OP, you probably want to check out the DC public/charter schools forum (separate from preschool and daycare). There are a million threads on this. This year, there is a common application for some (not all) charters as well as DCPS. You will also need to rank your preferences in order, so you should do your research now. Finally, a lot of schools are moving locations next year

Off the top of my head, the 'hot' charters with PS3 are:

LAMB (we are in walking distance, and were over 700 on the waitlist)
Mundo Verde (moving next year)
Inspired teaching (moving next year)
Creative Minds
Two Rivers
Haynes
Stokes (immersion both French and Spanish)
Capital City

Many people are happy with Bridges PCS (traditionally only early childhood but now expanding grades) and Appletree (columbia heights may be close to you).

Im probably forgetting others.

However if you feel your child must be in a pre-k 3 program you probably should also look for privates.

Anonymous wrote:If you are looking for a private program, check out Kids Corner. It is in kalorama and is Spanish-English bilingual.

Thanks, PP - will do.

If you are looking for a private program, check out Kids Corner. It is in kalorama and is Spanish-English bilingual.

Anonymous wrote:With LAMB, you should consider whether the Montessori model will work in elementary for your child. If you know you are going to do Oyster later, you will not make friends by taking a spot for just a year or two. LAMB only admits at ages 3 and 4, so they can't replace you if you leave after then. The best short-term program is Appletree--only goes through PK. But it is not bilingual.

Thanks, PP. I think if we got into LAMB we might consider staying...but who knows. It is such a remote possibility that I haven't thought about it

With LAMB, you should consider whether the Montessori model will work in elementary for your child. If you know you are going to do Oyster later, you will not make friends by taking a spot for just a year or two. LAMB only admits at ages 3 and 4, so they can't replace you if you leave after then. The best short-term program is Appletree--only goes through PK. But it is not bilingual.

Anonymous wrote:Ohhh honey.

Haha! PP, explain. You're scaring me

Anonymous wrote:If you live in Woodley, then you are in-bounds for Oyster, a bilingual school. There is no PK3 though. I would probably look for a private bilingual preschool that could work for 2 years until K since getting into PK4 is no guarantee.

Thanks, I am doing this too. But I want to apply for PK-3 spots on the off chance that we get lucky (I know, unlikely!) But Oyster is definitely an option we're very excited about for K.

Any thoughts besides LAMB? I will use the online search tool that PP suggested (thanks!) but was just kind of wondering about reputation, word of mouth stuff from other parents. Like "avoid XYZ like the plague" or "definitely apply here" type of stuff.

If you live in Woodley, then you are in-bounds for Oyster, a bilingual school. There is no PK3 though. I would probably look for a private bilingual preschool that could work for 2 years until K since getting into PK4 is no guarantee.

Ohhh honey.

On the myschooldc site, you can search by grade, ward, and dual language to see what is offered and what might work for you. You should also post in the DC Public and Charter Schools Forum, where you will get more specific advice.

I live in Woodley Park so I'd like something that is reasonable commute-wise. My only other requirement is that the school be bilingual or immersion. I don't know much about the options as we're new to the area. The only one on my list so far is LAMB. What else should I consider?