Strongly advise you to try it for a few weeks. DC went with three friends from the home school, and decided not to stick with it but the friends stayed and enjoyed it.

My kids really benefited from the CES program. I feel they became much stronger at writing. It could be challenging sometimes and one kid even dropped out, but for us, it was a positive experience.

First year we saw some kids start and get overwhelmed. They went back to their home school and some waitlisted kids got in.

Pay no mind to the people who insist it is no longer a strong program. The only reason they pay attention to and post on this board is because they want their kids to attend and hope that other families quit.

I've had two kids go through the CES at Drew in recent years, and it was a really great program for both of them. They had closer friendships with the kids at the CES than they had at their home school before that, and the work was interesting and challenging for them. The teachers were really good, although a few of them have changed since my kids went through. We also didn't have a long commute, since Drew was as close to us as our home school. I would highly recommend the program. The only thing giving me pause in the OP's question is that the OP says their kid has really good friends at their current school. Do you know if any of them will be going to Drew? Would your kid be able to do before/aftercare at your home school and stay connected with their friends that way? And will they end up at the same middle school in a couple of years (the NEC feeder pattern to middle school is so crazy)? Those are things to consider as far as how it might affect your kid to move schools, but Drew is a great option.

Parent of a current 5th grade Drew CES student here. I would without hesitation take this spot if offered to me again--and my kid's commute is way longer than what you've described. It's been absolutely worth it for my formerly bored (k-3) child.

The 4th and 5th grade CES teachers are extremely strong and beloved. The cohort will rise to the opportunity, even if lottery changed. PTSA is lovely and so caring about the children. Administration is hard working. I am so, so sad that this time/opportunity for my 5th grader is ending. I hope you are able to see the opportunity as a gift and jump at it! And give your kid until Halloween to get used to it---don't pull them out before then. It takes time to get used to the change.

Good luck and congratulations.

Anonymous wrote:Your daughter can always go back to her current school if Drew isn't a good fit. But she will most likely make friends and have excellent teachers at Drew and will be much less likely to be bored. I, too, would take the spot.

This. You can always return to the home school if it isn't a good fit. But I suggest giving it at least one full semester, if not the full year. (Same advice for MS magnet programs)

Our DC attended CES program at Drew a few years ago. DC loved it. As parents at the time we were not that impressed but after DC moved to TPMS we realized how impactful Drew was. Drew cohort was excellent and many kids from CES went to TPMS magnet (not lotter at that time). Teachers in Drew were good. DC thrived at TPMS due to many factors including Drew prep. The most significant thing that DC learned in Drew was how to write. We have positive memories of Drew. One of the DC's friends quit after first year. She said that she did not like the program. DC thought that this friend liked the status of being a smart kid in a regulars ES but once got into Drew realized that there was a big group of very smart hardworking kids and did not like that.

I have a friend who’s child tried Drew this school year. He went for 3 months. I think the academics were fine but not much more advanced than other friends at his home school. And the pta is non existent. So not many events, after school events etc. Principal not very engaged.

I would do it, unless she is reluctant

Anonymous wrote:How long of a commute is it?

10 minutes, plus there is a bus from her current school (which her sibling will still be attending). Luckily her school is that bus route's last stop going/first stop coming back.

Don't the Title 1 schools that feed into Drew have the local equivalent curriculum? She can stay at her homeschool and stay in class with her friends. She will also make new friends if you choose Drew.

How long of a commute is it?

Anonymous wrote:I have 3 days to decide.

My daughter loves her current Title One school. She has great friends and has had really good teachers. However, I do think she is sometimes pretty bored (well, more like often to be honest).
My husband says we should take it but for some reason I'm feeling reluctant. Help!

Lottery diluted the program. I would give it a try and if does not work, you can always pull out and go to local ES

Your daughter can always go back to her current school if Drew isn't a good fit. But she will most likely make friends and have excellent teachers at Drew and will be much less likely to be bored. I, too, would take the spot.

I have 3 days to decide.

My daughter loves her current Title One school. She has great friends and has had really good teachers. However, I do think she is sometimes pretty bored (well, more like often to be honest).
My husband says we should take it but for some reason I'm feeling reluctant. Help!