Anonymous wrote:This was my first expo as a parent. I used to work the DCPS expo when I was in high school.
I was most let down by LAMB. I get all of my "buzz" about the schools from this website, so I was expecting something...more. If I hadn't done my own research, I would've gotten absolutely nothing from the person at the desk. I also got the feeling of "our reputation precedes us."
I thought it was funny when I told the woman from Yu Ying that I'd heard about them on this site. She responded with, "Uh oh. I've seen some of the things they say on there."
Creative Minds impressed me with just how much they were willing to share. I had a chance to talk to someone who may end up being DD's teacher and she walked me through most of the day to day, then she handed me off to someone else who explained the extended day programs.
Ditto for Inspired Teaching. I was impressed with their parent turnout. It really showed that they're passionate about that place. They went on and on about it, but it didn't seem like a plea for enrollment.
Meridian seemed most prepared in the marketing dept. They were handing out folders, handbags, water bottles and the woman I spoke with rattled off facts and statistics like she was studying for a test. I was impressed with the presentation.
I started looking at some "safety schools" that won't be named because that would be wrong, but I was a little discouraged by what I saw. Some of them seemed like they just sent a few people out with a science project board and a candy dish. They weren't really prepared to answer many questions. A few asked me to wait until someone else showed up later.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I got in at the open and was out by 1:00. Some of them really have given my DCPS choices a run for their money.
This is helpful. Those of us in the greater U Street community are excited about Meridian at 13th and V. It is very nice to hear that the school's organization and movement toward Tier 1 are recognized by even casual observers. Overall, our charters are looking better every year. Thank goodness.