My understanding from one kid I know is that kids are instructed in small cohorts of students at the same level. Instead of say all 6th graders having the same math class and some being allowed to work ahead or on "special projects," some 6th graders will be in a cohort with older kids and instructed in 8th grade math, then take algebra the following year.

Anonymous wrote:My now 6th grader was admitted last year through the lottery and they had an admitted families tour and let the kids do a shadow day. It was all really helpful and my kid was able to really see if it felt like the right place.

We did not choose to attend but the set up allows motivated and capable students to work ahead on more advanced curriculum so a good student not challenged at their IB may find it a good fit.

It’s not actually a good thing to just ignore advanced (or even grade level) students to “work ahead on more advanced curriculum” with no actual instruction. Kids should all receive instruction on their level.

Anonymous wrote:Do tell about the bad open houses.

SH is having their open house Thursday evening. I don't think DCPS allows for school time visits. Again, a school which I'd like to see the student body in action and not just the invested teachers give their pep talk.

I've been to open houses where the principal was supposed to show up but went missing; where there was a tour but no guide, so parents just wandered hallways and into rooms by themselves; where there was no program at all, just a handout about the school in the lobby, etc.

My now 6th grader was admitted last year through the lottery and they had an admitted families tour and let the kids do a shadow day. It was all really helpful and my kid was able to really see if it felt like the right place.

We did not choose to attend but the set up allows motivated and capable students to work ahead on more advanced curriculum so a good student not challenged at their IB may find it a good fit.

Do tell about the bad open houses.

SH is having their open house Thursday evening. I don't think DCPS allows for school time visits. Again, a school which I'd like to see the student body in action and not just the invested teachers give their pep talk.

Anonymous wrote:I disagree, an evening open house will not tell you the vibe. I don't understand how people think open houses help at all. I want to hear the real story of what goes on when the kids are there, not their best foot forward.
Any school can pull off on a decent open house.

I've been to plenty of bad open houses. You'd be surprised.

However, Truth offers school tours as well as open houses -- just click on the link on the banner when you go to the school website. You can observe the school in action on Wednesday mornings.

Anonymous wrote:Is the school up to 10th grade now? How small is small?

It is up to 12th now.

It will have like 60 in a grade at its target size.

Is the school up to 10th grade now? How small is small?

I think it's true that it's an easier lottery chance, but you might have a bad number so it's great to have the option. The small size will make it unappealing to some, but more appealing to others. I saw classes and kids, met teachers and admin, and was impressed by all. I do think it attracts kids who aren't academically the strongest or who are smart but need small and flexible. But that's fine. It's not that easy to get into Stuart-Hobson OOB and ITDS for 6th, so it's good to have another well-managed school in the area.

OP here - I have zero opinion; that's why I am asking. I didn't have this school on my radar until about 9 months ago. I've seen people mention it here, but don't know anyone personally who attends. I apologize if the tone was negative. I honestly am curious to hear real experiences.

I have toured and thought it was very well-managed. It's not grown to its full size yet so will no doubt offer more in the future.

Don't know what you think is so bad about it being a school that people choose over their IB. And it's a school that people can get into-- what a nightmare. God forbid.

I disagree, an evening open house will not tell you the vibe. I don't understand how people think open houses help at all. I want to hear the real story of what goes on when the kids are there, not their best foot forward.
Any school can pull off on a decent open house.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep hearing buzz about this school as an alternative for lottery losers, BASIS drop outs, and kids who want to avoid crappy in bounds DCPS.
Yet, I know nothing concrete about it. What's the vibe in terms of teachers, student body, class sizes and offerings?

If you are seriously asking, then you should go to the school yourself and find out. How can random people tell you a vibe? Everyone feels a different vibe based on who they are.

https://thetruthschool.org/new-events

This is the page to register for an open house.

+1. Thanks PP, for seriously responding to what looks like a troll post. Do better, OP.

Anonymous wrote:I keep hearing buzz about this school as an alternative for lottery losers, BASIS drop outs, and kids who want to avoid crappy in bounds DCPS.
Yet, I know nothing concrete about it. What's the vibe in terms of teachers, student body, class sizes and offerings?

If you are seriously asking, then you should go to the school yourself and find out. How can random people tell you a vibe? Everyone feels a different vibe based on who they are.

https://thetruthschool.org/new-events

This is the page to register for an open house.

I keep hearing buzz about this school as an alternative for lottery losers, BASIS drop outs, and kids who want to avoid crappy in bounds DCPS.
Yet, I know nothing concrete about it. What's the vibe in terms of teachers, student body, class sizes and offerings?