Anonymous wrote:We got into IT and we have a really good WL number at MV. I'm wondering, if we get called from MV - should we take it over IT? Thoughts? Language is important to us, but it isn't the "end all" that it is for some. However, the green aspects of the school really appeal to me. However, I was very blown away by the parents at the IT school and how much they loved their school (and a little turned off at the Charter School fair by some of the folks representing MV).

Any thoughts about the two schools?

What green aspects of MV appeal to you?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another IT parent here (PK). I don't think anyone is arguing that the school is perfect. No school is, and both IT and MV have had growing pains since they are new charters. But we are happy there, happy with the teacher and administration, classroom management, the cohort in his class and what our son is learning. I've also been impressed with what I have seen from the higher grades at the learning showcase. I also wouldn't read anything into the fact that IT has more trouble recruiting the higher grades. There are fewer children total in DC in those grades and they are likely settled into their schools at this point. The negative that we see to the school right now is the building (we love the location) - We would love a traditional school building with more outdoor space. But that's mitigated for us by the fact that it is temporary and that we have a younger child - his world is his classroom and it is bright, cheery and well supplied.

As to the OP's specific questions regarding language, we were of a similar mindset and ended up not applying to the immersion schools. Personally, I thought it would be problematic to have my child in an immersion school when it wasn't a high priority for me. I worried that I would not be able to support him as he would need in that aspect of his education. Also (and this is totally just my feelings and absolutely no judgment on people who do not feel the same way) it seemed unfair to take an immersion spot that I wasn't wild about when so many of our friends truly valued the language and were desperate for one.

PP, how do you know that the location is temporary? My understanding is the administration/board is in the process of negotiating a longer lease at their current location. I would personally desire IT more if I knew the chances of them moving are good.

No one knows anything about charter locations until the administration makes decisions. I view the location as temporary because the school has a short term lease and no one aside from anonymous people on DCUM has ever told me that it is not. The administration could be negatiating a long term lease and still looking for other properties at the same time for all we know. Generally with charters I think it's best to assume all locations are temporary until the school starts pouring significant capital into the location/announces that it is a long-term/permanent home. It's a frustrating position and I completely understand why someone would choose a school with a more certain location. But it's the nature of the beast with any charter until the school says that it's landed somewhere permanent.

Anonymous wrote:Another IT parent here (PK). I don't think anyone is arguing that the school is perfect. No school is, and both IT and MV have had growing pains since they are new charters. But we are happy there, happy with the teacher and administration, classroom management, the cohort in his class and what our son is learning. I've also been impressed with what I have seen from the higher grades at the learning showcase. I also wouldn't read anything into the fact that IT has more trouble recruiting the higher grades. There are fewer children total in DC in those grades and they are likely settled into their schools at this point. The negative that we see to the school right now is the building (we love the location) - We would love a traditional school building with more outdoor space. But that's mitigated for us by the fact that it is temporary and that we have a younger child - his world is his classroom and it is bright, cheery and well supplied.

As to the OP's specific questions regarding language, we were of a similar mindset and ended up not applying to the immersion schools. Personally, I thought it would be problematic to have my child in an immersion school when it wasn't a high priority for me. I worried that I would not be able to support him as he would need in that aspect of his education. Also (and this is totally just my feelings and absolutely no judgment on people who do not feel the same way) it seemed unfair to take an immersion spot that I wasn't wild about when so many of our friends truly valued the language and were desperate for one.

PP, how do you know that the location is temporary? My understanding is the administration/board is in the process of negotiating a longer lease at their current location. I would personally desire IT more if I knew the chances of them moving are good.

Another IT parent here (PK). I don't think anyone is arguing that the school is perfect. No school is, and both IT and MV have had growing pains since they are new charters. But we are happy there, happy with the teacher and administration, classroom management, the cohort in his class and what our son is learning. I've also been impressed with what I have seen from the higher grades at the learning showcase. I also wouldn't read anything into the fact that IT has more trouble recruiting the higher grades. There are fewer children total in DC in those grades and they are likely settled into their schools at this point. The negative that we see to the school right now is the building (we love the location) - We would love a traditional school building with more outdoor space. But that's mitigated for us by the fact that it is temporary and that we have a younger child - his world is his classroom and it is bright, cheery and well supplied.

