IT and Haynes parent here.

IT is a true inquiry and arts based model; its infused in everything with a true commitment to implementation.

Haynes is primarily focused on core subjects and remediation for weaker students as they move up through the grade levels. Class (economic) separation is more apparent at Haynes than at IT. As IT grows that shangrila may be difficult to maintain.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IT is tweaking their model. There will be some lead teachers with an asst. There will still be classrooms with a master teacher and others won't. Not sure how fair this could turn out. Even they are having trouble finding quality, experienced master teachers as they grow.

Or maybe it's just a case of wanting to hang on to good resident teachers, rather than making them leave the school.

This! Many parents were sad to see quality resident teachers leave last year. Many of who are lead teachers now at great schools like Stokes, Cap City etc. The resident teacher that will have his own class next year is a true gem!! We are very excited he is staying and IT changed the model of having 100% of residents go elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:IT is tweaking their model. There will be some lead teachers with an asst. There will still be classrooms with a master teacher and others won't. Not sure how fair this could turn out. Even they are having trouble finding quality, experienced master teachers as they grow.

Or maybe it's just a case of wanting to hang on to good resident teachers, rather than making them leave the school.

Anonymous wrote:IT is tweaking their model. There will be some lead teachers with an asst. There will still be classrooms with a master teacher and others won't. Not sure how fair this could turn out. Even they are having trouble finding quality, experienced master teachers as they grow.

This is kind of right. Elementary staffing for next year adds two classrooms with "lead teachers" who will be paired with a classroom assistant. One of these teachers was a resident this year, the other is a teacher who trained at the Center and has classroom experience. The rest are Master Teachers working with residents. Still no classes with "novice" teachers in charge of the classrooms.

IT is tweaking their model. There will be some lead teachers with an asst. There will still be classrooms with a master teacher and others won't. Not sure how fair this could turn out. Even they are having trouble finding quality, experienced master teachers as they grow.

there was the list that came out earlier this year for DC schools that were available

Any idea where IT is looking to go for a permanent home?

Anonymous wrote:We live in Petworth near both Haynes and Barnard. I think those are both good choices. I have heard good things about IT but was nervous about novice teachers training on my kids and wasn't wild about the cramped urban location. Of course it turned out we've had several new or nearly new teachers at the school we chose anyway, and they have been good. One of them left after about 5 years to become a master teacher-who-trains-teachers at a non-profit, so if you are getting that caliber at IT it's hard to beat.

Just wanted to point out that the main/master teachers are not novices. Our current teacher has over 10 years experience. It is the resident teachers that are all paired with master teachers that are "novices"

We live in Petworth near both Haynes and Barnard. I think those are both good choices. I have heard good things about IT but was nervous about novice teachers training on my kids and wasn't wild about the cramped urban location. Of course it turned out we've had several new or nearly new teachers at the school we chose anyway, and they have been good. One of them left after about 5 years to become a master teacher-who-trains-teachers at a non-profit, so if you are getting that caliber at IT it's hard to beat.

For what it's worth, we picked Barnard (a DCPS elem in Petworth) over IT (we got a PS3 spot in the initial lottery this year). Toured both schools and just didn't fall in love with the IT vibe that seems to resonate for many others. Different strokes...that's all. Also, the physical space of a school is important to us and having green space and a decent on-property playground was a priority based on what we know about our child. You need to tour both and see what feels right for you, your family and most importantly, your child. Good luck and congrats on having two fabulous options.

Great points. Thank you all. Logistics aren't a problem for either school. The uncertainty of where IT will be does give me pause but if it stays put or moves back to NE that would be fine. The IT community/concept seems amazing but for Haynes, I don't have much to go on other than its reputation.

Anonymous wrote:Is it just plain crazy to pick IT? Have heard repeatedly that "if you get a spot at Haynes, you take it no matter what" Why?

Not true. The Haynes families I know are happy with it, but I know one that chose Yu Ying and another that chose Stokes. So, no, you don't take it no matter what, you take it if it's the best fit for your family among your options.

Does the Haynes location work for you?

You know where they are going to be for the foreseeable future.

IT family here. I think you're going to be hard pressed to find a family that has experience with both schools. So most feedback you're going to get will families from either school (likely with a bias towards their current school. I will let the many other great posts about IT stand. I'm responding just to give you our story. Ever since PK3 Haynes has been our #1 school choice. We struck out on the lottery. We started IT its first year and fell in love. 2nd year we entered only Haynes lottery on a whim, never thinking Wed have to make the choice. Well we got a very good lottery # and 2 weeks after school started, we got the call. After a lot of debating and family discussions, we decided to stay at IT and haven't looked back. Good luck!

Is it just plain crazy to pick IT? Have heard repeatedly that "if you get a spot at Haynes, you take it no matter what" Why?