Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:48
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Sure, St Anselm's rocks if you want a classics education, can handle the commute and have more than 30K a year to throw at it per son.
More like 39,500-41,500. Not worth it IMo.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:46
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
PP above, weak in math and science. Does not offer very advance math tracking. EOTP the only school I would recommend for STEM kid is Basis and DCI.
Both Latin campuses have a significant portion of the 8th grade class (about 1/3) taking Geometry with the meets/exceeds on CAPE over 80%.
Can't really compare success directly with BASIS and DCI because they don't have their students take the CAPE that corresponds to the course studied.
Right but dci has a big proportion of kids takin algebra 2 in 8th and an even bigger cohort taking geometry in 8th.
I don’t have a kid in Latin but we have lots of close friends (who are so so happy there). I think it is not a stem focused school based on what they tell me and the courses their kids are taking.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:34
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:\Anonymous wrote:My mathy kids loves BASIS too. Don't discard it so quickly! He runs cross country and track on the mall 4 days a week after school, has lots of friends, no FOMO here at all.
Discard BASIS quickly if your kid loves anything but math and science (I won't go as far as STEM since there's hardly any tech or engineering, school can't afford them). Avoid if your kid enjoys foreign languages, visual arts (painting, pottery, sculpting) singing, acting, dancing, serious sports, playing music. Oh and natural light, if that matters, don't bother.
BASIS trolls are here.
They offer an engineering class starting in 7th grade.
PP, please just talk to current parents and also look through the course catalog:
https://enrollbasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/basis-dc-course-catalog.pdf
Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:08
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
\Anonymous wrote:My mathy kids loves BASIS too. Don't discard it so quickly! He runs cross country and track on the mall 4 days a week after school, has lots of friends, no FOMO here at all.
Discard BASIS quickly if your kid loves anything but math and science (I won't go as far as STEM since there's hardly any tech or engineering, school can't afford them). Avoid if your kid enjoys foreign languages, visual arts (painting, pottery, sculpting) singing, acting, dancing, serious sports, playing music. Oh and natural light, if that matters, don't bother.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:05
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Sure, St Anselm's rocks if you want a classics education, can handle the commute and have more than 30K a year to throw at it per son.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:50
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
My mathy kids loves BASIS too. Don't discard it so quickly! He runs cross country and track on the mall 4 days a week after school, has lots of friends, no FOMO here at all.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:56
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
PP above, weak in math and science. Does not offer very advance math tracking. EOTP the only school I would recommend for STEM kid is Basis and DCI.
Both Latin campuses have a significant portion of the 8th grade class (about 1/3) taking Geometry with the meets/exceeds on CAPE over 80%.
Can't really compare success directly with BASIS and DCI because they don't have their students take the CAPE that corresponds to the course studied.
Basis and DCI offer more advance math than just Geometry by 8th grade. PP already covered Basis. I’ll say a little about DCI.
Kids all still take science standardized tests (MAP) in edition to math, ELA, language. School uses these test for placement math and science so your kid will not be with low performers and will be with other higher performers. They really gatekeep advance math classes with their high criteria for entrance so it is difficult to get in but serves the purpose that only the kids who can handle it are in it. Both math and science depts are strong. Elective offerings in middle school include mechanical engineering, STEM lab, and they have a great robotics team that placed 1st and heading to regionals. They have science labs in some classes in addition to core lecture classes. Once you past AP Cal in 10th, they have IB high level math courses which is much more challenging than the standard level.
I suggested Basis above because OP wants low tech. DCI middle school uses chromebook’s for lots of assignments with homework, and why I did not suggest. High school, there is a lot less tech and much more paper and pencil but OP is looking at middle school.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 12:18
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
PP above, weak in math and science. Does not offer very advance math tracking. EOTP the only school I would recommend for STEM kid is Basis and DCI.
Both Latin campuses have a significant portion of the 8th grade class (about 1/3) taking Geometry with the meets/exceeds on CAPE over 80%.
