DCI Feeder vs Top Private

[Anonymous]

We just got into our first choice charter for a younger grade which feeds into DCI for middle. We put down a deposit at well-regarded private school. I am now second guessing that decision. If anyone can compare language focused charters and NW independents. I am also attracted to the fact this school has middle and high school options but are the academics comparable? Part of me thinks independents are just hype.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just got into our first choice charter for a younger grade which feeds into DCI for middle. We put down a deposit at well-regarded private school. I am now second guessing that decision. If anyone can compare language focused charters and NW independents. I am also attracted to the fact this school has middle and high school options but are the academics comparable? Part of me thinks independents are just hype.

Obviously, no one can offer any real advice unless they know which charter and which independent school. The NW "independents" are not homogenous.

Also, a lot depends on your child and what they need, especially what kind of learner they are and what kind of environment they thrive in.

If you thought the independents were just hype, why did you bother to apply? Why ask advice from people on this forum where you'll mostly encounter people who have decided that independents are worth the investment?

[Anonymous]

I'd personally eat the deposit. I'd rather lose one lump sum than guarantee I'll be paying out the ying yang for the next 14 years.

You can always pull out and go back into private later, if the school doesn't meet your expectations.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP: I think you are already having some doubt if private is worth it and if you don't give the DCI a try, this will always be on your mind!

[Anonymous]

Would the private take you back after pulling out?

[Anonymous]

Go public for early years!

[Anonymous]

Don't know much about DCI but here is a thread: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/455375.page

Honestly I think the charters are great for the early years. I've heard great things about LAMB and YuYing! Middle school is too early to tell, but knows maybe DCI can hold its own against Sidwell in a couple years.

[Anonymous]

Read the forums on DCI. We are at a feeder but considering private for middle (I have started reading lots on this forum). DCI is a new school so it has to work through some growing pains Biggest concern I have at this point is the heavy tech focus. Kids use chromebooks in every class.

I am not opposed to tech use in the classroom, but letting kids have access to phones/chromebooks during the entire day seems excessive. Would feel better if admin had studied/researched evidence based practices but the motivation behind it seems to be "bridging the digital diviede"

We love our feeder and glad we are there. We had every intention of attending DCI (and still might) but we are considering other options as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Read the forums on DCI. We are at a feeder but considering private for middle (I have started reading lots on this forum). DCI is a new school so it has to work through some growing pains Biggest concern I have at this point is the heavy tech focus. Kids use chromebooks in every class.

I am not opposed to tech use in the classroom, but letting kids have access to phones/chromebooks during the entire day seems excessive. Would feel better if admin had studied/researched evidence based practices but the motivation behind it seems to be "bridging the digital diviede"

We love our feeder and glad we are there. We had every intention of attending DCI (and still might) but we are considering other options as well

This is us as well. OP I would do the charter, but keep in mind that it may not be a ticket through high school. GL

[Anonymous]

Just remember that you are taking a spot from someone who likely cannot afford private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just remember that you are taking a spot from someone who likely cannot afford private.

So? Why should that be OP's problem? OP might be able to afford private, but if that come at a high cost to their family and savings that could have apply towards their DC college funds?

You are trying to guilt someone into making a decision that may not be the best one for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just remember that you are taking a spot from someone who likely cannot afford private.

So? Why should that be OP's problem? OP might be able to afford private, but if that come at a high cost to their family and savings that could have apply towards their DC college funds?

You are trying to guilt someone into making a decision that may not be the best one for them.

And the premise might also be bullshit. We chose public because we want to and could afford a private. We're not all poors begging for scraps.

[Anonymous]

And we all don't believe private is the best.

[Anonymous]

Unless someone has had a kid in both, there is no way to possibly compare. If you can afford it, I'd go with private. It's usually a better, more well-rounded, richer experience. If your finances will be tight, go with the charter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And we all don't believe private is the best.

Agree! I have on in private and one in public. We can afford full pay either way but both kids are in the most optimum environment for each of them.

The pain is dealing w two different sets if school calendar and vacation time!

I'm not in the position to worry about what is best for other people's children and their education. Politicians and sociak works do that. Not my job!