Time to Stop Counting on Charters

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God, PP - you know, I was not blase, so fuck you. I simply outlined what I would have HAD to do. B/C I am not so hoity-toity that I can afford to live in the neighborhoods with the best schools and I will not rent a place the size of a shoebox to be zoned there. My DH and I would have faced tough choices - stay where we are and forego or delay a second child, move and deal with a shitty commute to work in the city, or move out of the area altogether. Look - I GET THE FRUSTRATION. But I don't really get the point of this thread. We all know there are not enough good schools. Was this somehow NEWS for OP and others like you?

As you can see from the post right before your totally rude "F-U" post, I get it now, I read your post and I understand now that you weren't blase.

You know, it's the internet, an anonymous message board. Sometimes it's not obvious from someone's post where they're coming from, but you should really drink some tea or take a walk if you are going to get that hot and cursing because people can't tell from your tone that this isn't an easy choice for you. Because, remember, this is DCUM: this IS an easy choice for many here, and there are examples daily on this and other DCUM forums where people take these choices for granted. I went to one lottery and heard a woman say of her older kids (so she's not paying just daycare costs) oh well, I guess I'll keep them in private then. I had hoped for this because it would be great to free up these funds, but their current school is great so we'll just stay there."

Chill out. We get where you're coming from now. No need to flip us all off.

10:55, my post wasn't directed toward you. It was in response to 10:33, you just beat me to posting. So YOU chill out. I was addressing all of the jerks that came before you to pile on. I'm not trying to free up funds to take fancier vacations, and I doubt most others are either. To assume that is just asinine.

Um, since I'm the only one who used the word "blase" in a post, how were you not talking to me? And I'm going to leave it alone after this, but seriously, you aren't even reading clearly now. I just said that I get that YOU aren't freeing up funds for vacations, my point (which I couldn't have said anymore clearly) is that there are MANY here who ARE just as easily going private or doing charters, it's clear from the posts here and on other forums. NO ONE IS ASSUMING YOU HAVE TONS OF FUNDS PP.

But from experience, your way over the top defensiveness is much bigger than this thread, so I'll just leave it at that.

Oh but they did. Yes, they did. And that is my problem. It is rude beyond belief.

Possibly they assumed you had money because you said you'd "simply" keep your kid in daycare and then send them to Catholic school. For my family, that choice wouldn't have been simple. Anyway, you're getting pretty bent out of shape about something a random anonymous person said about you on a message board. For someone whose original message was along the lines of "lighten up", you seem kind of tightly wound.

Fine. I still want someone to address my questions at 11:10. I don't get why OP or any other parent just assumed they could easily get free childcare starting at age 3. This is not standard anywhere in this country. I am well aware that we got very very lucky (and we are therefore very very grateful), but we were in no way "counting" on getting a spot at any decent school. So I truly would like to know why others were as though it is not common knowledge that there are very few spots to go around.

I will answer your question.

I didn't assume that I would "easily" get free childcare starting at age 3, having already been through the maddening process of finding childcare in this area. When my DD was born, I didn't live in DC and so wasn't eligible for their programs anyway. There was a preschool program in our community, but it was not public, free or full day. It was, I believe, 3 days a week from 9a-12p. For that to have been a viable childcare/education plan for us, we would have had to pay for a nanny during all the non-PS times or one of us would have had to stay home. Accordingly, we chose a wonderful but really expensive daycare with a solid preschool program. When we moved downtown, DD was almost 2. I started doing my research on what was available. At no point did I feel entitled to a spot at any of the schools. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the various options, so that I would know what to apply to this year.

We applied to 4 publics (including our in bounds option, which is not great but not terrible) and 5 charters. I didn't apply to every single charter that is popular on these boards. Language immersion is not a huge factor for us, and not adding an hour to my commute is. So I filled out applications for things that had curricula that were interesting to me and that were between my house and my office. If nothing worked out in the lottery, we could have left DD at her private preschool, though not having to pay $1500/mo would be really great.

