Anyone start at a DC Charter, then go private?

[Anonymous]

We were just offered a spot off of the waitlist at a very popular charter school. With the economy the way it is, I am tempted to give it a try. If it doesn't work, we'd probably go private. Has anyone gone that route? How easy/hard is it to switch from the charter schools? I've read that some DC public schools, like Mann are bigger feeders to independent schools, but haven't seen a discussion of the charters. Any thougts are welcome.

[Anonymous]

I'd take the slot. We went private from a public, not charter, and are now in private for middle school. I personally know children from charter schools who have gone on to GDS, Maret, Sheridan, Field. That's just my universe, people I know socially. Think of the savings. For us, probably $160,000. My child's public school was stronger in several areas than many privates (though weaker, too). Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Were you in a DC public? Thanks for the info. I think we are strongly leaning towards giving it a try.

[Anonymous]

Yes, a DC school. Waitlisted first choice, accepted second, currently at second. Great fit, but no regrets. When I think back, getting accepted at this DC elementary OOB (out of boundary) was like winning the lottery. (It was pre-lottery, we stood in line.)

[Anonymous]

Depends on the charter. If it is one of the "Benetton schools"? I'd probably do it.

[Anonymous]

It's E. L. Haynes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were just offered a spot off of the waitlist at a very popular charter school. With the economy the way it is, I am tempted to give it a try. If it doesn't work, we'd probably go private. Has anyone gone that route? How easy/hard is it to switch from the charter schools? I've read that some DC public schools, like Mann are bigger feeders to independent schools, but haven't seen a discussion of the charters. Any thougts are welcome.

What are your other choices? What school were you planning on before getting off the WL? Have you already been through the application process to any Independent schools? What is your inbounds DCPS school?

[Anonymous]

Inbounds for H.D. Cooke. Have been admitted to McLean and Maddux but tuition will be a big stretch this year, may be more doable next year. Applied OOB to several DC schools and charters. Have also considered homeschooling.

[Anonymous]

What is a Benetton school?

[Anonymous]

I'd definitely choose E.L. Hayes over HD Cooke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is a Benetton school?

I didn't know what they are either.

Here's a Benetton School post link:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/54555.page

[Anonymous]

Huh. A GF of mine refers to "Benetton Schools" and "Benetton playgrounds" and "Benetton playgroups" among a certain class of families on the Upper West Side. I thought was a New Yorkism.

[Anonymous]

I'd definitely choose E.L. Hayes over HD Cooke.

Another vote for this.

[Anonymous]

To ansawer your question, my neighbors' kids started in a charter, then moved to private for 6th grade. They went to very competitive private schools. Several other children I know went from Collegiate and Washington Latin to excellent private schools.

[Anonymous]

We started in charter and will most likely stay in charter. Seems silly to walk away from such a good deal; I also anticipate that this first generation of Charter children will look 'interesting' to colleges. Anyone else think that? Sometimes it is better to be the big fish in a small pond.