Critique my Prek3 List!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, I'm not offended at all. I work for Sessions but not by choice; I'm a career trial attorney.

I wasn't entirely sold on IT and CMI. I liked CMI a lot more than IT, but sometimes I wonder if it's a matter of hype rather than actual results. AT is an excellent program for that age range and the only reason I'm not as enthused with AT is that we would have to lottery again.

I truly appreciate all of the feedback! We hope we win the lottery (literally).

I'm curious why you didn't like IT? It is top on our list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, I'm not offended at all. I work for Sessions but not by choice; I'm a career trial attorney.

I wasn't entirely sold on IT and CMI. I liked CMI a lot more than IT, but sometimes I wonder if it's a matter of hype rather than actual results. AT is an excellent program for that age range and the only reason I'm not as enthused with AT is that we would have to lottery again.

I truly appreciate all of the feedback! We hope we win the lottery (literally).

CMI DOJ parent who works at Gallery place (hi everyone!).

We love the school. If you live in Petworth, I'd apply - we don't really rock the open house (we are working on it). Good luck with the lottery fellow DOJer.

[Anonymous]

So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi all,

We live in Petworth and we are interested in bilingual education, but that's not a deal-breaker. Here's our list. We are close to Barnard but inbound for Truesdell. And yes, we know it's virtually impossible to get into Hyde Addison OOB. But I would love your feedback.

Hyde Addison
Yu Ying
Mundo Verde
Shepherd Elementary
DC Bilingual
Two Rivers PCS 4th Street
Appletree Columbia Heights
Barnard
EL Haynes
Marie Reed (DL)
Stokes
Shining Stars


There are virtually no safety schools on this list. Barnard is unlikely OOB as is Marie Reed. Maybe Shepard but I wouldn't hold my breath there either. We live in a petworth also and have known people who are happy at Truesdale for PK. If you don't mind a commute or have a back up plan it's fine.

Possible there could be a couple OOB spots at Shepherd but I would not consider it a safety. Even some IB families are worried about getting in this year.

We're IB for Shepherd, and I would have zero concerns for any IB family for next year, since they added the second PK3 class this year. My guess is you'll see about 10 OOB slots at the school after filling IB.

I'm a little confused at Appletree above Barnard and Haynes for a family that lives so close to those two - those are much more viable for longer term and decent schools. I must say I'm a little baffled at trying to figure out your true priorities and ranking criteria based on the list - they're all over the map, literally and figuratively.

If bilingual really is important to you, I'd probably put DCB above Shepherd - since it's not only bilingual but has a long term feeder path.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi all,

We live in Petworth and we are interested in bilingual education, but that's not a deal-breaker. Here's our list. We are close to Barnard but inbound for Truesdell. And yes, we know it's virtually impossible to get into Hyde Addison OOB. But I would love your feedback.

Hyde Addison
Yu Ying
Mundo Verde
Shepherd Elementary
DC Bilingual
Two Rivers PCS 4th Street
Appletree Columbia Heights
Barnard
EL Haynes
Marie Reed (DL)
Stokes
Shining Stars


There are virtually no safety schools on this list. Barnard is unlikely OOB as is Marie Reed. Maybe Shepard but I wouldn't hold my breath there either. We live in a petworth also and have known people who are happy at Truesdale for PK. If you don't mind a commute or have a back up plan it's fine.

Possible there could be a couple OOB spots at Shepherd but I would not consider it a safety. Even some IB families are worried about getting in this year.

We're IB for Shepherd, and I would have zero concerns for any IB family for next year, since they added the second PK3 class this year. My guess is you'll see about 10 OOB slots at the school after filling IB.

I'm a little confused at Appletree above Barnard and Haynes for a family that lives so close to those two - those are much more viable for longer term and decent schools. I must say I'm a little baffled at trying to figure out your true priorities and ranking criteria based on the list - they're all over the map, literally and figuratively.

If bilingual really is important to you, I'd probably put DCB above Shepherd - since it's not only bilingual but has a long term feeder path.

Shepherd has the best long term feeding path

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

We are going into middle school at ITS next year. The middle school is beyond solid now. I would say it has been for about 1-2 years. The extras that they have built in last few years have made it a really special place. The learning is strong and inspired (even if the current PARCC doesn't reflect it). We are beyond excited and can't believe that we are not even playing lottery for Latin (our plan since the beginning). I would say last year, only 3 kids that I know of left middle (not counting ones that left out of state). One went to Deal IB, one to Latin, and one to DCI. I know the year before a few went to Basis. My cohort is extremely happy. Only 2-3 families that I'm close with (and we are all pretty close) are playing lottery. I'm sure there could be more but I wanted to chime in to say we are thrilled with middle school as they are now. The middle school principal has been holding our hands this year and been going above and beyond to let us know what we can expect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

We are going into middle school at ITS next year. The middle school is beyond solid now. I would say it has been for about 1-2 years. The extras that they have built in last few years have made it a really special place. The learning is strong and inspired (even if the current PARCC doesn't reflect it). We are beyond excited and can't believe that we are not even playing lottery for Latin (our plan since the beginning). I would say last year, only 3 kids that I know of left middle (not counting ones that left out of state). One went to Deal IB, one to Latin, and one to DCI. I know the year before a few went to Basis. My cohort is extremely happy. Only 2-3 families that I'm close with (and we are all pretty close) are playing lottery. I'm sure there could be more but I wanted to chime in to say we are thrilled with middle school as they are now. The middle school principal has been holding our hands this year and been going above and beyond to let us know what we can expect.

