New to Banneker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

My kid is at Banneker and has friends (they all graduated last year from the same MS) at Walls and the workload seems similar.

Yes. My family has direct experience at both and people on this thread are deluding themselves. The truth is that it's much easier to get into Banneker than Walls and the majority of students rank Walls ahead. As a result, the average student at Walls is much better prepared than the average student at Banneker. That means that Banneker seems harder, because it's harder for its average student, but it's not actually harder.

Also have experience with Walls. The IB track is harder than what’s offered at Walls. Banneker and Walls flip-flop for the top position all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

My kid is at Banneker and has friends (they all graduated last year from the same MS) at Walls and the workload seems similar.

Yes. My family has direct experience at both and people on this thread are deluding themselves. The truth is that it's much easier to get into Banneker than Walls and the majority of students rank Walls ahead. As a result, the average student at Walls is much better prepared than the average student at Banneker. That means that Banneker seems harder, because it's harder for its average student, but it's not actually harder.

Also have experience with Walls. The IB track is harder than what’s offered at Walls. Banneker and Walls flip-flop for the top position all the time.

Not sure what you mean by "top position." But Walls has always been considerably harder to get into. The average SAT score differential between the schools is telling (and large).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with questions about BSI...
This year, it ran parallel to the SYEP program and began the last week in June and ended the first week in August. Students participating in SYEP did the first and last week online so they could get paid. Students just attending BSI did the four week in-person program only. This was in July. The application for SYEP opens in January I believe. If your child will be 14 by the summer, do the application. You select the placement later. The school sends out info about BSI toward the end of the school year.

My DD is very introverted, but BSI was a good experience. While their middle school sent a lot of kids to Banneker, they now have a peer group outside of thr kids they went to middle school with.

My DD was a straight A student throughout middle school and scored in the 99th percentile on the DC CAPE ELA test for all of middle school. They are super bright. We applied to Walls but marked Banneker as the #1 choice. I'm fairly secure in that choice so far. I've had students who've attended both schools and done very well. Both sets of students are often over-prepared for the early years of college.

Banneker is a lot of work. I think some of it is busy work, but "it's practice!" (Shout out to Allen Iverson). The best thing we did is that we didn't wait for the school to provide agenda books for the students. We purchased one the first week of classes and check in to make sure it is being used correctly and consistently. That has been helpful in managing the workload. I also memorized the class schedule (extra, I know), and ask about classes, in order, every day. The kid knows these questions are coming and is prepared.

I know this was crazy long, but I hope it is helpful.

Thank you for that information. My child is very keen on being able to get away for the summer from DC and we have been able to do that. Having to be in class for four weeks would be a major point of contention. If your DD had not done that, do you believe she would have not been able to follow in class as easily? I guess it would be interesting to know what you mean by "good experience" and how relevant that was for later work.

I personally know of two students who traveled this summer and did not attend the full 4 week program. They adjusted well. If that is the case, your student likely would not be in the paid program, just BSI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting information. There is a decent chance that DD gets invited to an interview given GPA and what teachers said about their recommendations. Do you have any insight into recent interview questions for kids and/or the parents? Are they the same or how do they differ?

I honestly don't rememeber our interview questions. It really was a conversation. I feel like we were in there as a family for quite some time. Our DD was very vulnerable during their interview and shared some anxieties they had about high school. It ended up being very emotional in a good way.

In response to another comment, I think that Banneker does cast a wider net than Walls. And I don't think it's a bad thing. It produces two different student bodies which is fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with questions about BSI...
This year, it ran parallel to the SYEP program and began the last week in June and ended the first week in August. Students participating in SYEP did the first and last week online so they could get paid. Students just attending BSI did the four week in-person program only. This was in July. The application for SYEP opens in January I believe. If your child will be 14 by the summer, do the application. You select the placement later. The school sends out info about BSI toward the end of the school year.

My DD is very introverted, but BSI was a good experience. While their middle school sent a lot of kids to Banneker, they now have a peer group outside of thr kids they went to middle school with.

My DD was a straight A student throughout middle school and scored in the 99th percentile on the DC CAPE ELA test for all of middle school. They are super bright. We applied to Walls but marked Banneker as the #1 choice. I'm fairly secure in that choice so far. I've had students who've attended both schools and done very well. Both sets of students are often over-prepared for the early years of college.

Banneker is a lot of work. I think some of it is busy work, but "it's practice!" (Shout out to Allen Iverson). The best thing we did is that we didn't wait for the school to provide agenda books for the students. We purchased one the first week of classes and check in to make sure it is being used correctly and consistently. That has been helpful in managing the workload. I also memorized the class schedule (extra, I know), and ask about classes, in order, every day. The kid knows these questions are coming and is prepared.

I know this was crazy long, but I hope it is helpful.

Thank you for that information. My child is very keen on being able to get away for the summer from DC and we have been able to do that. Having to be in class for four weeks would be a major point of contention. If your DD had not done that, do you believe she would have not been able to follow in class as easily? I guess it would be interesting to know what you mean by "good experience" and how relevant that was for later work.

