felt like they needed to prove or recruit.

Actually, also re: YY, I was actually impressed with the seriousness with which the rep actually time-stamped each application. I'm going to guess that by now, between online and in person apps, they already have more than they'll ever move through on their waitlist. It could have been easy to accept the apps with a "good luck in the lottery, cuz if not there, you're not getting in this year!" attitude, but she was diligent and serious about the timestamps.

On a similar note, I was interested that I heard so few parents asking the high-demand schools how many lottery slots they even had available to their grade of interest last year. I asked at all the ones I was serious about, to have a mental idea from the horse's mouth of just how slim the odds are. But I didn't really hear anyone else ask - maybe just a coincidence and people were asking all day, but it worried me that a lot of parents may be playing the lottery game with no clue just how slim their chances may be.

Maybe next year DCUM should have a "DCUM Reality Check" table to offer advice to the clueless?

That's funny to me too, because I think anyone who is going to the Expo THIS year for a kid for THIS year is too late. I did the fair last year. My friends who went this year are applying for 2014-2015 so...they won't worry about the numbers until next year. If you are just doing the fair now, you are already way behind the rest of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

If you are happy at Appletree, why are you looking to move?

Because I like my sanity, and if DC gets into a school that goes through Middle School (or even better High School!), then that gives us the option of only having to do this crazy dance once or twice. Staying at Appletree for her PK-4 year without at least trying for a school with more grades feels like a bad idea, honestly. I'm just saying that since Appletree specializes in PS-1st grade (or is it just through K? That shows you how not-seriously I've taken staying - I knew from the time we registered DC there that I'd be looking for more length of stay than what they offer), it should be seriously considered as a back up for those who strike out at their first choices.

I feel very lucky to live in a city that offers PS and PK education to kids for free at the quality and caliber Appletree does. I am definitely impressed. I also though feel like for me and my family, we don't want to miss trying for even more of the really good schools DC offers, if we're lucky enough to get in. And... we are committed to bilingual, which is my only negative about Appletree: they don't do bilingual. But they have a reason for not doing it, and I can understand their focus and still think my daughter is getting a great program there so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

If you are happy at Appletree, why are you looking to move?

Because I like my sanity, and if DC gets into a school that goes through Middle School (or even better High School!), then that gives us the option of only having to do this crazy dance once or twice. Staying at Appletree for her PK-4 year without at least trying for a school with more grades feels like a bad idea, honestly. I'm just saying that since Appletree specializes in PS-1st grade (or is it just through K? That shows you how not-seriously I've taken staying - I knew from the time we registered DC there that I'd be looking for more length of stay than what they offer), it should be seriously considered as a back up for those who strike out at their first choices.

I feel very lucky to live in a city that offers PS and PK education to kids for free at the quality and caliber Appletree does. I am definitely impressed. I also though feel like for me and my family, we don't want to miss trying for even more of the really good schools DC offers, if we're lucky enough to get in. And... we are committed to bilingual, which is my only negative about Appletree: they don't do bilingual. But they have a reason for not doing it, and I can understand their focus and still think my daughter is getting a great program there so far.

i thought appletree was only Pres /PreK

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1 had the same feeling at other events. Some charters think and act like they are private schools.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not an Yu Ying hater. But, I came away from it like was being sized up like a private school. I've been to private school open houses and didn't feel that.

This is interesting. To me it was definitel low energy, but not judgemental or "sizing up". The YY rep seemed really patient and willing to answer all questions, but not going out of her way to put on a show or offer info. There is definitely a value to feeling like the rep from the school really really really wants you to walk away interested in the school, and on that front definitely didn't feel like YY or LAMB felt like they needed to prove or recruit.

Actually, also re: YY, I was actually impressed with the seriousness with which the rep actually time-stamped each application. I'm going to guess that by now, between online and in person apps, they already have more than they'll ever move through on their waitlist. It could have been easy to accept the apps with a "good luck in the lottery, cuz if not there, you're not getting in this year!" attitude, but she was diligent and serious about the timestamps.

On a similar note, I was interested that I heard so few parents asking the high-demand schools how many lottery slots they even had available to their grade of interest last year. I asked at all the ones I was serious about, to have a mental idea from the horse's mouth of just how slim the odds are. But I didn't really hear anyone else ask - maybe just a coincidence and people were asking all day, but it worried me that a lot of parents may be playing the lottery game with no clue just how slim their chances may be.

Maybe next year DCUM should have a "DCUM Reality Check" table to offer advice to the clueless?

That's funny to me too, because I think anyone who is going to the Expo THIS year for a kid for THIS year is too late. I did the fair last year. My friends who went this year are applying for 2014-2015 so...they won't worry about the numbers until next year. If you are just doing the fair now, you are already way behind the rest of us.

Oh, brother. I'm looking at middle schools and have been researching for at least 3 years, keeping an eye out, listening to people talk about their schools. Just because I also attended the fair to have some further conversations and make sure I wasn't missing anything new doesn't mean I'm "way behind." Whatevs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

Which principals? Our son is at Lincoln Park and I can't say enough good things about that school. We LOVE it and so does he. Only downside is that we need to find somewhere else for kindergarten and on (which is a pretty big downside).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does LAMB even bother showing up? There are no places there! No wonder they have an attitude!