What does that mean? Isn't that what any failing school would say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

We are going into middle school at ITS next year. The middle school is beyond solid now. I would say it has been for about 1-2 years. The extras that they have built in last few years have made it a really special place. The learning is strong and inspired (even if the current PARCC doesn't reflect it). We are beyond excited and can't believe that we are not even playing lottery for Latin (our plan since the beginning). I would say last year, only 3 kids that I know of left middle (not counting ones that left out of state). One went to Deal IB, one to Latin, and one to DCI. I know the year before a few went to Basis. My cohort is extremely happy. Only 2-3 families that I'm close with (and we are all pretty close) are playing lottery. I'm sure there could be more but I wanted to chime in to say we are thrilled with middle school as they are now. The middle school principal has been holding our hands this year and been going above and beyond to let us know what we can expect.

What does that mean? Isn't that what any failing school would say?

DP but there are many reasons why middle school parcc scores could be low. Let's be real, when 50% is considered good, it makes you doubt parcc all together. Attrition followed by replacing students that come from lower performing schools. Creates self fulfilling prophecy.

[Anonymous]

Who says 50% is good on PARCC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

We are going into middle school at ITS next year. The middle school is beyond solid now. I would say it has been for about 1-2 years. The extras that they have built in last few years have made it a really special place. The learning is strong and inspired (even if the current PARCC doesn't reflect it). We are beyond excited and can't believe that we are not even playing lottery for Latin (our plan since the beginning). I would say last year, only 3 kids that I know of left middle (not counting ones that left out of state). One went to Deal IB, one to Latin, and one to DCI. I know the year before a few went to Basis. My cohort is extremely happy. Only 2-3 families that I'm close with (and we are all pretty close) are playing lottery. I'm sure there could be more but I wanted to chime in to say we are thrilled with middle school as they are now. The middle school principal has been holding our hands this year and been going above and beyond to let us know what we can expect.

What does that mean? Isn't that what any failing school would say?

DP but there are many reasons why middle school parcc scores could be low. Let's be real, when 50% is considered good, it makes you doubt parcc all together. Attrition followed by replacing students that come from lower performing schools. Creates self fulfilling prophecy.

OK, but I could say that about Roosevelt too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I wasn't confident about IT at the higher grades. I felt that TR was more established and had better test scores, with a more disadvantaged student population. I have always believed that if you can do more with riskier kids then you likely have a better overall program.

But frankly these conversations re CMI and IT are making me reassess. Perhaps, I had an unhealthy skepticism of the schools because, now that I'm reading my notes, I honestly don't see where I mentioned many negatives.

I really loved IT when we toured a few years ago, but didn't want the commute so ranked our IB (Shepherd) higher. I have a friend who had kids at IT but recently left for private (upper grades); she said several other families did too. I think it's the same issue as with CMI that someone mentioned--many families with options get nervous--whether warranted or not--about the newness of the middle school program, and some end up leaving.

We are going into middle school at ITS next year. The middle school is beyond solid now. I would say it has been for about 1-2 years. The extras that they have built in last few years have made it a really special place. The learning is strong and inspired (even if the current PARCC doesn't reflect it). We are beyond excited and can't believe that we are not even playing lottery for Latin (our plan since the beginning). I would say last year, only 3 kids that I know of left middle (not counting ones that left out of state). One went to Deal IB, one to Latin, and one to DCI. I know the year before a few went to Basis. My cohort is extremely happy. Only 2-3 families that I'm close with (and we are all pretty close) are playing lottery. I'm sure there could be more but I wanted to chime in to say we are thrilled with middle school as they are now. The middle school principal has been holding our hands this year and been going above and beyond to let us know what we can expect.

What does that mean? Isn't that what any failing school would say?

DP but there are many reasons why middle school parcc scores could be low. Let's be real, when 50% is considered good, it makes you doubt parcc all together. Attrition followed by replacing students that come from lower performing schools. Creates self fulfilling prophecy.

OK, but I could say that about Roosevelt too.

If your child attended Roosevelt for 5-6 years and you reported that was your experience, I would take your experience as truth for you.

[Anonymous]

And that sums up the net worth of your excuses for the school. Thanks for understanding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who says 50% is good on PARCC?

Everyone.

Basis, DC Prep - high 50s
Latin middle - 70/53
Lamb 57/48
YY 51/59
TR 43/40
And those are the "top" charters


"Top" DCPS and all these have significantly higher FARM than the charters above:
Deal 50/62
Brent - low 60s
WOTP - 60-70s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And that sums up the net worth of your excuses for the school. Thanks for understanding.

DP but Huh?