That's my story. I don't think my DD is entitled to a spot. I'm glad that there are any options at all. I'm also glad that the lotteries aren't things that you can just buy your way into, because the part of this process that has been the most frustrating for me is this: doing the research and understanding the process, filling out applications and visiting schools - these are things that I've been able to do because I work a cushy, low stress office job. I can't imagine navigating the convoluted mess that is the preschool lottery process if, for example, my English skills were not strong or I didn't have strong internet skills. You act like everyone should just automatically KNOW how the process works. Not everyone does. And it's a pretty intimidating process, even if you are confident in your ability to navigate it. That's not true of every parent in this city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God, PP - you know, I was not blase, so fuck you. I simply outlined what I would have HAD to do. B/C I am not so hoity-toity that I can afford to live in the neighborhoods with the best schools and I will not rent a place the size of a shoebox to be zoned there. My DH and I would have faced tough choices - stay where we are and forego or delay a second child, move and deal with a shitty commute to work in the city, or move out of the area altogether. Look - I GET THE FRUSTRATION. But I don't really get the point of this thread. We all know there are not enough good schools. Was this somehow NEWS for OP and others like you?

As you can see from the post right before your totally rude "F-U" post, I get it now, I read your post and I understand now that you weren't blase.

You know, it's the internet, an anonymous message board. Sometimes it's not obvious from someone's post where they're coming from, but you should really drink some tea or take a walk if you are going to get that hot and cursing because people can't tell from your tone that this isn't an easy choice for you. Because, remember, this is DCUM: this IS an easy choice for many here, and there are examples daily on this and other DCUM forums where people take these choices for granted. I went to one lottery and heard a woman say of her older kids (so she's not paying just daycare costs) oh well, I guess I'll keep them in private then. I had hoped for this because it would be great to free up these funds, but their current school is great so we'll just stay there."

Chill out. We get where you're coming from now. No need to flip us all off.

10:55, my post wasn't directed toward you. It was in response to 10:33, you just beat me to posting. So YOU chill out. I was addressing all of the jerks that came before you to pile on. I'm not trying to free up funds to take fancier vacations, and I doubt most others are either. To assume that is just asinine.

Um, since I'm the only one who used the word "blase" in a post, how were you not talking to me? And I'm going to leave it alone after this, but seriously, you aren't even reading clearly now. I just said that I get that YOU aren't freeing up funds for vacations, my point (which I couldn't have said anymore clearly) is that there are MANY here who ARE just as easily going private or doing charters, it's clear from the posts here and on other forums. NO ONE IS ASSUMING YOU HAVE TONS OF FUNDS PP.

But from experience, your way over the top defensiveness is much bigger than this thread, so I'll just leave it at that.

Oh but they did. Yes, they did. And that is my problem. It is rude beyond belief.

Possibly they assumed you had money because you said you'd "simply" keep your kid in daycare and then send them to Catholic school. For my family, that choice wouldn't have been simple. Anyway, you're getting pretty bent out of shape about something a random anonymous person said about you on a message board. For someone whose original message was along the lines of "lighten up", you seem kind of tightly wound.

Fine. I still want someone to address my questions at 11:10. I don't get why OP or any other parent just assumed they could easily get free childcare starting at age 3. This is not standard anywhere in this country. I am well aware that we got very very lucky (and we are therefore very very grateful), but we were in no way "counting" on getting a spot at any decent school. So I truly would like to know why others were as though it is not common knowledge that there are very few spots to go around.

I will answer your question.

I didn't assume that I would "easily" get free childcare starting at age 3, having already been through the maddening process of finding childcare in this area. When my DD was born, I didn't live in DC and so wasn't eligible for their programs anyway. There was a preschool program in our community, but it was not public, free or full day. It was, I believe, 3 days a week from 9a-12p. For that to have been a viable childcare/education plan for us, we would have had to pay for a nanny during all the non-PS times or one of us would have had to stay home. Accordingly, we chose a wonderful but really expensive daycare with a solid preschool program. When we moved downtown, DD was almost 2. I started doing my research on what was available. At no point did I feel entitled to a spot at any of the schools. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the various options, so that I would know what to apply to this year.

