The problem with the commodities exchange would be that it would encourage families to apply for school sthat they would not consider under any circumstances fro their child. For instance, last year I was applying to schools for my twins. Due to our commutes and having three kids (oldest already set at a great OOB DCPS school), we were only looking on the Hill. The only non-Hill schools we applied for were 2Rs and the Appletree school in SW (close to Hill). But, if there were a commodities thing, we would have applied everywhere for a better chance of the 2Rs spot (or even better our top choice DCPS slot if DCPS were involved). This would make the waitlists even longer and crazier. I know you are kind of joking, but I think your idea has some merrit so I'm making a counterargument.

Sorry for the typos (iphone)
Thanks! I thought so too. Come on. I acknowledge that the existence of crazy waitlists would not allow this to occur. So pipe down. My point is we have created a system where families take spots at schools they aren't really thrilled about and we end up with families driving all over the city every morning commuting to these schools they weren't all that thrilled out. My child is at a great school that we're happy with but we drive 25 minutes each morning to get there, while EL Haynes is two blocks away. If I had the option to trade my spot to get one at EL Haynes I would have considered it for sure. And by the way, education IS a commodity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish there was some sort of ability to set up a "seat exchange" (something official and organized and time-limited) where, for instance, a family who got a PS3 spot at YY who isn't all that excited and was really hoping for LAMB could exchange that seat with a family who got a PS3 spot at LAMB and is dying to go to YY. It seems that there are now many good school options but families end up taking whatever one they get even if it wasn't their #1 choice because the numbers are so daunting that you don't give up the spot you received. But this idea could never fly if we have hundreds of kids languishing on waitlists...do I would like to know...what IS the number of children (for each grade) who don't ultimately get a spot at a decent school? Is it hundreds, are we talking 50-100?

So basically, allow people to use something they got through the luck of the draw as a commodity - and to hell with those on the wait list? Fantastic plan.

Thanks! I thought so too. Come on. I acknowledge that the existence of crazy waitlists would not allow this to occur. To pipe down. My point is we have created a system that where families take spots at schools they aren't really thrilled about and end up with families driving all over the city every morning commuting to these schools they weren't all that thrilled out. My child is art a great school that we're happy with but we drive 25 minutes each morning to get there, while EL Haynes is two blocks away. If I had the option to trade my spot to get one at EL Haynes I would have considered it for sure. And by the way, education IS a commodity.

Anonymous wrote:I wish there was some sort of ability to set up a "seat exchange" (something official and organized and time-limited) where, for instance, a family who got a PS3 spot at YY who isn't all that excited and was really hoping for LAMB could exchange that seat with a family who got a PS3 spot at LAMB and is dying to go to YY. It seems that there are now many good school options but families end up taking whatever one they get even if it wasn't their #1 choice because the numbers are so daunting that you don't give up the spot you received. But this idea could never fly if we have hundreds of kids languishing on waitlists...do I would like to know...what IS the number of children (for each grade) who don't ultimately get a spot at a decent school? Is it hundreds, are we talking 50-100?

So basically, allow people to use something they got through the luck of the draw as a commodity - and to hell with those on the wait list? Fantastic plan.

I wish there was some sort of ability to set up a "seat exchange" (something official and organized and time-limited) where, for instance, a family who got a PS3 spot at YY who isn't all that excited and was really hoping for LAMB could exchange that seat with a family who got a PS3 spot at LAMB and is dying to go to YY. It seems that there are now many good school options but families end up taking whatever one they get even if it wasn't their #1 choice because the numbers are so daunting that you don't give up the spot you received. But this idea could never fly if we have hundreds of kids languishing on waitlists...do I would like to know...what IS the number of children (for each grade) who don't ultimately get a spot at a decent school? Is it hundreds, are we talking 50-100?

PP definitely those too. Oops!

Anyway that is why the lists are so long, but they do move for entry years. Everyone I know ended up with a spot at a public or charter preschool they're happy with--if they held out til September.

Two Rivers

EL Haynes

Anonymous wrote:Definitely. Most people seem to be applying to these charters:
Cap City
Stokes
Yu Ying
LAMB
Appletree
Bridges
Mundo Verde
Inspired Teaching

Am I missing any?

Creative minds has a lot of buzz for a first year

Definitely. Most people seem to be applying to these charters:
Cap City
Stokes
Yu Ying
LAMB
Appletree
Bridges
Mundo Verde
Inspired Teaching

Am I missing any?

My theory: I believe there are approximately 600-700 families competing for the same PS3 and PreK4 spaces. There are not enough spaces at the most popular charters discussed on DCUM to enroll all of these kids but considering the popular/desirable DCPS early childhood programs almost everyone finds a placement at one of the most talked about schools.

Anonymous wrote:MV had 900 for 1 expansion class of PreK and 2 new PreS3 classes.

Actually 900 applications for 1 expansion class of PreK4 and Kindergarten and 2 new PS3 classes.

PS3 had approx 450 applications
PK4 -- 250
K -- 150
1st -- 50

IT has 350 applications for 32 PS3 spots (12 were taken automatically by siblings).

MV had 900 for 1 expansion class of PreK and 2 new PreS3 classes.

Saw Yu Ying received 645 applications for the 40 non-siblings openings for grades preK to 2nd. Had no idea it's gotten this ridiculous. Anyone have #s for other charters?