IS DCI dropping IB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Someone on the wait-list?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I see a Yale, a Dartmouth and a Stanford on their Instagram. How do folks know about all the other schools? Are you sure they're not all acceptances shared between these three kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I see a Yale, a Dartmouth and a Stanford on their Instagram. How do folks know about all the other schools? Are you sure they're not all acceptances shared between these three kids?

I know about some of the schools from a parent and families they know. The early decision acceptances, you can only apply 1 school for that.

So yes, all the early decisions are different kids.

Regular decisions are about to come out.

[Anonymous]

There are some teachers and parents spreading rumors and creating chaos for the purpose of getting the ED to step down. Apparently harassing and making false claims are fun for them.

[Anonymous]

I have a sophomore at DCI and am a huge fan of AP classes, I hope they will offer more of them in the future. This does not mean removing the IB curriculum, full IB doesn't kick in until junior year anyway.

No school is perfect, but my particular student is much happier at DCI in high school than they were in middle school. That's I think both a function of middle school having improved, my student's growing pains, and not having come out of a feeder.

Regarding the academics, it's hard to say, because academics have changed so much everywhere. I definitely know that if your student is self-motivated, there are a lot of opportunities for them to shine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a sophomore at DCI and am a huge fan of AP classes, I hope they will offer more of them in the future. This does not mean removing the IB curriculum, full IB doesn't kick in until junior year anyway.

No school is perfect, but my particular student is much happier at DCI in high school than they were in middle school. That's I think both a function of middle school having improved, my student's growing pains, and not having come out of a feeder.

Regarding the academics, it's hard to say, because academics have changed so much everywhere. I definitely know that if your student is self-motivated, there are a lot of opportunities for them to shine.

Glad to hear your kid is having a really good experience in high school PP.

Middle school is hard with all the hormones and puberty in general. It’s even harder if your kid is new to the school not being in a feeder and knowing no one.

i also will say that DCI is a relatively young school and still growing and improving yearly as can be seen with the decision for more course offerings and more rigor for kids who want it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some teachers and parents spreading rumors and creating chaos for the purpose of getting the ED to step down. Apparently harassing and making false claims are fun for them.

Do these parents have nothing better to do with their time? The nonsense I heard is ridiculous.

Among their many wild tales, they are saying the HS Principal was forced out and we must save him.

I can only imagine the crazy things they will say now that the principal himself announced today that, just as he said at the start of the year, he was moving to Massachusetts (congrats to him, he got a great job there!) I am sure they will say this is a lie and that he is being forced to say this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some teachers and parents spreading rumors and creating chaos for the purpose of getting the ED to step down. Apparently harassing and making false claims are fun for them.

Let us all remember that this is a wonderful community with students and families who want to their kids to thrive. My students (one an alumni) and one in HS have had wonderful teachers and leaders at the school. We have encountered adults who care deeply about student learning. My college student attends a "highly selective" university and is excelling academically and socially. Making up rumors and creating chaos serves no one. For folks who are unhappy, rather than disparage anyone, I hope that they can find a school community better aligned with their beliefs and visions. DCI is not for everyone - staff and students alike- nor is any school. Disparaging the tremendous, hard work of the students, staff, leaders, and families for whom DCI is the best/right fit is unnecessary and serves no one. Let us focus on upholding and uplifting the work of the community.

[Anonymous]

How could anybody posting on this anonymous thread possibly know what type of connection a particular PP has, or hasn’t, to a particular school?

[Anonymous]

If the DCI boosters are trying to make folks feel confident about the school, the weirdness in this thread is not helping!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the DCI boosters are trying to make folks feel confident about the school, the weirdness in this thread is not helping!

Why are YOU on this thread?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the DCI boosters are trying to make folks feel confident about the school, the weirdness in this thread is not helping!

Are you the insecure Walls parent from the high school thread who thinks everything is about boosting DCI?

Every school has some crazy parents and that is that. No one is boosting anything. We are discussing the addition of more AP courses at the school and offering these to kids earlier in high school

No need to overtake this thread with your delusions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I see a Yale, a Dartmouth and a Stanford on their Instagram. How do folks know about all the other schools? Are you sure they're not all acceptances shared between these three kids?

I know about some of the schools from a parent and families they know. The early decision acceptances, you can only apply 1 school for that.

So yes, all the early decisions are different kids.

Regular decisions are about to come out.

Only ED are out so all these acceptances are ED.

Families usually start to hear about regular decisions in April.

I’m curious about total scholarship money that the kids this year will get and if they can do as well as last year with 300 million or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some teachers and parents spreading rumors and creating chaos for the purpose of getting the ED to step down. Apparently harassing and making false claims are fun for them.

Do these parents have nothing better to do with their time? The nonsense I heard is ridiculous.

Among their many wild tales, they are saying the HS Principal was forced out and we must save him.

I can only imagine the crazy things they will say now that the principal himself announced today that, just as he said at the start of the year, he was moving to Massachusetts (congrats to him, he got a great job there!) I am sure they will say this is a lie and that he is being forced to say this.

The current ED is creating an environment of fear among the staff and he's pushed out many beloved administrators, including the principal. The turnover rate at the school is insane.

[Anonymous]

As a new family, I don’t know what is going on but the email from the principal said that he and his family were interested in moving to New England area.

Also, his new job is an advancement and move up the ladder as an ED. Congrats to him.

I’m sure he will be missed. I heard he was a great principal and the short interaction I had with him at the open house, I was very impressed with his character, honesty, and sincerity.