We applied to 4 publics (including our in bounds option, which is not great but not terrible) and 5 charters. I didn't apply to every single charter that is popular on these boards. Language immersion is not a huge factor for us, and not adding an hour to my commute is. So I filled out applications for things that had curricula that were interesting to me and that were between my house and my office. If nothing worked out in the lottery, we could have left DD at her private preschool, though not having to pay $1500/mo would be really great.

That's my story. I don't think my DD is entitled to a spot. I'm glad that there are any options at all. I'm also glad that the lotteries aren't things that you can just buy your way into, because the part of this process that has been the most frustrating for me is this: doing the research and understanding the process, filling out applications and visiting schools - these are things that I've been able to do because I work a cushy, low stress office job. I can't imagine navigating the convoluted mess that is the preschool lottery process if, for example, my English skills were not strong or I didn't have strong internet skills. You act like everyone should just automatically KNOW how the process works. Not everyone does. And it's a pretty intimidating process, even if you are confident in your ability to navigate it. That's not true of every parent in this city.

But let's face it, most parents posting on DCUM are not what you describe, and if they are posting here now it's not like they haven't seen the 1 million threads discussing the process and the intense competition/low odds. So thanks for your story, which rings true to my experience, but you don't sound like the people I have a bone to pick with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear you PPs. But here's the rub. Whether you want to acknowledge it or now, in DC, where we live, PS3 & PK have become the norm. I own a home here (thus paying property taxes) and I work here (thus paying employment taxes) and I reasonably want to see benefits and services for the taxes that I pay. And preferably some benefits and services that benefit me (street lights, police force, functional 911, garbage pick-up, etc.) So, it's reasonable to "expect" to have access to PS and PK. Comparing DC to other jurisdictions doesn't really mean anything, because my reality is that I live here (and have for 20+ years). I've paid into the system for a long time and now I need the services and I expect them. So, sure, you can argue that you shouldn't have counted on PS & PK, but my question is why shouldn't I?

However, people in Ward 3 are not guaranteed PS and PK-- they don't even have PS and they pay plenty of taxes. Also, if you live near a PS3/PK4 school (assuming you live east of the park) did you apply and get waitlisted?

[Anonymous]

No, you're just not bright enough to understand that for the betterment of our nation, PS & PK SHOULD be the norm. So you're saying that because other states haven't adopted universal PS & PK, it must be wrongheaded? Would you say the same about a service like 911? Or having fire companies or police? There are plenty of studies that show that children who get education earlier have a better shot at succeeding in life. And have you seen the stats that compare US education to other industrialized nations? How do you think we'll catch up? Anyway, I say good for DC for being a trailblazer. And five years from now when states have gotten their priorities in better order and universal PS & PK are the norm, you people shouting "entitled! disgusting!" will suddenly be accepting. Have a little vision you pea brain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear you PPs. But here's the rub. Whether you want to acknowledge it or now, in DC, where we live, PS3 & PK have become the norm. I own a home here (thus paying property taxes) and I work here (thus paying employment taxes) and I reasonably want to see benefits and services for the taxes that I pay. And preferably some benefits and services that benefit me (street lights, police force, functional 911, garbage pick-up, etc.) So, it's reasonable to "expect" to have access to PS and PK. Comparing DC to other jurisdictions doesn't really mean anything, because my reality is that I live here (and have for 20+ years). I've paid into the system for a long time and now I need the services and I expect them. So, sure, you can argue that you shouldn't have counted on PS & PK, but my question is why shouldn't I?

However, people in Ward 3 are not guaranteed PS and PK-- they don't even have PS and they pay plenty of taxes. Also, if you live near a PS3/PK4 school (assuming you live east of the park) did you apply and get waitlisted?

