Charter school lotteries - So stressed about if and when

[Anonymous]

This is just a rant, but hopefully someone else can relate. I am trying to wait patiently, what else can I do, to find out where we place on the charter schools lists. Fortunately, Cap City's is this week but I still have at least 2 others that won't pick until early April. What are you all doing to pass the time away? I wish they would all be done about the same time. And if we don't get in this year, I do not want to have to go through this again next year. Thanks for listening.

[Anonymous]

Well I am waiting on Cap. City, EL Haynes, and Yu Ying. All I can do is wait. I will know by April 4th so I don't have to wait to much longer.

[Anonymous]

What year/grade are you in the lotteries for, OP? Maybe someone out there has some information about the odds?

[Anonymous]

I was going to call Cap City. Shouldn't they know some basic info by now? Like how many nonsib PreK spots they will offer and how many apps?

Will you go to the actual lottery?

[Anonymous]

Oh, for heaven's sake. Just wait like a grown-up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was going to call Cap City. Shouldn't they know some basic info by now? Like how many nonsib PreK spots they will offer and how many apps?

Will you go to the actual lottery?

Yes, they should and do. Whether or not they are comfortable sharing that information I couldn't say.

[Anonymous]

I called. 10 pre-K spots after sibs. 1300 apps school-wide (not just that grade). Now my expectations are managed!

[Anonymous]

OP here - I'm waiting for pre-K. I'm not going to call the schools to find out numbers. I'm not that stressed. But if anybody finds out the answers, please share.

Thanks for your responses.

[Anonymous]

1300? Very interesting: that's longer than the waitlists for Janney, Key, Lafayette, Mann, & Murch combined.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are you all doing to pass the time away?

Join internet poker tournaments. At least you can add skill to luck.

Not to freak you out, but it can be a looooooong wait after you find out where you are waitlisted. Most schools shift somewhat all summer. I have a friend who works for a charter and she didn't get in until October. Talk about frustrating!

Should you strike out this year, know that it does happen to other people no matter how many shchools they apply too. School Choice in DC is often more like School Roulette.

(And if you want to see even more stress, check out the private school forums...)