Is your kid in 8th grade at Washington Latin?

[Anonymous]

You might want to do that 12:42, but if the those teachers left the school, it would be hard. Wouldn't it?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't know. The point is that it's not too surprising to see new staff in the 5th grade, in and of itself.

[Anonymous]

I think the 8th graders are happier than last year's class, but I suspect most will not stay for high school. They are checking out other high school options right now, and will other paths at the end of the year.

Latin still struggles with academic problems at the high school level, and discipline issues throughout the school. The very first week of school something was stolen from a teacher, and the administration basically searched the pockets and backpacks of every single 7th grader. Never found the culprit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the 8th graders are happier than last year's class, but I suspect most will not stay for high school. They are checking out other high school options right now, and will other paths at the end of the year.

Latin still struggles with academic problems at the high school level, and discipline issues throughout the school. The very first week of school something was stolen from a teacher, and the administration basically searched the pockets and backpacks of every single 7th grader. Never found the culprit.

Even an expensive and exclusive 3-year-old private school would still be expected to be working the kinks out. Most would be remarkable to be exhibiting Latin's track record. It's phenomenal for such a young school - kudos to the administration and the families. Most privates couldn't boast this record at this point.

(I am in no way affiliated with Washington Latin, I just happen to have experience with school administration and really admire what they've done.)

[Anonymous]

This years 8th is really happy, and the eighth grade meeting is scheduled soon. I expect the administration to make a push to retain families then. Of course current 8th grade families are already checking out other schools- there are a variety of reasons to do that since high schools in this area are pretty distinct and each stands on it's own merits. Each 8th grade family I've talked with includes Latin in the list of schools they're checking out.
Latin is running a 100,000 fundraising campaign this fall from families ( hoping for 200 dollar contribution per family that can afford, instead of the usual auction). This eighth grade class has been on the vanguard at WL in terms of volunteerism, creating new traditions etc. For our family, seeing the level of participation matched by other grades would help us feel less 'tip of the spear' - that our kids would be supported into HS by rising grades and current HS families. I hope it materializes. We will do our part.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Can someone update me on whether more 8th graders are staying on at Washington Latin this year? Also, how hard is it to join in 9th grade and catch up with the Latin?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm curious too, if anybody has any info to share. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Take this with a grain of salt because it is secondhand, but I heard from someone at the school (someone who isn't involved in admissions however) that approximately 25$ of 9th graders were new to the school this year, implying a fairly high 75% retention rate from 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

Our child stayed from 8th grade. Yes, the figures above are accurate. The biggest group yet stayed. This class has always been one to pave the way for the classes below--a lot of the class trip traditions originated with them. I know the grades below are adding on too. Anyway, our child is happy with the decision he made. The language teachers are so good. I had real trepidation about my child taking on Mandarin in addition to Latin, and he did so reluctantly. Now he is having a blast with both. HS meets in advisories and the advisors mentor them and eats lunch with them periodically. Our child's advisor has emailed and called the house to say hello and make himself available. It's not for all kids. It's small. Stay if a small school with close relationships is right for your kid. But don't assume because it is small it is lesser/without challenge/babyish/has no sports or extras etc. What Latin is doing is going small, but going quality in what they do. Every year we have been there has gotten better, and HS is starting out better than 8th grade so we continue the tradition. I am really proud of our forerunners - our first 12th grade class. The older kids in HS have been nothing but welcoming to our kid.

[Anonymous]

Has Latin yet had a graduating class?

[Anonymous]

The first class will graduate this year.

[Anonymous]

I am a Public high schooler who has sevoral friends who went to latin through 8th grade (this was 3 years ago, mind you), but I've heard a lot about it, including:
-Drugs being grown in classrooms (apparently somebody grew drugs in a science classroom closet)
-Skipping class w/ no penalties
-Homework being speratic, if given at all.
-Teachers not taking roll, students staying in one class for multiple periods and teachers not knowing/ not caring
-Kids getting in trouble for nothing/ not getting in trouble for fighting, drugs, other big deals

[Anonymous]

Is this satire PP? Um, no.

[Anonymous]

PP: No it was not (I am your PP). I am just relaying actual stories I've heard from kids who actually went there, not vouching for whether they are true or not.

[Anonymous]

My kid actually went there, three years ago in fact. I saw my kid doing a lot of homework -- there was nothing sporadic about the homework at all. I hadn't heard of closets being used to grow drugs, but frankly I doubt this because either my kid or the school would have said something. One kid was expelled for dealing, and not only did my kid tell me, but the head sent a note to the entire school community. There were a couple (2? 3?) incidents of kids fighting, but they were punished, and again emails were sent to the entire school community. I thought the school handled things pretty well.