I should clarify-- did you get waitlisted for your IB school, which you do have "rights"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God, PP - you know, I was not blase, so fuck you. I simply outlined what I would have HAD to do. B/C I am not so hoity-toity that I can afford to live in the neighborhoods with the best schools and I will not rent a place the size of a shoebox to be zoned there. My DH and I would have faced tough choices - stay where we are and forego or delay a second child, move and deal with a shitty commute to work in the city, or move out of the area altogether. Look - I GET THE FRUSTRATION. But I don't really get the point of this thread. We all know there are not enough good schools. Was this somehow NEWS for OP and others like you?

As you can see from the post right before your totally rude "F-U" post, I get it now, I read your post and I understand now that you weren't blase.

You know, it's the internet, an anonymous message board. Sometimes it's not obvious from someone's post where they're coming from, but you should really drink some tea or take a walk if you are going to get that hot and cursing because people can't tell from your tone that this isn't an easy choice for you. Because, remember, this is DCUM: this IS an easy choice for many here, and there are examples daily on this and other DCUM forums where people take these choices for granted. I went to one lottery and heard a woman say of her older kids (so she's not paying just daycare costs) oh well, I guess I'll keep them in private then. I had hoped for this because it would be great to free up these funds, but their current school is great so we'll just stay there."

Chill out. We get where you're coming from now. No need to flip us all off.

10:55, my post wasn't directed toward you. It was in response to 10:33, you just beat me to posting. So YOU chill out. I was addressing all of the jerks that came before you to pile on. I'm not trying to free up funds to take fancier vacations, and I doubt most others are either. To assume that is just asinine.

Um, since I'm the only one who used the word "blase" in a post, how were you not talking to me? And I'm going to leave it alone after this, but seriously, you aren't even reading clearly now. I just said that I get that YOU aren't freeing up funds for vacations, my point (which I couldn't have said anymore clearly) is that there are MANY here who ARE just as easily going private or doing charters, it's clear from the posts here and on other forums. NO ONE IS ASSUMING YOU HAVE TONS OF FUNDS PP.

But from experience, your way over the top defensiveness is much bigger than this thread, so I'll just leave it at that.

Oh but they did. Yes, they did. And that is my problem. It is rude beyond belief.

Possibly they assumed you had money because you said you'd "simply" keep your kid in daycare and then send them to Catholic school. For my family, that choice wouldn't have been simple. Anyway, you're getting pretty bent out of shape about something a random anonymous person said about you on a message board. For someone whose original message was along the lines of "lighten up", you seem kind of tightly wound.

Fine. I still want someone to address my questions at 11:10. I don't get why OP or any other parent just assumed they could easily get free childcare starting at age 3. This is not standard anywhere in this country. I am well aware that we got very very lucky (and we are therefore very very grateful), but we were in no way "counting" on getting a spot at any decent school. So I truly would like to know why others were as though it is not common knowledge that there are very few spots to go around.

I will answer your question.

I didn't assume that I would "easily" get free childcare starting at age 3, having already been through the maddening process of finding childcare in this area. When my DD was born, I didn't live in DC and so wasn't eligible for their programs anyway. There was a preschool program in our community, but it was not public, free or full day. It was, I believe, 3 days a week from 9a-12p. For that to have been a viable childcare/education plan for us, we would have had to pay for a nanny during all the non-PS times or one of us would have had to stay home. Accordingly, we chose a wonderful but really expensive daycare with a solid preschool program. When we moved downtown, DD was almost 2. I started doing my research on what was available. At no point did I feel entitled to a spot at any of the schools. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the various options, so that I would know what to apply to this year.

We applied to 4 publics (including our in bounds option, which is not great but not terrible) and 5 charters. I didn't apply to every single charter that is popular on these boards. Language immersion is not a huge factor for us, and not adding an hour to my commute is. So I filled out applications for things that had curricula that were interesting to me and that were between my house and my office. If nothing worked out in the lottery, we could have left DD at her private preschool, though not having to pay $1500/mo would be really great.

