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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We had an overall positive experience at our inbound DCPS elementary through 5th grade. We moved to a private school at the natural middle school transition (6th). We loved our local elementary community and wouldn't have wanted to leave sooner.

The quality of the curriculum our child received at their public elementary school made them well-prepared for private school. However, we supplemented outside of school to help our academically inclined child grow at their pace especially in the later grades. Because of a strong foundation plus supplementing, our child started on par or if not above their classmates academically who were already enrolled at the private school.

As much as we loved our local elementary school, the quality of education in 4th and 5th grade was not as strong and there were an exuberant amount of standardized tests (iRready, Anet, DC PARCC/CAPE).

Know your school's upper grade teaching model/focus, child, and access to other resources. If for any reason staying through 5th grade is not a good fit, I would recommend applying in 4th grade (a DMV private school expansion year). Request financial aid if needed, you don't know what you'll receive if you don't ask. [/quote]

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OP of the Post Quoted - Responding to types the question re; supplementation.

We mainly focused on math (weekly) and made sure our child was reading  "higher-level", age-appropriate books. We also did a variety of summer enrichments throughout elementary, but not intensely. Our child enjoys learning and we wanted them to have exposure to other subjects. We also used a variety of online computer activities that were introduced during COVID that we/they liked such as IXL, Zearn and Generation Genius (many of these are fee-based - "know what resources you have"). I'd say overall, we just helped foster a joy learning and exposed our child to subject material above grade level which led to good grades (mostly 4s) and high DCPS test scores (remember that iReady, for what it is worth, goes on the DCPS report card and will state "below grade level," "on grade level" or "above grade level"). Also, iReady is adaptive so a student needs to be exposed to more advance content in order to maximize their score (it's a whole thing, talk to other parents at your local DCPS).

Again, "know your child." We knew our child was ready for content above grade level so we had to take control in offering it to them. Our DCPS teachers built the foundation, I won't deny them that credit, but in 4th and 5th it was on us to ensure they grew ("know your school"). Each child is different so I think there is a balance for students with various interests/abilities. Coming from DCPS I think the private school ("Big 3") did compare our child's perceived academic ability when reviewing applications -- again this was for 6th grade entry year.

Our child is overall well-rounded, kind, and has a few passion activities. To answer you question, we were fine waiting to apply/attend private school until 6th grade especially because staying in the neighborhood school was invaluable. But again, if for any reason 4th and 5th grades don't seem like a good fit for you child, then you many want to considering applying/entering at 4th grade.

I hope this helps. 
 [/quote]

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