OP, what did you decide? Any new insight on a choice between these two, now two months later?

A hard choice.

In the end, I think I'd choose dual language b/c of all those advantages. If the choice was Stokes, Yu Ying or Lamb v IT it would be easy. With MV being so new, perhaps the choice is a bit harder.

I place a premium on language immersion, so I would pick MV, but that's only my opinion. I think they both have the potential to be great schools and you're lucky to have such a choice.

I think in a couple of years, both of these schools could be mentioned in the EL Haynes, Cap City, Yu Ying, etc. hit parade.

Good luck!

I agree with 18:47 and 20:05. I think Inspired has its act more together. They are opening a school based on a 15-year-old teaching philosophy -- they're just implementing it schoolwide now. It's very child-led learning, hands-on -- best of expeditionary learning, reggio emilio, Montessori etc. They have their principal, ED, etc based on a national search. Most of the teachers are coming from folks that have gone through their program.

Mundo Verde sounds very cool -- bilingual, sustainability eduction, expeditionary learning. These three things have not been tried together before. They are modeling off 2 Spanish immersion EL schools, but neither of them added sustainability to the mix. They're breaking new ground -- and I think consequently it's harder to find the principal and the teachers, which is why they're behind IT on that. Their ED is a founder, formerly with the National Community Foundation of the National Cap. Region.

Both have significant philanthropic support behind them. At a minimum, MV has Walton, IT has Gates. Both very good signs and likely you'll be lucky at either place.

My impression again is that the road at IT will be smoother, but if you specifically want Spanish immersion or sustainability eduction, go with MV. I don't think the EL thing is a big advantage to MV, since IT's teaching is so hands-on, project-based, themed, get-out-of-the-classroom etc (similar to EL but w/o that 'brand').

Good luck!

If you want a bilingual education for your child, definitely go with Mundo Verde. Children learn languages quite easily before the age of 6, and you do not want to miss that window of time. Then you have to consider expeditionary learning (EL Haynes) vs. traditional. I can't make the choice for you, but biliteracy is at the top of my list! You can always apply at Inspired Learning after the age of 6 and probably not miss a beat, that will not be the case at Mundo Verde. Good luck with whatever decision you make....Both schools have a lot of potential, and a lot of interested parents!

My impression is that IT has their stuff more together than MV (a principal, more teachers to draw from, proven track record). I think both have great potential, but I bet MV might be bumpier in the beginning. Just a guess!

Anonymous wrote:Neither. I have no interest in an untried charter school that will take years to establish itself

PP, obviously the OP has an interest, so your post is not helpful. You have a point, but also consider all of the popular charters mentioned on this board that are difficult to get into also were untried, some fairly recently and are doing well.

Neither. I have no interest in an untried charter school that will take years to establish itself

I'd go with Inspired - because the organization has a good track record.

Mundo Verde--dual language + expeditionary learning!

Hard choice-- I think you should decide how much you want your child to be bilingual and also, if you prefer expeditionary learning. Mundo Verde also has two organizations backing them financially and curriculum/resource support that work with other successful charters in DC and the country. On the other hand, the support and priority to the craft of teaching through the Inspired Teaching foundation would be great for any child. I think both schools have a lot of potential--you have to decide what you want for your child.

Have you talked to teachers/admins at either school? What about parents? What is your sense of the community. Are you excited about working with the parents at either school? These are other things to consider since you will be a part of a community, not just your child.

I think they're both going to be great schools. However, if bilingual education is important to you, I'd go with Mundo Verde. Inspired Teaching seems like they're a long way off from incorporating any language instruction.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter was admitted to both - we're very lucky. I'm trying to decide which to choose - have to decide ASAP. I very much would like them to get a bilingual education so that is the great appeal of Mundo Verde. However, the support of the Inspired Teaching foundation and the commitment and priority given to great teaching makes Inspired Teaching extremely attractive. Any thoughts?

Ooh that's a tough one. I didn't have any experience (open house wise) from MV, so I am biased in saying I would lean towards Inspired. The support, history, and focus on great teachers is a winner for me (and this is coming from a mom on the WL who should convince you otherwise). I too, really want bilingual, but the feel I got with Inspired makes me second guess myself. Good luck with whatever you decide. You are indeed lucky to have the option to choose from 2 schools with promise.

for what grade?

My daughter was admitted to both - we're very lucky. I'm trying to decide which to choose - have to decide ASAP. I very much would like them to get a bilingual education so that is the great appeal of Mundo Verde. However, the support of the Inspired Teaching foundation and the commitment and priority given to great teaching makes Inspired Teaching extremely attractive. Any thoughts?