Anonymous wrote:Hi! We are starting this year at mundo verde… I am excited about the school but concerned about the neighbourhood. I would like to hear from parents that were here before if they ever felt nervous in the area where the school is. Every time I go I feel my heart is in my hand because of all the people doing drugs in the street. Im I being paranoid?

Well... I live very nearby (a handful of blocks to the west) and I can handle a lot, but I never ever go near the Mundo Verde block and some of the others (unit block of O) because I find them sketchy and scary. There have been shootings.

I also wouldn't send my kids to MV bc of the quality of the education.

Seriously consider your IB school! If you kid is in K or above you and still just switch!

Anonymous wrote:Hi! We are starting this year at mundo verde… I am excited about the school but concerned about the neighbourhood. I would like to hear from parents that were here before if they ever felt nervous in the area where the school is. Every time I go I feel my heart is in my hand because of all the people doing drugs in the street. Im I being paranoid?

Nope. It's scary and there really aren't any good answers for you. I prefer to approach that block from the west if I have to walk along it, rather than from North Capitol.

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Anonymous wrote:MV is the strongest in Spanish. Some other charters I would call Spanish lite. This is from friend of friend who has taught at many of the immersion charters/DCPS bilingual schools.

Spanish tutor here- this is false. I like Mundo and Mundo families seem great. This thread is profoundly sad to read. I hear so much stress from both parents and teachers.

As much as I think Mundo is a nice school, I am absolutely sure that Mundo probably has some of the worst Spanish of all the immersion schools in dc. It’s not really because of the model or the school, it is because they’re forced to accept kids at all grades with all levels of Spanish. No matter how hard you try or how smart your kid is, it will be a hugely uphill battle to put your kid in an immersion school after kindergarten.

That said, I’d prefer Mundo over oyster where they kick out special needs students. That in my mind puts it in the bottom of the pile where immersion schools are concerned.

PP here. You are a tutor and not an actual substitute teacher who has taught at immersion schools. You see struggling students. MV does accept students in the upper grades and those with no or weak Spanish background struggle but it’s not a large amount.

False. I see both struggling students and those who aren’t being challenged enough. Or sometimes those with learning disabilities.

Across the board Mundo has one of the weakest Spanish programs. I wish I could say otherwise Bc the families are awesome.

Stokes and DCB has weaker Spanish.

Tutor here- no clue about stokes. DCB has excellent Spanish as far as I can tell. Mundo needs to stop admitting kids past kindergarten.

DCB is dual language no full immersion. They started in Columbia Heights and their purpose was to teach English to Spanish
Speakers, no the other way around. That is why they aren’t full immersion and their Spanish isn’t the best. It is still good to get exposure but let’s not pretend that it is the best.

Definitely don’t think DCB is the best but it’s better than Mundo Verde when it comes to Spanish. Wish it wasn’t so.

My kids go to one of the other immersion charter that people love here. I absolutely think the Spanish is weak. There are some kids in my daughters class that struggle through a basic sentence after 5 years there. My kid reports that the teachers will just speak English if the kids don't understand.

Anonymous wrote:ALL schools have had teacher turnover! There isn't a county or school system that hasn't been impacted. It's been a terrible year for everyone: kids, teachers, admin, etc.

+1 I teach in another school division and we have one or two long term subs in almost every grade. This has never happened before. The state of VA is providing incentives for retired teachers to return and fill some of the vacancies.

Hi! We are starting this year at mundo verde… I am excited about the school but concerned about the neighbourhood. I would like to hear from parents that were here before if they ever felt nervous in the area where the school is. Every time I go I feel my heart is in my hand because of all the people doing drugs in the street. Im I being paranoid?

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Anonymous wrote:What are your plans for next year? I'm extremely torn. I love the Spanish, the parents, my kid's friends. However the teacher turnover and the administration's inability to cede any power to teachers or talk openly about the disagreements is a very serious concern. I can't decide whether to stick it out and hope or try something new. I'm also wondering how many of my kid's classmates will be leaving.

