IS DCI dropping IB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did you find these stats? I've looked different places for stats like these and haven't found them.

I'm an unethical insider making up stuff...or this is all in the annual report on DCI's webpage! :D

Click on SY2024-25 Annual Report

https://dcinternationalschool.org/organizational-transparency/

No you were making garbage up about purchases and lack of experience which is wholesale made up. You need mental help.

Also the statistics you made up aren’t there either. Seriously. Get help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did you find these stats? I've looked different places for stats like these and haven't found them.

There’s someone on this board who either poses as, or is, an unethical IB insider disclosing data they are not allowed to disclose.

The stuff that they’re saying is wholesale fabricated. DCI has room for improvement but lying about what needs to improve makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original. discussion….

Offering more AP courses to everyone is a good thing.

Offering more rigorous AP courses earlier to kids who can do the work and handle the rigor is also a good thing.

No. DCI is an IB school. The move away from IB to more corporate charter mindset and AP classes is happening WITHOUT the knowledge and buy in of most staff and parents. It's being done stealth, and it is not heading in a successful direction.

Agreed. The current ED seems hell bent on destroying everything that is special about DCI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

Very good summary about the school. Spot on. The PP above obviously didn’t have a kid at DCI.

All kids take standardized tests which school uses to officially and unofficially place kids in many subjects.

I have a high performing middle schooler and he is being challenged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did you find these stats? I've looked different places for stats like these and haven't found them.

I'm an unethical insider making up stuff...or this is all in the annual report on DCI's webpage!

Click on SY2024-25 Annual Report

https://dcinternationalschool.org/organizational-transparency/

No you were making garbage up about purchases and lack of experience which is wholesale made up. You need mental help.

Multiple posters can post in a thread. That poster or you may need mental help but no data, no opinion from me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

DP. First of all I think there is only 200 kids so 15% kids going for IB is good number. Bigger school of course will have more absolute kids.

2nd of all, I don’t know where you are getting that info but there have already been early decisions to Stanford (2), Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia so no those kids are not getting 20’s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

I’m just describing my first hand experience with my own children. And I’m sure Washington Liberty is fantastic. We looked at that school as well but the issues we had with the school is that it is enormous and didn’t offer classes in our target language. In other words dci has a more international focus. I do think academically it’s probably stronger bc it’s a more established program. But in DC I felt there was no better mix of strong academics and extracurriculars with an international focus. I think the smaller size really helped my shy kids stand out. And I felt that the school really supported the kids who needed it I felt we would be lost in the shuffle at any other school.

Also pretty much any suburban school will blow any dcps out of the water. But even still I think dci has been great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

DP. First of all I think there is only 200 kids so 15% kids going for IB is good number. Bigger school of course will have more absolute kids.

2nd of all, I don’t know where you are getting that info but there have already been early decisions to Stanford (2), Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia so no those kids are not getting 20’s

Oh and also add Dartmouth, UPenn, and Yale from poster above.

Well if these are early decisions then that is 8 kids there alone

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

I'm the PP who posted the annual report link. It's pointless talking to DCI boosters. The reality distortion field is too strong.

There is a small group of strong performers at DCI and it's shaping to be a solid comprehensive-ish future HS alternative to J-R with a much higher non-white profile. A lot of positives there but light years away from the boosterism you see on this board which is either unsupported by data or dCi-wAs-77th-and-wAlLs-was-79th-iN-fLy-FiShIng type stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

I’m just describing my first hand experience with my own children. And I’m sure Washington Liberty is fantastic. We looked at that school as well but the issues we had with the school is that it is enormous and didn’t offer classes in our target language. In other words dci has a more international focus. I do think academically it’s probably stronger bc it’s a more established program. But in DC I felt there was no better mix of strong academics and extracurriculars with an international focus. I think the smaller size really helped my shy kids stand out. And I felt that the school really supported the kids who needed it I felt we would be lost in the shuffle at any other school.

Also pretty much any suburban school will blow any dcps out of the water. But even still I think dci has been great.