As to the OP's specific questions regarding language, we were of a similar mindset and ended up not applying to the immersion schools. Personally, I thought it would be problematic to have my child in an immersion school when it wasn't a high priority for me. I worried that I would not be able to support him as he would need in that aspect of his education. Also (and this is totally just my feelings and absolutely no judgment on people who do not feel the same way) it seemed unfair to take an immersion spot that I wasn't wild about when so many of our friends truly valued the language and were desperate for one.

Anonymous wrote:and again, if you are talking PS3 and go with IT there are three adults per 22-student class (one master teacher, one resident teacher and an aide), so a really great ratio.

There are also three adults in the MV ps3 classroom, so I don't know if that would be a determining factor.

and again, if you are talking PS3 and go with IT there are three adults per 22-student class (one master teacher, one resident teacher and an aide), so a really great ratio.

If you are talking PS3, I think you should focus on IT. MV's PS3 class is currently filled by 21 siblings. The school oversubscribed the class to accommodate siblings of current students. Unless they find a way to open a second PS3 class, there's simply no chance the WL is going to move that much. In fact, I've heard that they will not backfill even if siblings decline unless they dip below 18 students. They wanted only 18 students, and are at 21. So at least four current siblings need to withdraw before they touch the waitlist. So, OP, unless you're really really high on the list (as in 1-5) or the school opens a second PS3 because it managed to acquire new space, I would say you have a terrific win with IT.

2 year IT parent here. I couldn't agree more about the parents at the school, not only are the parents super active and warm, there are grandparents, aunts, uncles, and nannies that are very active with the school. However, I know several MV parents and can say that they are very nice and excited about the school. You are very lucky to be in your position. I don't see the school admitting 1st-5th grade students as any indication other than it's hard to recruit higher grades especially when you're a 2nd year charter when most 3rd and 4th graders are at a place they'd like to stick with. I imagine MV would also have a hard time recruiting rising 4th and 5th graders. Language is not a priority for my family so I never even entered MV lotteries (or LAMB and Stokes). I always thought that we would love to go to Haynes or Cap City, but when we got an opportunity to go to Haynes last year, we turned it down without hesitation. Of course there are things that aren't perfect as with many schools. I would love to have a gym and a playground. The teachers are stellar. Yeah a few teachers left last year (one for medical, one for family and I can't remember if there was another). I hear glowing/raving reviews from every single teacher with the exception of one. My biggest concern was how the school was going to implement our family's priority of math and science into their philosophy, but I have seen it in person, the methods used and the encouragement of self inquiry is a sight to see.

The amazing teachers and the families are the sole reason that we turned down Haynes last year. I know it was a gamble, but I have not looked back. I welcome you to come visit the school, talk to the families and get your own feel. There will be plenty of opportunities.

I too am curious about what you saw at the fair. But, the big question here is how much do you value immersion? Very different schools that both seem to be thriving.

IT parent here. Keep your eyes open to see the whole picture so you can make an informed decision. IT has the great qualities listed in this thread and others. At the same time, its not all peaches and cream. Teaching quality has been uneven this year. Teacher turnover since the beginning of the school is another concern. Even the administration acknowledges communications challenges. Check out how many students were admitted in first through fifth grades-there is student turnover. IT is in its second year (as is MV) and is a work in progress.

What grade?

How would the MV move to NoMa year after next factor in to your work commute?

OP, what turned you off at the fair?

Language is nice, and we're looking forward to it being added into the IT program. The other aspects of school community you mentioned- happy/helpful parents, committed staff, focus on teaching- were more important for us.

We got into IT and we have a really good WL number at MV. I'm wondering, if we get called from MV - should we take it over IT? Thoughts? Language is important to us, but it isn't the "end all" that it is for some. However, the green aspects of the school really appeal to me. However, I was very blown away by the parents at the IT school and how much they loved their school (and a little turned off at the Charter School fair by some of the folks representing MV).

Any thoughts about the two schools?