We've been at MV8 since PK3 in 2019. We're leaving after this school year. The community is great and the Spanish is too. But like you mentioned, teacher turnover and administration concerns have led us to jump sooner rather than later. Naomi's sudden and unannounced departure further sparked our concerns. Then the follow by two of our favorite teachers (who left for the very reason you mention. One told us directly). I've not been impressed with academics which has been a concern for a while, but I assumed it was going to get better. What sealed it for us was certain behaviors and discipline techniques that obviously impacted how our child responded to the classroom. Punishment by taking away recess was done twice even after we said it was developmentally inappropriate and not helpful. Certain labels being put onto our child and as Black parents of a Black child we are very "third eye open" when it comes to how our child is engaged in certain spaces.

So all of that to say, we are heading elsewhere for 1st grade.

Where?

We only listed our inbound (Burroughs) for the lottery, but also applied to 3 privates. So we'll go either DCPS or private.

From PP: sorry, I meant physical fights in 5th this year. I don't know about 4th.

Former MV parent here. I haven't read this whole thread, but I am sorry to hear things are still so bad. The year we left, two of the upper grades were without a permanent teacher for at least half of the year. When someone permanent did come, they had anger management problems that were overwhelming for kids that age. This year I hear from parents in 5th and 2nd that each kid has had multiple teachers as well, that there are physical fights in 4th (also true before the pandemic), and that the school does not communicate about when teachers come and go (also true before the pandemic)--parents have to hear about it from the kids. There was even a police presence to escort a teacher away before the pandemic, and the parents weren't notified.

In addition, what other school has a PTA that evaporates because all of the major officers switch their kids to other schools, and then takes two years to re-form? This is not a school that sees the enormous value of family contribution or is organized enough to keep a PTA in place. I know all places have their hardships, but I don't think there's been a stable year there for ages. I agree with the previous poster (p 1 or 2) who talked about the teachers being so miserable that they formed a union. The ED is nice but has taken on way too much and is not interested in letting go of the reins. So my short answer is to play the lottery and go elsewhere.

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Anonymous wrote:What are your plans for next year? I'm extremely torn. I love the Spanish, the parents, my kid's friends. However the teacher turnover and the administration's inability to cede any power to teachers or talk openly about the disagreements is a very serious concern. I can't decide whether to stick it out and hope or try something new. I'm also wondering how many of my kid's classmates will be leaving.

We've been at MV8 since PK3 in 2019. We're leaving after this school year. The community is great and the Spanish is too. But like you mentioned, teacher turnover and administration concerns have led us to jump sooner rather than later. Naomi's sudden and unannounced departure further sparked our concerns. Then the follow by two of our favorite teachers (who left for the very reason you mention. One told us directly). I've not been impressed with academics which has been a concern for a while, but I assumed it was going to get better. What sealed it for us was certain behaviors and discipline techniques that obviously impacted how our child responded to the classroom. Punishment by taking away recess was done twice even after we said it was developmentally inappropriate and not helpful. Certain labels being put onto our child and as Black parents of a Black child we are very "third eye open" when it comes to how our child is engaged in certain spaces.

So all of that to say, we are heading elsewhere for 1st grade.

Where?

Anonymous wrote:What are your plans for next year? I'm extremely torn. I love the Spanish, the parents, my kid's friends. However the teacher turnover and the administration's inability to cede any power to teachers or talk openly about the disagreements is a very serious concern. I can't decide whether to stick it out and hope or try something new. I'm also wondering how many of my kid's classmates will be leaving.

We've been at MV8 since PK3 in 2019. We're leaving after this school year. The community is great and the Spanish is too. But like you mentioned, teacher turnover and administration concerns have led us to jump sooner rather than later. Naomi's sudden and unannounced departure further sparked our concerns. Then the follow by two of our favorite teachers (who left for the very reason you mention. One told us directly). I've not been impressed with academics which has been a concern for a while, but I assumed it was going to get better. What sealed it for us was certain behaviors and discipline techniques that obviously impacted how our child responded to the classroom. Punishment by taking away recess was done twice even after we said it was developmentally inappropriate and not helpful. Certain labels being put onto our child and as Black parents of a Black child we are very "third eye open" when it comes to how our child is engaged in certain spaces.