That's my story. I don't think my DD is entitled to a spot. I'm glad that there are any options at all. I'm also glad that the lotteries aren't things that you can just buy your way into, because the part of this process that has been the most frustrating for me is this: doing the research and understanding the process, filling out applications and visiting schools - these are things that I've been able to do because I work a cushy, low stress office job. I can't imagine navigating the convoluted mess that is the preschool lottery process if, for example, my English skills were not strong or I didn't have strong internet skills. You act like everyone should just automatically KNOW how the process works. Not everyone does. And it's a pretty intimidating process, even if you are confident in your ability to navigate it. That's not true of every parent in this city.

But let's face it, most parents posting on DCUM are not what you describe, and if they are posting here now it's not like they haven't seen the 1 million threads discussing the process and the intense competition/low odds. So thanks for your story, which rings true to my experience, but you don't sound like the people I have a bone to pick with.

No problem. You wanted "someone" to answer, so I did.

For what it's worth, I knew the odds were steep, but I did not expect there to be ZERO non-sibling spaces at MV. Maybe that was unrealistic, and great for the school that their families are so loyal, but as I said way up thread, after hearing about the lottery results, it really does seem like applying to any of the popular charters is a waste of time.

[Anonymous]

The bottom line is that you need to stop looking to charters as your only choice and get your neighborhoods to rally around your local school. Ross did it, Garrison and Tubman should be next. For the last several years the charters have killed the local schools but that has to change now that charters aren't a realistic option for most people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bottom line is that you need to stop looking to charters as your only choice and get your neighborhoods to rally around your local school. Ross did it, Garrison and Tubman should be next. For the last several years the charters have killed the local schools but that has to change now that charters aren't a realistic option for most people.

Does your child attend your neighborhood school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, you're just not bright enough to understand that for the betterment of our nation, PS & PK SHOULD be the norm. So you're saying that because other states haven't adopted universal PS & PK, it must be wrongheaded? Would you say the same about a service like 911? Or having fire companies or police? There are plenty of studies that show that children who get education earlier have a better shot at succeeding in life. And have you seen the stats that compare US education to other industrialized nations? How do you think we'll catch up? Anyway, I say good for DC for being a trailblazer. And five years from now when states have gotten their priorities in better order and universal PS & PK are the norm, you people shouting "entitled! disgusting!" will suddenly be accepting. Have a little vision you pea brain.

Wow. More asinine assumptions. I am a raging Obama liberal but I am also a realistic pragmatist. How much more are you willing to pay in taxes to make universal preschool a reality? It sounds great on paper but I would like to know how we plan to fund it, when we can't even get K-12 right as a country and our Congress can't even pass a fucking budget.

Who has the pea brain now? Are you going to answer my question on funding, or do you like living in la-la land like a child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Fine. I still want someone to address my questions at 11:10. I don't get why OP or any other parent just assumed they could easily get free childcare starting at age 3. This is not standard anywhere in this country. I am well aware that we got very very lucky (and we are therefore very very grateful), but we were in no way "counting" on getting a spot at any decent school. So I truly would like to know why others were as though it is not common knowledge that there are very few spots to go around.

I dont' think anyone is assuming they could get free childcare. Its more that...some people do get it and some people don't and its either a matter of luck and/or where you live, so it seems random and thus to some people, unfair. headstart was a much better model, frankly, for divvying up scare resources. At least there you have a baseline for why some people get a slot and others dont.

Ah, but that's a false assumption. The resources are not that scarce. Everyone DOES get a slot. This has been stated many times before, but I'll state it again. Everyone gets a slot. There are ALWAYS schools (both DCPS and some charters) that will have open slots. They may not be your first (or second or third) choice. They may not be conveniently between your home and your office, and they might not have a cute name like "Huckleberry Cheesecake" but they will be free, safe, available, and have an actual school curriculum.

It's simply not true to state that some people get it and others do not. Everybody gets it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bottom line is that you need to stop looking to charters as your only choice and get your neighborhoods to rally around your local school. Ross did it, Garrison and Tubman should be next. For the last several years the charters have killed the local schools but that has to change now that charters aren't a realistic option for most people.