Can't really compare success directly with BASIS and DCI because they don't have their students take the CAPE that corresponds to the course studied.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 11:37
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
PP above, weak in math and science. Does not offer very advance math tracking. EOTP the only school I would recommend for STEM kid is Basis and DCI.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 11:36
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
I'm a different BASIS PP, but you should look into the math and science curriculums at each school. They are really different. BASIS has the kids learning Biology, Physics and Chemistry throughout middle school (with each of these as separate classes taught by people with degrees in those subjects starting in 6th grade). Physics incorporates a lot of math, of course, and they also learn how to do chemistry equations. AND math is more acclerated. (typical path is to cover pre-algebra by the end of 6th, and the 7th and 8th is algebra + geometry +algebra 2, and there is one more level of acceleration for a handful of kids who really want/earn it).
No other public school (in DC -- suburbs have it) Math and Science curriculum even comes close. If you have a real STEM kid, you are have to really consider it. Do i know kids who hate it? absolutely, and they leave. But my kid and his friends are genuinely happy. All high math aptitude and genuinely love learning math and science.
I do think Latin seems excellent for the humanities.
When I was at this point in the process, I brought my husband to the BASIS open house (he loved it), booked my son for a shadow day (he loved it), and had coffees/emails with current parents and teachers. I know this post will attract the BASIS trolls so i encourage you to talk to real people.
Thanks, that was the plan, but they cancelled the shadow days last week due to snow and are now booked out. But we will go to the open house next week.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 11:14
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
I'm a different BASIS PP, but you should look into the math and science curriculums at each school. They are really different. BASIS has the kids learning Biology, Physics and Chemistry throughout middle school (with each of these as separate classes taught by people with degrees in those subjects starting in 6th grade). Physics incorporates a lot of math, of course, and they also learn how to do chemistry equations. AND math is more acclerated. (typical path is to cover pre-algebra by the end of 6th, and the 7th and 8th is algebra + geometry +algebra 2, and there is one more level of acceleration for a handful of kids who really want/earn it).
No other public school (in DC -- suburbs have it) Math and Science curriculum even comes close. If you have a real STEM kid, you are have to really consider it. Do i know kids who hate it? absolutely, and they leave. But my kid and his friends are genuinely happy. All high math aptitude and genuinely love learning math and science.
I do think Latin seems excellent for the humanities.
When I was at this point in the process, I brought my husband to the BASIS open house (he loved it), booked my son for a shadow day (he loved it), and had coffees/emails with current parents and teachers. I know this post will attract the BASIS trolls so i encourage you to talk to real people.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 11:03
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
This is OP, can you share more details on why Latin won't work? I was thinking we can supplement with RSM during middle school if it's really not challenging.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 10:00
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Above is the answer with a mathy kid. Latin isn’t going to cut it even if you get in which is unlikely. You should really consider moving to the burbs.
Anonymous
02/04/2026 22:25
Subject: Judge my lottery list for MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our inbound is CHEC, which is a no go for 2 reasons main reasons - child doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, and is interested in math and science and they have 11% and 1% proficiency.
Our list for 5th is:
1. Latin 1
2. Latin 2
3. Basis (but not sure we would take - seems like a joyless place)
4. ITDS - also not sold on this
Plan B: wait for 6th and then lottery into Hardy, or maybe Francis if they get geometry for 8th. Or apply to St Anselms.
Plan C: move into Deal boundary in 6th.
Am i missing any other options? Kid is super super mathy, but we are looking for a well-rounded education with arts and books and sports and low tech.
If you really have a math kid, take a harder look at BASIS (talk to current families). It's not joyless for math kids, in our experience. My kid is very happy.
Same.
Anonymous
02/04/2026 22:24
Subject: Re:Judge my lottery list for MS
The school administration at Francis is accommodating with advanced math - a few 7th graders have been taking algebra 1 in the 8th grade class. Subsequently, 8th graders who completed algebra 1 in 7th grade can then take geometry at Walls which is nearby. Guidance counselor staff are great. Very nice school in a beautiful newly renovated building.