So all of that to say, we are heading elsewhere for 1st grade.

/\ all of this to say, take DCUM with a grain of salt. I know kids from all of those schools and it’s very different from what people post here.

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Anonymous wrote:MV is the strongest in Spanish. Some other charters I would call Spanish lite. This is from friend of friend who has taught at many of the immersion charters/DCPS bilingual schools.

Spanish tutor here- this is false. I like Mundo and Mundo families seem great. This thread is profoundly sad to read. I hear so much stress from both parents and teachers.

As much as I think Mundo is a nice school, I am absolutely sure that Mundo probably has some of the worst Spanish of all the immersion schools in dc. It’s not really because of the model or the school, it is because they’re forced to accept kids at all grades with all levels of Spanish. No matter how hard you try or how smart your kid is, it will be a hugely uphill battle to put your kid in an immersion school after kindergarten.

That said, I’d prefer Mundo over oyster where they kick out special needs students. That in my mind puts it in the bottom of the pile where immersion schools are concerned.

PP here. You are a tutor and not an actual substitute teacher who has taught at immersion schools. You see struggling students. MV does accept students in the upper grades and those with no or weak Spanish background struggle but it’s not a large amount.

False. I see both struggling students and those who aren’t being challenged enough. Or sometimes those with learning disabilities.

Across the board Mundo has one of the weakest Spanish programs. I wish I could say otherwise Bc the families are awesome.

Stokes and DCB has weaker Spanish.

Tutor here- no clue about stokes. DCB has excellent Spanish as far as I can tell. Mundo needs to stop admitting kids past kindergarten.

DCB is dual language no full immersion. They started in Columbia Heights and their purpose was to teach English to Spanish
Speakers, no the other way around. That is why they aren’t full immersion and their Spanish isn’t the best. It is still good to get exposure but let’s not pretend that it is the best.

Definitely don’t think DCB is the best but it’s better than Mundo Verde when it comes to Spanish. Wish it wasn’t so.

Disagree. English dominant kids in upper grades weak in Spanish. Some kids need Spanish assignments translated.

NP. I know a few third graders in this situation. Maybe it’s just a weak year, but they’re all been there since pre-K and it’s clear the school doesn’t really force struggling students to get up to level in Spanish.

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Anonymous wrote:MV is the strongest in Spanish. Some other charters I would call Spanish lite. This is from friend of friend who has taught at many of the immersion charters/DCPS bilingual schools.

Spanish tutor here- this is false. I like Mundo and Mundo families seem great. This thread is profoundly sad to read. I hear so much stress from both parents and teachers.

As much as I think Mundo is a nice school, I am absolutely sure that Mundo probably has some of the worst Spanish of all the immersion schools in dc. It’s not really because of the model or the school, it is because they’re forced to accept kids at all grades with all levels of Spanish. No matter how hard you try or how smart your kid is, it will be a hugely uphill battle to put your kid in an immersion school after kindergarten.

That said, I’d prefer Mundo over oyster where they kick out special needs students. That in my mind puts it in the bottom of the pile where immersion schools are concerned.

PP here. You are a tutor and not an actual substitute teacher who has taught at immersion schools. You see struggling students. MV does accept students in the upper grades and those with no or weak Spanish background struggle but it’s not a large amount.

False. I see both struggling students and those who aren’t being challenged enough. Or sometimes those with learning disabilities.

Across the board Mundo has one of the weakest Spanish programs. I wish I could say otherwise Bc the families are awesome.

Stokes and DCB has weaker Spanish.

Tutor here- no clue about stokes. DCB has excellent Spanish as far as I can tell. Mundo needs to stop admitting kids past kindergarten.