And new charters aren't being developed fast enough/smartly enough to meet the demand. So yes to your comment x 100. It's about investing in in-bound schools. Maybe everyone trying for PS/PK now should be investing in their middle schools, if they can only do one school? We have found a few ways to participate and invest in several local schools (getting on schools' listserves is a big help in knowing how to use your no-doubt limited resources in that investment).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God, PP - you know, I was not blase, so fuck you. I simply outlined what I would have HAD to do. B/C I am not so hoity-toity that I can afford to live in the neighborhoods with the best schools and I will not rent a place the size of a shoebox to be zoned there. My DH and I would have faced tough choices - stay where we are and forego or delay a second child, move and deal with a shitty commute to work in the city, or move out of the area altogether. Look - I GET THE FRUSTRATION. But I don't really get the point of this thread. We all know there are not enough good schools. Was this somehow NEWS for OP and others like you?

As you can see from the post right before your totally rude "F-U" post, I get it now, I read your post and I understand now that you weren't blase.

You know, it's the internet, an anonymous message board. Sometimes it's not obvious from someone's post where they're coming from, but you should really drink some tea or take a walk if you are going to get that hot and cursing because people can't tell from your tone that this isn't an easy choice for you. Because, remember, this is DCUM: this IS an easy choice for many here, and there are examples daily on this and other DCUM forums where people take these choices for granted. I went to one lottery and heard a woman say of her older kids (so she's not paying just daycare costs) oh well, I guess I'll keep them in private then. I had hoped for this because it would be great to free up these funds, but their current school is great so we'll just stay there."

Chill out. We get where you're coming from now. No need to flip us all off.

10:55, my post wasn't directed toward you. It was in response to 10:33, you just beat me to posting. So YOU chill out. I was addressing all of the jerks that came before you to pile on. I'm not trying to free up funds to take fancier vacations, and I doubt most others are either. To assume that is just asinine.

Um, since I'm the only one who used the word "blase" in a post, how were you not talking to me? And I'm going to leave it alone after this, but seriously, you aren't even reading clearly now. I just said that I get that YOU aren't freeing up funds for vacations, my point (which I couldn't have said anymore clearly) is that there are MANY here who ARE just as easily going private or doing charters, it's clear from the posts here and on other forums. NO ONE IS ASSUMING YOU HAVE TONS OF FUNDS PP.

But from experience, your way over the top defensiveness is much bigger than this thread, so I'll just leave it at that.

Oh but they did. Yes, they did. And that is my problem. It is rude beyond belief.

Possibly they assumed you had money because you said you'd "simply" keep your kid in daycare and then send them to Catholic school. For my family, that choice wouldn't have been simple. Anyway, you're getting pretty bent out of shape about something a random anonymous person said about you on a message board. For someone whose original message was along the lines of "lighten up", you seem kind of tightly wound.

Fine. I still want someone to address my questions at 11:10. I don't get why OP or any other parent just assumed they could easily get free childcare starting at age 3. This is not standard anywhere in this country. I am well aware that we got very very lucky (and we are therefore very very grateful), but we were in no way "counting" on getting a spot at any decent school. So I truly would like to know why others were as though it is not common knowledge that there are very few spots to go around.

I will answer your question.

I didn't assume that I would "easily" get free childcare starting at age 3, having already been through the maddening process of finding childcare in this area. When my DD was born, I didn't live in DC and so wasn't eligible for their programs anyway. There was a preschool program in our community, but it was not public, free or full day. It was, I believe, 3 days a week from 9a-12p. For that to have been a viable childcare/education plan for us, we would have had to pay for a nanny during all the non-PS times or one of us would have had to stay home. Accordingly, we chose a wonderful but really expensive daycare with a solid preschool program. When we moved downtown, DD was almost 2. I started doing my research on what was available. At no point did I feel entitled to a spot at any of the schools. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the various options, so that I would know what to apply to this year.

