Shining Stars Waitlist

[Anonymous]

Question about Shining Stars

I see that SSMA had a huge number of prek spots last year and had a big waitlist movement (73 waitlist offers). Is this typical for them each year? And should this also be expected this school year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question about Shining Stars

I see that SSMA had a huge number of prek spots last year and had a big waitlist movement (73 waitlist offers). Is this typical for them each year? And should this also be expected this school year?

prek4 offers I specifically meant.

[Anonymous]

Don't expect a repeat. Last year included an expansion and the prior year a location move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't expect a repeat. Last year included an expansion and the prior year a location move.

Yikes. Ok. I was hoping differently

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't expect a repeat. Last year included an expansion and the prior year a location move.

Yikes. Ok. I was hoping differently

I venture a guess it will still move significantly though.

[Anonymous]

With seven classes, there is always some movement, but I don't expect the same amount this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With seven classes, there is always some movement, but I don't expect the same amount this year.

Those are still really good odds nonetheless. So I'm feeling hopeful.

[Anonymous]

They said they're offering 20-30 PK3 spots this year after siblings.

My pet theory is that thier waitlist moves more than some other schools because they're always parked around 5-7 on the waitlist of half of the PK3 families who live north of Irving and East of Georgia Avenue, which means there's more churn as people get other offers over the summer. I'd bet it moves more than other schools but less than in years past..

[Anonymous]

Why does this school move so much more?? Seems like a good location for Brookland area families. Many of which seemed very excited about a neighborhood montessori yet they are passing up spots?
Maybe for a school with a middle feeder?? Reality of the school dynamics just not working for a good number of families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does this school move so much more?? Seems like a good location for Brookland area families. Many of which seemed very excited about a neighborhood montessori yet they are passing up spots?
Maybe for a school with a middle feeder?? Reality of the school dynamics just not working for a good number of families?

See 10:08.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does this school move so much more?? Seems like a good location for Brookland area families. Many of which seemed very excited about a neighborhood montessori yet they are passing up spots?
Maybe for a school with a middle feeder?? Reality of the school dynamics just not working for a good number of families?

This came up last year as well, when we had a spot there. We got another offer though and took it.

I'm afraid it's a good option yes but stuck in a kind of Tier 2 backup position, and last year its rank even dropped a bit after PARCC I think. So it is often perceived as a middling school. However, I don't know if that's fair or not. I also think the small building makes it seem more like a preschool-K option than a longer term option, and its upper grades have been small. People also may see the impressive buildings and grounds of ITS, CMI, and Lee and want that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does this school move so much more?? Seems like a good location for Brookland area families. Many of which seemed very excited about a neighborhood montessori yet they are passing up spots?
Maybe for a school with a middle feeder?? Reality of the school dynamics just not working for a good number of families?

This came up last year as well, when we had a spot there. We got another offer though and took it.

I'm afraid it's a good option yes but stuck in a kind of Tier 2 backup position, and last year its rank even dropped a bit after PARCC I think. So it is often perceived as a middling school. However, I don't know if that's fair or not. I also think the small building makes it seem more like a preschool-K option than a longer term option, and its upper grades have been small. People also may see the impressive buildings and grounds of ITS, CMI, and Lee and want that.

It's because of middle school, in part. Some people don't like Montessori as much after preschool, even if they thought they would. Brookland is lovely but there are many HRCS in the area, that have middle/high school access too.

[Anonymous]

The school did drop, but it was because of a (hopefully one-year) drop in their attendance score; PARCC scores were actually up a good bit over the year before. However, because the older grades are fairly small, the PARCC score either didn't count toward the school's overall score (or counted less? I don't know) and was rated ridiculously heavily toward attendance.

I do think its fair, then, to criticize the school's leadership for not placing EXTRA heavy emphasis on attendance (although at some point what are you going to do? I don't think they should be expelling anyone over it), but that's story behind the drop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The school did drop, but it was because of a (hopefully one-year) drop in their attendance score; PARCC scores were actually up a good bit over the year before. However, because the older grades are fairly small, the PARCC score either didn't count toward the school's overall score (or counted less? I don't know) and was rated ridiculously heavily toward attendance.

I do think its fair, then, to criticize the school's leadership for not placing EXTRA heavy emphasis on attendance (although at some point what are you going to do? I don't think they should be expelling anyone over it), but that's story behind the drop.

We're a current family and the school has been putting a huge emphasis on attendance. Lots of emails and reminders about the importance of attendance. Not sure if it's helping or not.

--
I think much of the issue with SSMA is the school had a rough start with many moves, so it never became a "DCUM darling." Many folks are happy to take it as a PK3/PK4 option, but continue to try and lottery out. The school has done a lot recently to try and correct for that, including several parent days where they review 1st-3rd grade curriculum and discussions on Lower Elementary. A number of families are now also staying for the long-term with the permanent location. The school is way undervalued in our view and we're happy to be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The school did drop, but it was because of a (hopefully one-year) drop in their attendance score; PARCC scores were actually up a good bit over the year before. However, because the older grades are fairly small, the PARCC score either didn't count toward the school's overall score (or counted less? I don't know) and was rated ridiculously heavily toward attendance.

I do think its fair, then, to criticize the school's leadership for not placing EXTRA heavy emphasis on attendance (although at some point what are you going to do? I don't think they should be expelling anyone over it), but that's story behind the drop.

We're a current family and the school has been putting a huge emphasis on attendance. Lots of emails and reminders about the importance of attendance. Not sure if it's helping or not.

--
I think much of the issue with SSMA is the school had a rough start with many moves, so it never became a "DCUM darling." Many folks are happy to take it as a PK3/PK4 option, but continue to try and lottery out. The school has done a lot recently to try and correct for that, including several parent days where they review 1st-3rd grade curriculum and discussions on Lower Elementary. A number of families are now also staying for the long-term with the permanent location. The school is way undervalued in our view and we're happy to be there.

What will you do for middle school, PP? Not trying to be snarky, I am just curious.