DCB is dual language no full immersion. They started in Columbia Heights and their purpose was to teach English to Spanish
Speakers, no the other way around. That is why they aren’t full immersion and their Spanish isn’t the best. It is still good to get exposure but let’s not pretend that it is the best.

Definitely don’t think DCB is the best but it’s better than Mundo Verde when it comes to Spanish. Wish it wasn’t so.

Disagree. English dominant kids in upper grades weak in Spanish. Some kids need Spanish assignments translated.

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Anonymous wrote:Most P Street families (ie those with kids in 2nd and up) have been playing the lottery ever year since the terrible union/comms debacle. We are one, but we value the language and hopefully for DCI so unfortunately we are lotterying for only DCB and Stokes, so our odds are slim. We have had teacher turnover and accepting kids in late elementary without dual/bi language approach is a mess. It's leading to social issues, but if I were a kid thrust into a classroom where I had no idea what was happening, I can imagine I'd react the same. I know we aren't alone, and with a younger sibling, we probably will have our younger "bubble class" kid hold on for now. It's not a great situation.

Sorry to hear PP. We are at Calle Ocho in 2nd grade, started when campus opened in K, active in the school, and know a number of families in all the 2nd grade classes. No issues we know with new students coming in with no Spanish background. Granted there is no 3rd to 5th yet but Calle Ocho is not taking any new kids in 3rd at all for next year since it’s an expansion year.

Like many schools, we have had some teachers leave and behavior issues with socio-emotional deficits with the pandemic. But the school has taken steps to address these things at our campus. We love our teachers, the kids, and families. It’s a great community. We have not played the lottery since getting in at K and no plans to either.

I can name off dozens of families who are at Calle ocho without any Spanish background.

Boost away, fine, but straight up lying makes you look ridiculous.

I think you misunderstood what Pp said.

You’re right I did. But they’re not being truthful re new kids in upper grades without Spanish background coming in either. The school should not do that.

Where did poster above say there are no kids coming in with no Spanish background at Calle Ocho?? She did not. She said there are no issues in 2nd grade related to this. She is also correct about 3rd grade. Look on my DC report card for 3rd. Only option at MV is Cook campus specifically. Calle Ocho is not taking new students for 3rd grade.

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Anonymous wrote:MV is the strongest in Spanish. Some other charters I would call Spanish lite. This is from friend of friend who has taught at many of the immersion charters/DCPS bilingual schools.

Spanish tutor here- this is false. I like Mundo and Mundo families seem great. This thread is profoundly sad to read. I hear so much stress from both parents and teachers.

As much as I think Mundo is a nice school, I am absolutely sure that Mundo probably has some of the worst Spanish of all the immersion schools in dc. It’s not really because of the model or the school, it is because they’re forced to accept kids at all grades with all levels of Spanish. No matter how hard you try or how smart your kid is, it will be a hugely uphill battle to put your kid in an immersion school after kindergarten.

That said, I’d prefer Mundo over oyster where they kick out special needs students. That in my mind puts it in the bottom of the pile where immersion schools are concerned.

PP here. You are a tutor and not an actual substitute teacher who has taught at immersion schools. You see struggling students. MV does accept students in the upper grades and those with no or weak Spanish background struggle but it’s not a large amount.

False. I see both struggling students and those who aren’t being challenged enough. Or sometimes those with learning disabilities.

Across the board Mundo has one of the weakest Spanish programs. I wish I could say otherwise Bc the families are awesome.

Stokes and DCB has weaker Spanish.

Tutor here- no clue about stokes. DCB has excellent Spanish as far as I can tell. Mundo needs to stop admitting kids past kindergarten.

DCB is dual language no full immersion. They started in Columbia Heights and their purpose was to teach English to Spanish
Speakers, no the other way around. That is why they aren’t full immersion and their Spanish isn’t the best. It is still good to get exposure but let’s not pretend that it is the best.

Definitely don’t think DCB is the best but it’s better than Mundo Verde when it comes to Spanish. Wish it wasn’t so.