15 kids-that is incredible! How are they able to afford it? Don't they get their finding per pupil?

My understanding is the PS and PK kids use the play area in the back of the building and the older (K+) kids go to the park across the street. My child plays at that park after school all the time and it's ok. I'm not aware of the kids going to Rock Creek during school hours.

Do they get to spend a lot of time on Rock Creek? Has the park across the Street been ok?

Anonymous wrote:Does the incredibly small class size, 15 kids - make up for the deficiencies in your view?

It is more than the small class size. My child learned to read music in Pre-k. She is reading at a 2nd grade level going into Kindergarten. She takes Spanish 3 days a week and Chinese twice a week. She can do simple addition and subtraction. She was taught about scientific observation and how to journal her observations.. She has music class three days a week. She has outdoor time twice a day (Rock Creek Park is right down Park Rd). I give the school and her pre-k teacher credit for fostering her love of learning and supporting all of her classmates at whatever level they happened to be in. I love the weekly newsletters from the teachers and how everyone knows her name. These are just some of the reasons why we love the school.

Anonymous wrote:What is CM?

See 9:04

What is CM?

Does the incredibly small class size, 15 kids - make up for the deficiencies in your view?

I was also puzzled by the "limited exposure to foreign languages" comment. My Preschooler had Spanish 3 times a week and Chinese twice a week. They also offer language immersion (Chinese, Spanish, and French) options in the aftercare program.

Other than an immersion school, I'm not sure there are any other public schools at which she would've received this much foreign language instruction.

I honestly believe the only real issue with CM is the uncertainty about location in upcoming years. But, that's simply reality with any new charter.

woops- maybe

I think there is plenty of racial diversity...mayby not as much economic diversity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Poor organization, inexperienced teachers, lack of diversity, limited exposure to foreign languages, park across street is quite dirty, uncertainty about long-term home, etc.

Can you talk more about the limited exposure to foreign languages? We have a very good WL spot and most likely will get in during September shuffle. However, I really like the school she's in now which has a strong language program. So this point interest me.

If you want a bilingual or immersion experience then exposure is "limited." But if that is not a priority then I think the exposure is actually pretty good. They have 2-3 Spanish classes a week, and Chinese as well. My daughter is getting a lot out of it.

Anonymous wrote:Trying to get some real answers. I know a few families are not returning. But, when asked why, the answer is always very vague. Any specific criticism? We are in the fortunate position of trying to decide between two good schools.

What schools are you deciding between and for what grade?

Anonymous wrote:somebody please tell us what cm stands for! tia

Creative Minds PCS

Anonymous wrote:Poor organization, inexperienced teachers, lack of diversity, limited exposure to foreign languages, park across street is quite dirty, uncertainty about long-term home, etc.

Can you talk more about the limited exposure to foreign languages? We have a very good WL spot and most likely will get in during September shuffle. However, I really like the school she's in now which has a strong language program. So this point interest me.

somebody please tell us what cm stands for! tia