Are we crazy to turn down DCBilingual to stay at SSMA?

[Anonymous]

We were just offer a spot for Prek4 and need to decide by tomorrow.

Factors- we're really happy at SSMA, love Montessori and it has worked really well for our super sensitive kid that won't take change or long days well. We live close to SSMA and are fortunate to have many neighbors and friends that go to SSMA.

But i'm nervous about options for middle school and have two more kids starting school next year so need to consider what will be best for other kids too.

DCI feed is appealing but I'm hearing that it won't be a guarantee now. Is this true?

Husband says we need to stick with what is working in our life now and reassess in 5 years.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were just offer a spot for Prek4 and need to decide by tomorrow.

Factors- we're really happy at SSMA, love Montessori and it has worked really well for our super sensitive kid that won't take change or long days well. We live close to SSMA and are fortunate to have many neighbors and friends that go to SSMA.

But i'm nervous about options for middle school and have two more kids starting school next year so need to consider what will be best for other kids too.

DCI feed is appealing but I'm hearing that it won't be a guarantee now. Is this true?

Husband says we need to stick with what is working in our life now and reassess in 5 years.

Thoughts?

Agree with husband.

[Anonymous]

He's right, and actually you should move out of DC for middle school because there are no good options. Some people will disagree, but you will have plenty of time to assess matters yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were just offer a spot for Prek4 and need to decide by tomorrow.

Factors- we're really happy at SSMA, love Montessori and it has worked really well for our super sensitive kid that won't take change or long days well. We live close to SSMA and are fortunate to have many neighbors and friends that go to SSMA.

But i'm nervous about options for middle school and have two more kids starting school next year so need to consider what will be best for other kids too.

DCI feed is appealing but I'm hearing that it won't be a guarantee now. Is this true?

Husband says we need to stick with what is working in our life now and reassess in 5 years.

Thoughts?

I totally agree with your husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were just offer a spot for Prek4 and need to decide by tomorrow.

Factors- we're really happy at SSMA, love Montessori and it has worked really well for our super sensitive kid that won't take change or long days well. We live close to SSMA and are fortunate to have many neighbors and friends that go to SSMA.

But i'm nervous about options for middle school and have two more kids starting school next year so need to consider what will be best for other kids too.

DCI feed is appealing but I'm hearing that it won't be a guarantee now. Is this true?

Husband says we need to stick with what is working in our life now and reassess in 5 years.

Thoughts?

I totally agree with your husband.

I would move my kid, but she is highly adaptable and has been in child care 8-6 since she was 5 months old. And you have to do what's best for your family. Sounds like your partner thinks it is best to stay and you acknowledge that your kiddo is thriving at Shining Stars. There might be a Montessori middle school option by the time he gets there.

[Anonymous]

Friends and neighbors at school and a happy kid?

Stay put. Middle school is far away. Start to reassess when the oldest gets to 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

Is Spanish language a big consideration for you? I think if not, stay. Having a feeder to MS/HS is just one thing, but I don't think parents should be choosing bilingual education just because of that and it's too bad that's what DC has to offer right now (ie, not other great guaranteed feeder options). By the time your kids get to that age hopefully things will have changed. Spanish language is very valuable to some families (like ours) and those should be the ones choosing bilingual ed....IMO.

[Anonymous]

Aren't the Montessori schools trying to join up for a middle/high?

[Anonymous]

When DCB agreed to absorb students from the failed Amos charter, did that cause their enrollment to exceed the number of guaranteed slots at DCI?

I assume that's what the OP meant when she said that the feeder seats may no longer be guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aren't the Montessori schools trying to join up for a middle/high?

They received a planning grant from a foundation last year. But nothing has materialized yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
He's right, and actually you should move out of DC for middle school because there are no good options. Some people will disagree, but you will have plenty of time to assess matters yourself.

True unfortunately

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
He's right, and actually you should move out of DC for middle school because there are no good options. Some people will disagree, but you will have plenty of time to assess matters yourself.

True unfortunately

A lot can change in...what, 7 years till a 4 year old is in middle school?? Let us hope.

[Anonymous]

We started PK4 at SSMA this year, and we are surprised and deeply impressed by what a warm learning environment it is. And we just turned down a much closer school because ultimately the commute is worth a happy kid!

[Anonymous]

don't think about middle school (DCI hasn't proven itself yet). Instead think about whether you want Immersion or Montessori. What do you value more - Montessori education or fluency in Spanish? Go with what you value considering commute.

[Anonymous]

A path is nice, but a lot can change. If it's working for you, then stay.