WL program isn’t all that. We looked into it. Reality is that lots of the kids who do the IB are actually native speakers.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids at DCI - MS and HS. DCI is not dropping IB and that post is absolutely erroneous. My high school student is in IB classes this year as a senior and has had a rigorous math program through differential calculus in AA HL math. They thrive in their IB HL classes and the rigor is exceptional especially in math and science. My student has also been given the chance to take AP exams as a junior for courses where they demonstrated strong academic preparation through the IB program. What that allowed my student to do is to pass AP courses in their junior year to use for college admissions and college credits. My student entered senior year already knowing that there were at least two AP courses that they earned a 4 or 5 in that would translate to potential college credits. This is not "getting rid of IB" this is expanding opportunities for students who want them. My middle school student (8th grade) is in the MYP program and working through their project this spring. Going to the HS night for rising freshman further stressed the IB program of the school. IB is a foundational core of the school and these posts are nothing but "FAKE NEWS" to get this blog excited. Please stop posting things that are not rooted in facts. Every school has areas of growth- but this is just erroneous information to rally a blog community,

[Anonymous]

I have no idea why anyone would make up such a bizarre rumor, make up some fake facts and in support of them and link to a publicly available report that discusses things like attendance policies. Really weird stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

Why on earth do you care? I'm genuinely curious. You don't have kids there and obviously don't plan to send any. Don't you have anything better to do than disparage a school with which you have no connection?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCI guidance counselors don't have previous IB experience either. But the bigger problem is that lack of middle school challenge at DCI holds the brightest kids back. There isn't nearly enough academic tracking in core subjects and not enough of a push academically, at least not by 8th grade. And I'm not impressed by how DCI does nothing to channel students into summer immersion study. Still, their college acceptances aren't pretty good anyway.

I would be totally fine with this criticism if it was fact based but it really isn’t. First take college acceptances - this year alone we have multiple acceptances for ivies such as Dartmouth, U Penn, Yale, Stanford right off the top of my head. No MIT and no Harvard as far as I know. Lots of of U Pitt honors. It’s not even Ivy day yet so there could be more.

DCI definitely does not hold bright kids back. There is significant tracking up and down the spectrum. I have one child that needs specific help. They’re in some support classes. For my kids that are more academic, they have lots of accelerated classes particularly in math and science. I think a weak point is the lack of stronger courses in English but they are now offering ap English which would have been great for my eldest bit she’s now in IB diploma program.

I honestly don’t know what you mean about dci channeling kid into summer study. My kids who are eligible all studied abroad with dci for a few weeks. Then there is a partnership with dci to study abroad for longer. You can inquire directly but I understand it’s the only school in Dc to encourage study abroad.

I’m one of those people who really thinks that we should always push the school for more tracking more opportunities. I definitely think there is more room to grow. But I also think DCI is the best school for my kids. The middle school was a great fit especially since they do a great job of tracking kids who excel in math. I believe dci is the only school to allow kids to take algebra 2 in 8th grade (Integrated Math). There were a ton of clubs both in middle school and high school for kids who are super brainy (Mathletes, chess, robotics, debate) and clubs for those who wanted to have fun (cooking baking e sports D&D). My zoned dcps did not offer this at all. What was the real draw for us was the language, especially the chance to take multiple courses in the language (like social studies I&S) and electives like art and music.

One of my kids did get in to SWW, but I ultimately advised her against it because I felt that the hardest courses offered at SWW were offered to freshmen and sophomores and she had the chance to take some really interesting stuff as a junior senior in the full diploma program. She decided to stay at dci for the study abroad more than anything else, although now she definitely is grateful she has the course offerings available at dci. One of my kids will be on the career track and loving not having to take the rigorous courses that our oldest had to take. I’m genuinely happy that there is a place for the academic superstars where they can shine and a place for kids who aren’t, without the behavioral issues that plague a lot of high schoolers that cause academic kids to leave.

I always always think there is a lot of room for improvement at any school, but honestly for what my kids are looking for (stellar academics, study abroad opportunities, language, tracking for students to make them thrive, clubs, and sports) we have been and continue to be happy at dci.

OK, if it's all so great, why only 3 dozen DCI seniors a year earning IB Diploma, with most scoring in the 20s? Come on, there are a bunch of public IB World Schools in the DMV, mostly school-within-a-school programs in big high schools, where IBD points averages are well into the 30s and 100+ students earn the Diploma annually.

My nephews attended DCI before the family moved to Arlington for W-L IBD. The boys talk about how much harder they're pushed in Arlington for pre-IB and IB everything: math, English, Individuals and Societies (social studies), language, science.

I'm not buying that DCI academics are stellar.

Why on earth do you care? I'm genuinely curious. You don't have kids there and obviously don't plan to send any. Don't you have anything better to do than disparage a school with which you have no connection?

I think that white people don’t like to see a school that is as diverse as DCI succeed. Calling it like I see it.