Didn't go to the charter expo but I was also unimpressed at the LAMB open house last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

I highly recommend you go for a tour. And talk to current parents. And read recent threads on DCUM on AppleTree. They offer a great program - for a child who thrives in extreme structure. Your 3YO needs to nap a little bit longer than the designated window - not happening.

I agree about the structure, but my child was able to nap 30 mins more on many occasions (the teacher told me and I dropped by a few times). I think the program is great if you want a traditional program that emphasizes literacy and math. My child needed a more play-based program so we switched for preK. Although, to be fair, my child learned a lot that year and just had trouble behaving until we switched to a play-based program.

Your child had trouble "behaving" likely because a 3yo program that emphasizes literacy and math is developmentally inappropriate.

It's developmentally appropriate for my three year old. As far as I can tell there is a lot of play and yet after only a few months my very young three year old is already writing and reading simple words. He's also learned a ton on other topics from family, DC, culture and how to "calm his body down" and behave in the classroom. Plus he adores his teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

I highly recommend you go for a tour. And talk to current parents. And read recent threads on DCUM on AppleTree. They offer a great program - for a child who thrives in extreme structure. Your 3YO needs to nap a little bit longer than the designated window - not happening.

I agree about the structure, but my child was able to nap 30 mins more on many occasions (the teacher told me and I dropped by a few times). I think the program is great if you want a traditional program that emphasizes literacy and math. My child needed a more play-based program so we switched for preK. Although, to be fair, my child learned a lot that year and just had trouble behaving until we switched to a play-based program.

Your child had trouble "behaving" likely because a 3yo program that emphasizes literacy and math is developmentally inappropriate.

Yes! PLEASE don't put your little 3 and 4 and 5 year olds in an academic preschool and then blame them for poor behavior. The proper, developmentally appropriate behavior for small children is to PLAY. Not to sit in a circle and follow along a lesson. Saddest is when I see parents medicate their small children so they can participate in an academic preschool. And beware when a school says their program is play based. Often, they just say that. Do your research.

You have completely misunderstood Appletree's methods. You should go to an open house to learn more. I woudl never describe it as "academic" even though they have impressive results. They also don't appear to have many behavior problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope the folks looking for PS-3 and PK-4 are also considering applying to Appletree and Bridges. We're at Appletree this year (and applying to other schools) but in the possibility you get totally shut out from any decent charters, those are excellent options if you can make them work logistically (several Appletrees; just one Bridges if I'm not mistaken, or maybe there's two?). But really good programs for the most part and most parents I know at either are happy (not all, but most).

For the newbies, because they only go to K or 1st grade, they're easier to get into because most parents are looking for PK-5 or 8 if possible.

If you are happy at Appletree, why are you looking to move?

Not PP but Appletree is only PS3 and PK4. Most parents with kids in PS3 will apply elsewhere for the following year to have more options of getting into somewhere more long term. We're applying elsewhere even though I'm conflicted because I would love my kid to have another year at Appletree. However, if we can get into EL Haynes or other top choice charter next year we will be moving him so that we don't run the risk of having nowhere for kindergarten once he finishes at Appletree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't really considering Apple Tree until I went to the Expo. I spoke with the principals from two campuses and they both spent a lot of time explaining their program and they seemed really great.

I highly recommend you go for a tour. And talk to current parents. And read recent threads on DCUM on AppleTree. They offer a great program - for a child who thrives in extreme structure. Your 3YO needs to nap a little bit longer than the designated window - not happening.

I agree about the structure, but my child was able to nap 30 mins more on many occasions (the teacher told me and I dropped by a few times). I think the program is great if you want a traditional program that emphasizes literacy and math. My child needed a more play-based program so we switched for preK. Although, to be fair, my child learned a lot that year and just had trouble behaving until we switched to a play-based program.

Your child had trouble "behaving" likely because a 3yo program that emphasizes literacy and math is developmentally inappropriate.

It's developmentally appropriate for my three year old. As far as I can tell there is a lot of play and yet after only a few months my very young three year old is already writing and reading simple words. He's also learned a ton on other topics from family, DC, culture and how to "calm his body down" and behave in the classroom. Plus he adores his teachers.

+1. My son loved all the units on various science and social studies subjects especially. Space, dinosaurs, animals - all the things litte kids love to learn about.

[Anonymous]

Look, it is not about what the curriculum includes. It is about what it leaves out in order to push stuff ( dinosaurs, space ) that is not really meaningful or vital to a small child. It is all heady stuff. What about the hearty and handy stuff. What about learning to create imaginative worlds rather than learning about what already exists through books. Written words and printed pictures can be limiting. Why push books and limit creativity so early. They can learn about the facts of dinosaurs and space anytime. But the imagination and creativity can be shut down and hard to get back.

[Anonymous]

And don't even get me started about why kids should learn to use their hands to create: woodworking, sculpture, sewing, knitting. Pencil,paper and paints will not prepare them for a full life.