I personally know of two students who traveled this summer and did not attend the full 4 week program. They adjusted well. If that is the case, your student likely would not be in the paid program, just BSI.

fwiw, my kid missed some of BSI and was still able to participate in SYEP. The kids need to keep the BSI site supervisor informed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

My kid is at Banneker and has friends (they all graduated last year from the same MS) at Walls and the workload seems similar.

Yes. My family has direct experience at both and people on this thread are deluding themselves. The truth is that it's much easier to get into Banneker than Walls and the majority of students rank Walls ahead. As a result, the average student at Walls is much better prepared than the average student at Banneker. That means that Banneker seems harder, because it's harder for its average student, but it's not actually harder.

Also have experience with Walls. The IB track is harder than what’s offered at Walls. Banneker and Walls flip-flop for the top position all the time.

Not sure what you mean by "top position." But Walls has always been considerably harder to get into. The average SAT score differential between the schools is telling (and large).

Yes, I have had kids attend both schools. Both schools are great. Banneker’s IB program is the most challenging program in DCPS.

[Anonymous]

As a parent participant this past year, I found the Banneker parent interview more engaging and interesting. Three reps from the school. They were open, honest, and inquisitive towards me. (Also funny.) The Walls interview, by contrast, was one teacher and one student and seemed more like a formal chore. The Banneker folks seemed to actually enjoy the meeting.

Yes, limited sample size, so don’t read into this. But I did notice a clear difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent participant this past year, I found the Banneker parent interview more engaging and interesting. Three reps from the school. They were open, honest, and inquisitive towards me. (Also funny.) The Walls interview, by contrast, was one teacher and one student and seemed more like a formal chore. The Banneker folks seemed to actually enjoy the meeting.

Yes, limited sample size, so don’t read into this. But I did notice a clear difference.

Definitely agree! The Banneker interview experience was warm and inviting and in my opinion, reflective of the experience at the school even with the rigor. The Walls interview experience was quite the opposite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I heard from my daughter (who's friends go to Banneker) that they get A LOT of homework and many end up transferring to walls in sophomore year.

There are very few new Walls admits in 10th grade, so the idea that "many" students from one school end up transferring there is obviously completely ridiculous.

Even if only 2-3 transfer to walls, many still transfer out of Banneker.

Just to provide some hard numbers:

The class of 2026 had:
168 students in 9th grade,
162 students in 10th grade,
155 students in 11th grade, and now has
153 students in 12th grade.

Banneker does not backfill, so that’s a total of 15/168 students who have left over three years. I would not call that “many,” but I’m not really interested in debating the meaning of the word “many.” The numbers are what they are.

Actually that's not completely accurate. According to US News and & World Report there is an enrollment of 245 students in 9th grade and 162 in 10th grade. And as you stated, Banneker does not backfill so you can obviously see the numbers decreasing.
Please get your facts right.

US News is behind. That's the Class of 2027 and the largest class in its history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

My kid is at Banneker and has friends (they all graduated last year from the same MS) at Walls and the workload seems similar.

Yes. My family has direct experience at both and people on this thread are deluding themselves. The truth is that it's much easier to get into Banneker than Walls and the majority of students rank Walls ahead. As a result, the average student at Walls is much better prepared than the average student at Banneker. That means that Banneker seems harder, because it's harder for its average student, but it's not actually harder.

Also have experience with Walls. The IB track is harder than what’s offered at Walls. Banneker and Walls flip-flop for the top position all the time.

Not sure what you mean by "top position." But Walls has always been considerably harder to get into. The average SAT score differential between the schools is telling (and large).

Banneker was Title 1 until this year. Also have experience with both schools and you really just have to know your kid and where they will flourish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On college readiness I think the gap is between what it takes to get in and how to succeed in college. The GPA requirement is achievable without good study habits at several middle schools. Then you’re put in a situation where you have to work a lot on your own and it’s academic culturally in ways many kids are not exposed to. They make the kids work and if they don’t know how to grind every day, there are consequences for only doing half the homework. They don’t solve it for you. A better school would probably hedge the gap. I don’t think that’s SWW, but rather a Banneker with more dedicated after school support eg staffed study hall. And who knows how much that would cost.

They 100% have staffed study hall after school at least twice a week and every one of my childs teachers has offered office hours thus far. The engaged and supportive staff is my favorite thing about the school as a parent (and I am not someone who is glazing. There are also many downsides including a wildly abrupt onboarding/first semester that it very difficult for even the best students to tackle)

The office hours and teacher-staffed study halls have been lifesavers for my kid! It was a rocky start, but they're feeling better as they learn to self advocate, talk to and work with teachers, etc.

Any advice on getting a kid to embrace that they need to take advantage of these resources?

Let them know that you will not tolerate poor grades without evidence that they have taken full advantage of these resources. Make the consequences severe and real. This is the time kids needs to grow up, because life gets real in 4 years.