We applied to 4 publics (including our in bounds option, which is not great but not terrible) and 5 charters. I didn't apply to every single charter that is popular on these boards. Language immersion is not a huge factor for us, and not adding an hour to my commute is. So I filled out applications for things that had curricula that were interesting to me and that were between my house and my office. If nothing worked out in the lottery, we could have left DD at her private preschool, though not having to pay $1500/mo would be really great.

That's my story. I don't think my DD is entitled to a spot. I'm glad that there are any options at all. I'm also glad that the lotteries aren't things that you can just buy your way into, because the part of this process that has been the most frustrating for me is this: doing the research and understanding the process, filling out applications and visiting schools - these are things that I've been able to do because I work a cushy, low stress office job. I can't imagine navigating the convoluted mess that is the preschool lottery process if, for example, my English skills were not strong or I didn't have strong internet skills. You act like everyone should just automatically KNOW how the process works. Not everyone does. And it's a pretty intimidating process, even if you are confident in your ability to navigate it. That's not true of every parent in this city.

But let's face it, most parents posting on DCUM are not what you describe, and if they are posting here now it's not like they haven't seen the 1 million threads discussing the process and the intense competition/low odds. So thanks for your story, which rings true to my experience, but you don't sound like the people I have a bone to pick with.

No problem. You wanted "someone" to answer, so I did.

For what it's worth, I knew the odds were steep, but I did not expect there to be ZERO non-sibling spaces at MV. Maybe that was unrealistic, and great for the school that their families are so loyal, but as I said way up thread, after hearing about the lottery results, it really does seem like applying to any of the popular charters is a waste of time.

But my very original point stands - someone does get called up, and the lists move. Most charter applications take 60 seconds to fill in online. OP was right about that - no reason not to apply but you should expect to be pleasantly surprised if and when you get called up. If you don't apply you have ZERO chance - isn't a very small one better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bottom line is that you need to stop looking to charters as your only choice and get your neighborhoods to rally around your local school. Ross did it, Garrison and Tubman should be next. For the last several years the charters have killed the local schools but that has to change now that charters aren't a realistic option for most people.

This is hard to do in some neighborhoods, though. I tried and simply could not rally any parents. I'm in Ward 4, where there are several good charters, and everyone just assumed that would be their route and that rallying around our neighborhood school was a waste of time. So I gave up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The bottom line is that you need to stop looking to charters as your only choice and get your neighborhoods to rally around your local school. Ross did it, Garrison and Tubman should be next. For the last several years the charters have killed the local schools but that has to change now that charters aren't a realistic option for most people.

And new charters aren't being developed fast enough/smartly enough to meet the demand. So yes to your comment x 100. It's about investing in in-bound schools. Maybe everyone trying for PS/PK now should be investing in their middle schools, if they can only do one school? We have found a few ways to participate and invest in several local schools (getting on schools' listserves is a big help in knowing how to use your no-doubt limited resources in that investment).

I love my neighborhood, but not my local DCPS. If it were the only choice, we wouldn't invest in it. We'd move to MoCo, and rent out the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Why? The point is not that there is something wrong with charters/school choice. The point is that there aren't enough charters to go around and we need more of them for true choice.

actually, the point is the failure of DCPS to be an adequate system to meet the needs of its constituents. Very rarely do you have so much public funding for charter schools--there is much greater 'choice' in DC than in many, many other areas. the problem is that the defaults are so uneven and inadequate. Unfortunately, with so many middle and high SES, educated proactive parents sending their kids to charters, the DCPS schools are drained of intangible resources of involved parents. This can be a good thing--either forcing DCPS to imrpove its game or close its schools (and both are happening, I think), but I think the idea that you are entitled to a huge choice of publicly funded schools is pretty bizarre. Most public education systems do not work that way.

This post bothers me because it assumes that help from parents and the community is just some extra bonus that DCPS needs to make itself deserving of, not something that is necessary for public education to function properly. DCPS takes a lot of heat for not being "an adequate system," but DCPCS rarely gets the same amount of heat for only providing a handful of schools that 100s of families try to squeeze into each year while constantly opening and closing schools (wasting a bunch of time and resources that could have gone into helping at least a few neighborhood schools).