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Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Look, I have kids at the school. They take advanced classes. They are supported. Their teachers are good.

Your perception is that because the administration isn’t focusing on advanced classes in mass meetings that means they don’t care about advanced classes. I can say, as a parent with students there, that that’s categorically not true.

I understand that it’s frustrating not to get exactly the information you want exactly when you want it. I’d recommend sending Principal Brown an email with your questions; I’ve found him to be quite responsive.

Agree with this. My kid is a junior and has had no issues getting into AP classes. She’s on track to apply to top 20 schools next fall. What I am most appreciative of is the support she’s had in her academy. This has been key in positioning her for some great college options. I’m a bit confused by this whole thread.

Look, I have no reason to disbelieve you about your child’s experience. What I am saying is that DCPS’s general unwillingness to publicly articulate advancement and challenge as a legitimate goal of school is meaningful. I’m glad you feel your child is accessing what they need; but you must understand that is *only* due to the unspoken acknowledgement that JR parents would not accept getting rid of APs, simply due to your numbers. You can see that DCPS does what it can to chip away at the margins, like “honors for all” in 9th and 10th and the lack of MS honors/accelerated pathways, and the absence of any G&T program. So you are lucky that you are in JR where you have strength in numbers. The rest of us, not so much.

Think about it. If DCPS were to have a tabula rasa today, do you think there is any chance they would allow Walls and Banneker to exist? Or any AP classes?

I hope that the JR AP track continues to exist. But given all the crazy ideas about “equity” these days, you need to be on guard. I fully expect, for example, to have to battle ideas like this: https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2021/11/california-math/

Anonymous wrote:Geez this sounds confusing for an incoming ninth grader.

Really? I haven’t heard much about confusion here. Just upset from parents that JR isn’t prioritizing discussion of AP classes in open house presentations for rising 9th grade families.

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Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Look, I have kids at the school. They take advanced classes. They are supported. Their teachers are good.

Your perception is that because the administration isn’t focusing on advanced classes in mass meetings that means they don’t care about advanced classes. I can say, as a parent with students there, that that’s categorically not true.

I understand that it’s frustrating not to get exactly the information you want exactly when you want it. I’d recommend sending Principal Brown an email with your questions; I’ve found him to be quite responsive.

If advanced students feel like they are secondary citizens in an academic institution, then it's not being done right. We can know that is how DCPS works and still think it is a regrettable failure of the leadership.

Geez this sounds confusing for an incoming ninth grader.

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Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Look, I have kids at the school. They take advanced classes. They are supported. Their teachers are good.

Your perception is that because the administration isn’t focusing on advanced classes in mass meetings that means they don’t care about advanced classes. I can say, as a parent with students there, that that’s categorically not true.

I understand that it’s frustrating not to get exactly the information you want exactly when you want it. I’d recommend sending Principal Brown an email with your questions; I’ve found him to be quite responsive.

It is not the mission of JR or any DCPS to "facilitate " any advanced coursework, its to close the achievement gap by lowering the ceiling.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Look, I have kids at the school. They take advanced classes. They are supported. Their teachers are good.

Your perception is that because the administration isn’t focusing on advanced classes in mass meetings that means they don’t care about advanced classes. I can say, as a parent with students there, that that’s categorically not true.

I understand that it’s frustrating not to get exactly the information you want exactly when you want it. I’d recommend sending Principal Brown an email with your questions; I’ve found him to be quite responsive.

Agree with this. My kid is a junior and has had no issues getting into AP classes. She’s on track to apply to top 20 schools next fall. What I am most appreciative of is the support she’s had in her academy. This has been key in positioning her for some great college options. I’m a bit confused by this whole thread.

Anonymous wrote:I have visited DCPS and MCPS schools, and the difference in the public discussion of academics in open houses is striking. MCPS principals will up-front address acceleration. I even heard one say “It is our obligation to give students the challenge they need.” Long discussions of math tracking and selection of classes.

In DCPS, academics seem to be practically a dirty word at open houses. Parents who ask about it get stared at questioningly, as if they just ripped a big fart.

I was just chatting with a friend in Moco schools and was blown away at the support for academic rigor, there are multiple magnet middle schools, her kid is in 5th grade and they tested kids to determine if any were eligible, he was automatically offered a seat at a STEM middle magnet (but they are turning it down), lots of accelerated classes in his elem school to for math and reading.
Why is DC so afraid of this? Perfomative equity. meaning all kids get a mediocre education and honors/AP "for all"

Anonymous wrote:

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Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Look, I have kids at the school. They take advanced classes. They are supported. Their teachers are good.

Your perception is that because the administration isn’t focusing on advanced classes in mass meetings that means they don’t care about advanced classes. I can say, as a parent with students there, that that’s categorically not true.

I understand that it’s frustrating not to get exactly the information you want exactly when you want it. I’d recommend sending Principal Brown an email with your questions; I’ve found him to be quite responsive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

How is it parent hand-holding to provide clear information about AP classes? What it really suggests is that it’s not supposed to be part of JR’s mission to facilitate advanced classes. It’s not about some notion of kids being independent. It’s a clear message that while JR knows it has to continue offering AP classes in some capacity, it is not going to do an iota of work to support them beyond the minimum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

There is teaching and structure at JR. There just isn’t much (any) parent hand-holding.

Not defending them, but I found the academies as confusing as heck, so can understand the need to spend time on them.

Anonymous wrote:

Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

(and FWIW I don’t even aspire to an elite college for my particular kid - I just want him to be challenged and learn. Apparently I am supposed to only have the type of kid who doesn’t need actual teaching and structure to learn.)

Transplant_1 wrote:I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.

yes, I have found this as well (but still just at MS level). the party line is supposed to be “my child will be FINE wherever they go to school!” Meanwhile there are many MC black parents in DC who are keenly interested in academics.

DCPS and MCPS are different. JR and Walls are different. It sounds like folks are getting the info they need to compare and contrast. If you don’t like what JR is doing, you can share that feedback with administrators and hope for change. If you have the means, you can move to MCPS or go private.

Kids who seek challenge at JR find it. The school does not track, but interesting, challenging classes are available to those who want them. The school does not see parents as their primary “customers”; they want students to self-manage. The school also doesn’t see itself as competing with other schools; it’s a public school that takes all comers and seeks to do the best it can by a huge range of students.

No option is perfect for everyone. Lots of kids go to JR and love it. Some think it’s fine. I’m sure some/many don’t love it. Kind of like when I was in public high school. Talk to some MCPS high school parents; I’m sure they’re also frustrated, perhaps by different things. The grass is always greener.

I find that it's not just with school staff that consider you "over the top" when you ask about academics with an eye towards what's needed for selective colleges. I find many parents are like that as well. Or, they're willing to talk to you one on one, but not with others in group. It's as if as soon as you want to be open about shooting for highly selective colleges, you must be an elistist, or racist, or not "cool and liberal" or an overbearing parent.