Advice on getting into Oyster mid year for a 3d grader (or Adams next year)

[Anonymous]

We have a close friend who is from a primary-Spanish home, currently in a bilingual Catholic school, and really miserable there. The kid is bright and perfectly fluent in both languages; in fact probably too academically advanced for where she is, which is a problem. Another problem is paying tuition, which they can do but not that comfortably anymore.

They want to switch to Oyster 3d grade ASAP or if necessary, Adams for the 4th grade. I would think that it gets easier to get a lottery spot OOB by later grades because Adams campus is less desired right now and because there are so few truly bilingual kids who would choose to begin later than 1st. She would like to try now because of problems at the other school, outside of the lottery. Any advice? I told her to call the principal but we really want to get some guidance on making it happen.

This is not a rich family trying to cheat the system but a kid needing an education. Their in boundary school is not good and would also mean giving up education in her native language.

Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

She should definitely call the principal, if they have a spot they will take her. My kid is at another NW school and when a family moved last month they replaced him with an OOB kid who happend to call.

I could be wrong, but I didn't think that the spanish continued at Oyster in the upper grades in the same immersion way - that was one of the kinks that was being ironed out. So it might just be a year or two of Spanish. Great school though, hope it works for her.

[Anonymous]

May I ask the name of the Catholic school that has a bilingual program? I've been wondering if there is one in the area.

[Anonymous]

Call the school, there may be a need to balance out the native English speakers with a native Spanish speaker at that grade. The school is truly immersion K-8. The poster who commented otherwise is incorrect - I have an 8th grader there now.

The kinks in the middle school have largely been worked out.

[Anonymous]

PP How does immersion in Eighth Grade work? The people I know there, many who've been there since K, say it's not immersion the way it is in Grade 5 or below.

[Anonymous]

Yes, do tell. How have the kinks in the Middle School been worked out and what is it about the Middle School that appeals to you today?

[Anonymous]

OP, your friend should make an appointment to speak with the Oyster principal about a transfer and to visit the school. May need to contact the chancellor's office (email Rhee) and explain why the neighborhood school doesn't meet the child's needs. Also contact the office of bilingual education so child's proficiency can be tested.

[Anonymous]

pp here-it is no secret that Oyster is actively recruiting new Spanish-dominant families. Sounds like your friend would be very welcome. Might consider Elsie Whitlow Stokes charter school too. good luck