Let's talk Second Tier Choices (PK specific, both PCS and DCPS)

[Anonymous]

MMcLeod Bethune is in Brookland. I think they have PK3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MMcLeod Bethune is in Brookland. I think they have PK3.

Yep, DD is currently attending. 2 FT teachers in each class and small class sizes. I also love that the gender ratio is balanced amongst staff.

[Anonymous]

OP, what is your IB school? I would definately apply to that. You never know-- maybe it will turn out that your kid's best friend over the summer will also get in and they can attend together. My kids love seeing their neighborhood friends at school. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question for OP and others: What prompts you to rank Meridian as "first tier"? There have been some very enthusiastic postings on here about Meridian, which is great, but I'm trying to understand what drives the enthusiasm other than location.

I live in ward one and would love another viable option nearby, so I'm not trying to bash the school -- just trying to understand what folks see as Meridian's selling points. Thanks.

Unvarnished points, as I see them:
1. New location is great.
2. Scores are good.
3. Scores are good, even when school is has a VERY high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
4. 2011 OSSE NCLB data show 1 of 56 students in 3rd grade is not economically disadvantaged. Class conflict may be a concern for your middle-class child.
5. 70% black, 30% Hispanic. White/non-Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander enrollment at ZERO in 3rd grade, per 2011 OSSE NCLB data. Define what diversity means to you.
6. Very polished at Charter Expo, according to writers on DCUM.
7. I haven’t seen anyone here state different basic facts at the PS-3, PK-4 or K grades, the main entering years. I would be interested to see more.

Clearly they're doing a lot of things right. Whether they are the right school for you is a different question.

8. Very sound management and financial situation in a rapidly improving neighborhood.
9. Updated facilities and state-of-the-art IT.
10. Access to green space slated for improvement (Harrison Rec. Center and Garrison field) as well as Meridian Hill Park.
11. Teacher and instructional quality program focus.

You may want to hang out near Meridian when school gets out. I pass by there every day and the past two days I've been caught in the middle of two fights. Unfortunately, there do not seem to be any staff members outside the school when school finishes to break up the fights. You also need to go to Harrison playground and listen to the language (and I don't mean Spanish) that the kids are using. It would probably be fine for two years in the lower grades though.

[Anonymous]

Curious why Inspired Teaching isn't on your Tier 1 list. It is definitely my top 3.

[Anonymous]

I would include at least one inbound or "proximity" school in your DCPS applications because you might get shut out entirely. Apply to EL Haynes, Bridges, Appletree, LAMB, Stokes, Yu Ying, Meridian. Also if you have friends with preschool children at a particular DCPS school you get waitlisted at, they could write a nice note or email reminding the principal that you are still waitlisted and would be a great addition to the school if ONLY you could get in...principals DO have a little bit of leeway for last minute additions, although they want you to think it's all random lottery based. Worked for one of our friends but not another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is at Shining Stars and she loves it. The school is still getting on its feet, but we've seen improvements over the year.

Pros: Warm, loving, Montessori environment. Very diverse. Staff and leadership are dedicated and inspiring. GREAT aftercare.

Cons: Parking is a headache. Early start (8am). No on-site playground (they do get have a city playground a block away). No garden (I know a lot of other schools have this).

As another Shining Stars parent, I'd echo this post -- definitely worth applying, especially if you are interested in the Montessori model. And the parking situation just got fixed (I think -- I am a local who walks) this week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question for OP and others: What prompts you to rank Meridian as "first tier"? There have been some very enthusiastic postings on here about Meridian, which is great, but I'm trying to understand what drives the enthusiasm other than location.

I live in ward one and would love another viable option nearby, so I'm not trying to bash the school -- just trying to understand what folks see as Meridian's selling points. Thanks.

Unvarnished points, as I see them:
1. New location is great.
2. Scores are good.
3. Scores are good, even when school is has a VERY high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
4. 2011 OSSE NCLB data show 1 of 56 students in 3rd grade is not economically disadvantaged. Class conflict may be a concern for your middle-class child.
5. 70% black, 30% Hispanic. White/non-Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander enrollment at ZERO in 3rd grade, per 2011 OSSE NCLB data. Define what diversity means to you.
6. Very polished at Charter Expo, according to writers on DCUM.
7. I haven’t seen anyone here state different basic facts at the PS-3, PK-4 or K grades, the main entering years. I would be interested to see more.

Clearly they're doing a lot of things right. Whether they are the right school for you is a different question.

8. Very sound management and financial situation in a rapidly improving neighborhood.
9. Updated facilities and state-of-the-art IT.
10. Access to green space slated for improvement (Harrison Rec. Center and Garrison field) as well as Meridian Hill Park.
11. Teacher and instructional quality program focus.

You may want to hang out near Meridian when school gets out. I pass by there every day and the past two days I've been caught in the middle of two fights. Unfortunately, there do not seem to be any staff members outside the school when school finishes to break up the fights. You also need to go to Harrison playground and listen to the language (and I don't mean Spanish) that the kids are using. It would probably be fine for two years in the lower grades though.

This is sadly right on--I'm sure Meridian is working on improving test scores etc and the new building is lovely, but the kids are running around fighting, pushing, every day when school gets out. The adults in the Meridian jackets just stand around. I walk through this every day at 3 pm. Not impressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is at Shining Stars and she loves it. The school is still getting on its feet, but we've seen improvements over the year.

Pros: Warm, loving, Montessori environment. Very diverse. Staff and leadership are dedicated and inspiring. GREAT aftercare.

Cons: Parking is a headache. Early start (8am). No on-site playground (they do get have a city playground a block away). No garden (I know a lot of other schools have this).

As another Shining Stars parent, I'd echo this post -- definitely worth applying, especially if you are interested in the Montessori model. And the parking situation just got fixed (I think -- I am a local who walks) this week.

In what way was the parking on that block fixed?

[Anonymous]

bump