Anonymous wrote:DC was just accepted to CES for 4th grade. DC is very bright, high MAP scores, but is a little introverted and shy. DC has a good group of friends, but it took a while for DC to come out of shell and make them. DC’s only concern with CES is that DC will have to “start over” with making friends.

If you have a child like this, would you still pursue CES even with DC’s hesitation?

One of my kids found they had so much more in common with kids in their CES than in any previous class it was quickly their favorite year.

My introverted kid found kids more like him in the CES and made a nice group of friends. But they did go to different middle schools, so he has not had a consistent group of friends over the years. At this point, he feels pretty comfortable making friends in new places, so that could be a plus.

Anonymous wrote:Both my kids went to CES. They loved it and made friends. But few of those friends went to the same middle school, so If starting over is an issue for your dc, I wouldn't worry about NOW as much as I would going into 6th grade.

On the positive side of that, my DD was in both ES and MS magnet programs. By the time she had to choose a high school, the friend group thing was a non-issue. Between her home ES, magnet ES, magnet MS, and extracurricular activities, she knew plenty of people at all her possible HS. She was able to take friends out of the equation and choose based on academics and the school environment.

I agree that it’s the gregarious kids who depend on their social structure who probably shouldn’t take the CES spot. More introverted kids will probably be fine switching. They may take a bit longer to find their niche, but it’s highly likely they’ll find kids with similar interests and temperaments.

Both my kids went to CES. They loved it and made friends. But few of those friends went to the same middle school, so If starting over is an issue for your dc, I wouldn't worry about NOW as much as I would going into 6th grade.

And they might find kids with more of the same interests.

It's important to maintain the relationships he has built, though, especially to keep from feeling alone if the shell is still there to the extent that it might take some time for them to be open to others. Keep play dates going with the nucleus of friends they've made.

Sounds like my daughter. CES was great for her esteem. She found a great peer group and her voice. MS Magnet was even better, she found her tribe there... I'd bet money they will be lifelong friends. Poolesville is awesome and despite the commute, is worth all the effort. She loves it. The bus rides are long but she is with friends... days are long with an 8 class day, but she manages it with out guidance from mom and dad. Bus pick up is early, but I won't complain about having daddy/daughter breakfasts and waiting for that early bus. CES can put a kid on a great path. Some do better with their home school and local friends, but it's worth exploring. My once introverted kid now is great at being 'the new kid'. She walks into any and every new situation with confidence. I need bourbon for that

I would take the spot, give it a chance, and if he is not happy, you always can send him back to your home school.

Congrats! Lots of introverted and shy kids at DC's CES and all found a good group of friends as far as we can tell. Because the core classes are self-contained and it's a small program it becomes a really tight-knit group. If that is your DC's only concern that won't be a big deal OP.

I know kids who really enjoyed their home school and didn't want to leave. In that situation there's no reason to go.

That's different from wanting to go but being afraid or nervous about making new friends which is your child's situation. I think you should reassure DC that all will be well in that realm.

Hope your child enjoys it as much as ours did!

I would still pursue it. Most of the kids will be in the same boat, since the CES sites combine kids from several other ESs in one classroom. If they don't click with the other kids or the program overall, you can always go back to your zoned school.

DC was just accepted to CES for 4th grade. DC is very bright, high MAP scores, but is a little introverted and shy. DC has a good group of friends, but it took a while for DC to come out of shell and make them. DC’s only concern with CES is that DC will have to “start over” with making friends.

If you have a child like this, would you still pursue CES even with DC’s hesitation?