That is insanely punitive.

I think the best approach would be an older peer who can show them the way and let them know it’s the way to success.

It's not insanely punitive. It is appropriately punitive.

[Anonymous]

One thing that is missing from this board is actually looking at the kids who thrive there. It is not just ALL work-work-work, though they all do work really hard!

Have you ever been to a school assembly, for example? These kids are filled with JOY. They genuinely cheer for one another and have wonderful energy. The speeches, art, poetry, dancing, singing, musical and other performances...it is a great atmosphere.

I am proud that my kid is one of these kids -- he has finally found his community. And he works hard to keep himself there. His MS was not academically strenuous and did not do much to teach him how to be a student, so it has been tough at times as he really needed to do a lot of catching up but I am so impressed by his accomplishments. The kids help each other. And they seek out teachers as needed.

With regard to the parent interview, we did not get a fun, relaxed, conversational interview. It was all focused on hard work, competition, etc. After the interview, I actually wanted my kid to go elsewhere. But it actually fired him up and inspired him, so here we are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One thing that is missing from this board is actually looking at the kids who thrive there. It is not just ALL work-work-work, though they all do work really hard!

Have you ever been to a school assembly, for example? These kids are filled with JOY. They genuinely cheer for one another and have wonderful energy. The speeches, art, poetry, dancing, singing, musical and other performances...it is a great atmosphere.

I am proud that my kid is one of these kids -- he has finally found his community. And he works hard to keep himself there. His MS was not academically strenuous and did not do much to teach him how to be a student, so it has been tough at times as he really needed to do a lot of catching up but I am so impressed by his accomplishments. The kids help each other. And they seek out teachers as needed.

With regard to the parent interview, we did not get a fun, relaxed, conversational interview. It was all focused on hard work, competition, etc. After the interview, I actually wanted my kid to go elsewhere. But it actually fired him up and inspired him, so here we are.

Our interview wasn't fun at all, but it did feel like we were having a conversation and not being grilled and dismissed. There were also some extenuating circumstances that may have affected the way that the school adults engaged with us. Anywho, there is a beautiful buzz in the school. And I think it means something that so many alum work there in various capacities. It's a good place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

Right. And this is why there are several selective schools; not every school is the best fit for every kid. My kid goes to Banneker and loves it. Yours might or might not.

Good luck to your kid getting into Walls. That's a tough one! I'd also try McKinley and perhaps others. And there's always the in-bound option.

Yeah my two oldest sons are at walls and they love it.

Of course, lots of kids love it! But, there is no sibling preference and you can't bank on it.

Yeah of course but we are on the right track for sure. She has all A’s, plays 2 sports that’s she’s been playing since she was 5, does model un, debate, banned book club etc.. she has great teachers and now that we’ve already been through this process twice we know how to prepare for th interview and essay

You just described my kid. Who did not get in. When it works out, great, but pretending that it's something you can plan for isn't a real strategy. Opening your mind up to other schools is important.

Either your daughters interview didn’t go well or the parent interview didn’t go well or she messed up on the essay but I know multiple kids like my daughter and my sons who most definitely got in. I’m not saying I know that she will get in but she had a very good chance of. She is not shy and has had many practice interviews. My husband and I have experience as well.

how about the kid with all as in 7th and great teacher recs who didn't get an interview at all?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh Banneker seems hard. My DD was planning on applying but now after reading all this, I’d rather she not. Walls has less work and is still number 1. Win-Win and probably way better for the children’s stress level and mental health. We can’t forget that they aren’t adults yet and also need a break from time to time. Overworking them is not the solution.

Right. And this is why there are several selective schools; not every school is the best fit for every kid. My kid goes to Banneker and loves it. Yours might or might not.

Good luck to your kid getting into Walls. That's a tough one! I'd also try McKinley and perhaps others. And there's always the in-bound option.

Yeah my two oldest sons are at walls and they love it.

Of course, lots of kids love it! But, there is no sibling preference and you can't bank on it.

Yeah of course but we are on the right track for sure. She has all A’s, plays 2 sports that’s she’s been playing since she was 5, does model un, debate, banned book club etc.. she has great teachers and now that we’ve already been through this process twice we know how to prepare for th interview and essay

You just described my kid. Who did not get in. When it works out, great, but pretending that it's something you can plan for isn't a real strategy. Opening your mind up to other schools is important.

Either your daughters interview didn’t go well or the parent interview didn’t go well or she messed up on the essay but I know multiple kids like my daughter and my sons who most definitely got in. I’m not saying I know that she will get in but she had a very good chance of. She is not shy and has had many practice interviews. My husband and I have experience as well.

how about the kid with all as in 7th and great teacher recs who didn't get an interview at all?

you sure those teacher recs were good? Either the teachers didn't like your kid or they were just bad at writing rec letters or didn't try hard. Or maybe you just had bad luck. It was either that or there were just kids who were better than your child with better teachers who liked them more. Sorry