We got a PK3 spot at Meridian, and so far that's our only public school option, although we will get into our in-boundary school by Kindergarten at the latest. Meridian is beautiful and the staff seems super nice. I recently spoke with a parent whose child is there now for PK3 and is very happy with the school. I have read complaints that the school focuses too much on reading and math, but I figure that the money we save by going to public school, we can afford to do after-school classes in art, music, dance, languages, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Search for it on here. I am a Meridian parent and have recently posted about the school.

I searched and couldn't find anything posted from this school year in particular. A couple bad posts re: poor teachers pre-2012 though. I am also planning to schedule a morning to observe and have given my contact information to the parent ambassador there to see if any current parents wouldn't mind reaching out to me. Thank you for any info!!!

Anonymous wrote:We also had a good year at Bethune PK3. No acceptances anywhere else so far, but we'd be fine with spending another year at Bethune.

PP here. Same here! What concerns me is a friend left Bethune for a highly desired DCPS with the "right" feeder schools and he became just a number. Not really the school's fault. They have too many students, twice more per classroom with 1 FT teacher. Now they're in private.

We also had a good year at Bethune PK3. No acceptances anywhere else so far, but we'd be fine with spending another year at Bethune.

At Bethune for PreK3 and really like the school. Very impressed with the small classroom sizes and 2 FT teachers in each class. It's likely that we will gain entry to 4 of the DCPS schools we applied to (in at 1 already), and we're in at Sela...don't know what we'll do yet.

A total outsider guess here, but I predict that Meridian's stock will rise as a result of its new location & beautiful building.

Other charters to consider: the Center City PCS schools, recently converted from Catholic parochial schools. Some of the campuses (Petworth among them) get very good reviews on the PCSB scorecard. (Though I don't think they have ps3.)

Search for it on here. I am a Meridian parent and have recently posted about the school.

We got accepted in to PK3 at Meridian (also got in to Cleveland DL) and would LOVE some feedback! I toured the facility last weekend and it is absolutely beautiful. I know that means nothing if the teachers don't measure up, but I've had a hard time finding any feedback on the school. The administrators have been very responsive as well.

Anyone have anything to contribute?

Anonymous wrote:Applied to Meridian for PS3 and PK4 got in for PS3 and wait listed for PK4

That should put you at the top of the WL though, right?

We applied to Shining Stars and DC prep last year. Got a spot at DC prep right away but turned it down because of the impression that they focused overly on academics and punitive behavior (my impression, may not be correct). Would have seriously considered Shining Stars but didn't get offered the place until after school started and child was already comfortably settled at Appletree.

I did open house and tour at Imagine Hope Lamond campus and would have used it as PS or PK option had we not gotten into our current Charter. Not sure about K and beyond.

Applied to Meridian for PS3 and PK4 got in for PS3 and wait listed for PK4

I applied to Kipp, Shining Stars and DC Prep - all of which never get mentioned by the DCUM folks. Please don't mention them until I know I get a spot.

Please don't. My kid is at one of those and we like flying below the radar.

Obviously everyone is vying for spots at the super popular charters. Don't need to list them here; we all know which they are. But what about ones that are less popular but have early childhood ed programs--I'm thinking Kipp and Meridian, Shining Stars Montessori, etc.? Would you consider those? I know some have not conducted their lotteries yet, but for those that have, has anyone gotten in or a decent WL number, and are you considering?