Mundo Verde Feedback

[Anonymous]

We got a lucky match with Mundo Verde. It wasn't our first choice, but will likely be our only choice, given our wiatlist positions. I am hoping for some feedback from parents and others in the know. It is not logistically very ideal for our family, so I am trying to figure out whether it is worth pulling DS from SSMA to make the move. SSMA is in our neighborhood and has been a good experience so far. Planning to go to the MV open house but looking for some feedback as to whether MV is definitely worth the inconvenience. My instinct is that it is...

[Anonymous]

What would be your plan for middle school? I think that's the big appeal of Mundo Verde.

What grade?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Yes, that's a factor. We'll be starting K. SSMA and Lee have talked about a MS, but that's indefinite. and it's not clear that we'd stick with Montessori all the way anyway. Of course we're excited about the Spanish immersion, but our main goal is that DS feel happy and challenged and inspired as he gets older...

[Anonymous]

Well, from what I understand, middle school (DCI) is no longer a guarantee with MV anymore anyway, so factor that in to your decision.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Yes, with DCI less of a sure thing, I am trying to understand whether MV is stand out special in its own right, and worth a commute across town.

[Anonymous]

Would the new MV campus be more convenient for you? They might offer 1st grade for 2019-2020.

[Anonymous]

Do you speak Spanish? Does your spouse? Can you put your child in an immersion summer camp to help adjust.

[Anonymous]

I speak Spanish and we have a Spanish speaking au pair, so the desire for Spanish immersion is not random. But I care more about his general emotional and intellectual growth.

[Anonymous]

Not the OP, but I’m in a similar boat except that mundo was our first choice.

I do have some concerns:

(1) why do they switch off Spanish and English days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to do half days?

(2)why is math taught in both languages? This makes no sense to me.

(3) why do they walk to playgrounds so far away? Doesn’t this eat into their rec time?

(4) the teachers seem young. Is that the case with all of them? Are any more experienced?

(5) how is discipline handled? Is there a “rubber room” for kids who are in trouble?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but I’m in a similar boat except that mundo was our first choice.

I do have some concerns:

(1) why do they switch off Spanish and English days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to do half days? Pros/cons to both. Transitions are often hard for kids ... having an entire day "off" of the target language or "on" in the new language allows them and the teachers to delve more indepth.

(2)why is math taught in both languages? This makes no sense to me. No idea, but most likely to pull up scores.

(3) why do they walk to playgrounds so far away? Doesn’t this eat into their rec time? Limited on-site play area. Walks can be fun for the kids ... not the worst thing- parents tend to be more bothered than the kids, who enjoy having the time to talk with a friend/buddy.

(4) the teachers seem young. Is that the case with all of them? Are any more experienced? Some excellent, outstanding teachers. Others not so much. You experience this at every school. Unfortunately with the current (and founding) administration, not a lot of effective support to really have an impact as needed. Ask parents in the 2nd grade, 5th grade cohorts how its going. If they are honest, they will give you concrete examples of the frustrations.

(5) how is discipline handled? Is there a “rubber room” for kids who are in trouble?

The infamous "Breathing Room" where kids dread going ... and can be forced to visit, dragged by teachers/aides/counselors. Not fun to witness. Kids feel they have no control, so situations often escalate rather than having the calming effect desired. The inability to manage the classroom environment and the weak communication of the leadership are big drawbacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Yes, that's a factor. We'll be starting K. SSMA and Lee have talked about a MS, but that's indefinite. and it's not clear that we'd stick with Montessori all the way anyway. Of course we're excited about the Spanish immersion, but our main goal is that DS feel happy and challenged and inspired as he gets older...

OP, this is exactly our situation and I could’ve written your post word for word. Currently at a Montessori school and our DC got into MV. MV was our first choice 2 years ago and accepting an offer back then would have been a no-brainer. And while we still very much want our DC in a Spanish immersion school, it is a tougher choice after seeing how well DC is doing/how much DC is learning in a Montessori environment. After visiting MV, though, I definitely see why it is a sought-after school. OP, once you go to an open house, I think it will make things clearer for you one way or the other. We are very lucky to be given this opportunity. Good luck with your decision!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but I’m in a similar boat except that mundo was our first choice.

I do have some concerns:

(1) why do they switch off Spanish and English days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to do half days? Pros/cons to both. Transitions are often hard for kids ... having an entire day "off" of the target language or "on" in the new language allows them and the teachers to delve more indepth.

(2)why is math taught in both languages? This makes no sense to me. No idea, but most likely to pull up scores.

(3) why do they walk to playgrounds so far away? Doesn’t this eat into their rec time? Limited on-site play area. Walks can be fun for the kids ... not the worst thing- parents tend to be more bothered than the kids, who enjoy having the time to talk with a friend/buddy.

(4) the teachers seem young. Is that the case with all of them? Are any more experienced? Some excellent, outstanding teachers. Others not so much. You experience this at every school. Unfortunately with the current (and founding) administration, not a lot of effective support to really have an impact as needed. Ask parents in the 2nd grade, 5th grade cohorts how its going. If they are honest, they will give you concrete examples of the frustrations.

(5) how is discipline handled? Is there a “rubber room” for kids who are in trouble?

The infamous "Breathing Room" where kids dread going ... and can be forced to visit, dragged by teachers/aides/counselors. Not fun to witness. Kids feel they have no control, so situations often escalate rather than having the calming effect desired. The inability to manage the classroom environment and the weak communication of the leadership are big drawbacks.

Thank you for these answers- can anyone speak to the curriculum? We are also coming from a Montessori and love the child lead approach.

[Anonymous]

DCPS Spanish immersion schools teaches Math in the foreign language as well. It’s modeled after Oyster across all schools now.

[Anonymous]

Are there any former Montessori families that started MV in K that would be willing to discuss their experiences with the transition from non-language immersion Montessori school to MV? Would appreciate any feedback!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCPS Spanish immersion schools teaches Math in the foreign language as well. It’s modeled after Oyster across all schools now.

Mundo verde is not a dcps school so thanks but I think you’re confused.

In case I wasn’t clear, at the admitted open house we were told the bilingual expeditionary curriculum was essentially created in house. That sounds fascinating and impressive, but can anyone discuss how this works in practice?