Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sick of certain posters who insist on classifying every single critique or criticism as "bashing." To me it just seems like those pleas come from parents who want to feel confident and good about the decisions they've made for their children's schooling so they can't bear any hints that the Emperor may have no clothes.

I know, right? And yes, that emperor is buck naked!!

Which emperor is buck naked?

Obama?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sick of certain posters who insist on classifying every single critique or criticism as "bashing." To me it just seems like those pleas come from parents who want to feel confident and good about the decisions they've made for their children's schooling so they can't bear any hints that the Emperor may have no clothes.

I know, right? And yes, that emperor is buck naked!!

Which emperor is buck naked?

We took a chance on IT in it's first year and are very happy. If you get a good feeling about CM...go for it! Never underestimate your gut. There will be hiccups, just buckle up for the ride and be patient. I love that people feel good about several school options now in DC. Taking a leap of faith on a 1st year charter that has a solid organization behind it is sometimes a great way to get a spot at a good school where your DC address doesn't matter. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

And I believe the OP was requesting that the comparison be made at this juncture because she is looking at both schools for the upcoming Fall. My child's been admitted to Creative Minds and I have a single digit waitlist number for Inspired Teaching (PS3). I admit that I'd originally considered IT our top choice, but I am more and more impressed with what I've been learning about CM. In particular, I've heard that they may be sharing resources with Mundo Verde (e.g., MV sharing it's rich language resources and CM sharing its arts resources) and that CM's leadership is very highly regarded by other top charters. In addition, CM was able to secure what I believe was a coveted building space for its inaugural year.

CM sounds fabulous on paper - I mean, few schools offer 15 student classrooms ... if they can follow through, it's looking like it will be a very special place. I admit that I'm not sure what I'll do should we receive a call from IT (beyond being extraordinarily grateful for having these choices).

Anonymous wrote:really you cannot compare them, because CM has not yet existed, wait till next year at this time

We can't compare a one year-old charter moving to a new location with new teachers and students with a brand new charter? Really? Why not?

Seriously, it's not like someone's trying to compare CM with, say, Oyster. We're actually looking at two pretty similar schools at pretty similar places on the growth curve.

Anonymous wrote:So sick of certain posters who insist on classifying every single critique or criticism as "bashing." To me it just seems like those pleas come from parents who want to feel confident and good about the decisions they've made for their children's schooling so they can't bear any hints that the Emperor may have no clothes.

I know, right? And yes, that emperor is buck naked!!

really you cannot compare them, because CM has not yet existed, wait till next year at this time

I saw on CM's website that they're offering Mandarin and Spanish. That's pretty amazing. Other than the immersion schools, I can't think of anyone who offers foreign languages. That's not important to everyone, but it's a huge plus in my book.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IT will be in a new location with new teachers, classes, and students. I'd say that both schools are startups.

New location, yes.
SOME new teachers.
ONE new grade (4th).
1/3 new students (44 in PS3, at least 22 new in K, varied #s in the rest of the grades).
Administration will, in all likelihood, stay the same.

A Startup? Somewhat, but relatively experienced when compared to Creative Minds which doesn't have a reputable, successful organization backing it (IT had/has the Center for Inspired Teaching with 15 years of experience in DC) nor a strong first year under its belt. Doesn't mean it can't - it just means that the comparison between the two doesn't make sense. Compare IT with MV, but not CM.

Doesn't CM have all of Dr. Greenspan's people behind it? Floortime is certainly a reputable, successful program.

So sick of certain posters who insist on classifying every single critique or criticism as "bashing." To me it just seems like those pleas come from parents who want to feel confident and good about the decisions they've made for their children's schooling so they can't bear any hints that the Emperor may have no clothes.

They are using the international primary curriculum. In the recent newsletter, they referenced its website (http://www.greatlearning.com/ipc/). Within it, there are example units for each age range, including many in science. Hope that helps!

I don't see any mention of science teaching on the Creative Minds website. Anyone know more about the science curriculum?

easy! It's not bashing! There are shining stars at IT, just saying from the outside, CM appears to have details in place that IT didnt and that IS impressive. It's fair to compare. From what I understand, CM has also started their teacher training. iT does have the center behind them but not every teacher completed the program.

IT also has the focus on teaching excellence and an excellent reputation/history for nurturing educators through its programs before starting the school itself.

Anonymous wrote:I am an IT parent and I cannot believe how organized CM is in comparison! The newsletter they sent out is amazing! They are cooperating with MV and have all the bells and whistles (art, music, drama, kaboom grant, language, inclusion teacher, a curriculum!) in the first year that IT couldn't manage! Even in the second year the administration can't come out an tell us what the extras will be.

creative Minds has also started a parents organization! Amazing. Really.

It will be interesting to see if they can pull it all off smoothly with grace and success in their first year. There's no need to bash IT when you're promoting CM. IT has done well for a first year charter. CM and IT are two different schools. If you get to choose between the two, you are lucky, indeed.