Anonymous wrote:Do families not know what CMI's mission is for middle school? It's crazy that people only start realizing that the MS is not meant for their kid years after being in the school.

Then why is the principal strong-arming parents who say they aren't interested???

Anonymous wrote:Do families not know what CMI's mission is for middle school? It's crazy that people only start realizing that the MS is not meant for their kid years after being in the school.

If this is true, it's unwritten.

If it's what the real intent of the school is, they should be up front about it and offer a SN lottery preference and document how they will specifically serve those kids and what benchmarks they will use to show that the children are learning. To try to do this by word of mouth or flying under the radar is sketchy.

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/1717352?tabid=665ed2f3-c315-cb57-d530-3337f03f63f5

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

It's almost like that was their purpose. Crazy how it's surprising that a charter school actually does that these days. Good for CMI.

Except that their charter says they will meet the needs of all who enroll -- those with significant SN and those without. They could be much more explicit about their goals and offer a SN preference (as Bridges did starting with the 16-17 lottery).

Ironic how so many CMI ECE parents go to such lengths to say it isn't a SN school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

That's good because it's consistent with the school's mission. It was founded by the Greenspan family, after all. DC is unwilling and/or unable to serve children with special needs and it costs the taxpayers a bundle in private placements (it also costs society in lost potential). At least someone is willing to step in. Good for CMI.

Do families not know what CMI's mission is for middle school? It's crazy that people only start realizing that the MS is not meant for their kid years after being in the school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

It's almost like that was their purpose. Crazy how it's surprising that a charter school actually does that these days. Good for CMI.

Sure, I guess, if you don't care that your families peel off and grades 5-8 are all new kids looking for a non-academic middle school.

That's it. The school had a great student-led, creative-focused ES (grades pre-5th) and a great special needs non-academic MS (6th). It's not the same school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

Are you kidding??? Your kid got up to 5th grade without you even looking at what grades various middle schools begin. Poor kid.

I know! I feel guilty enough. WHAT DO I DO? I knew our elementary school lasted until 5th and then got a MS charter to go until 8th so I really didn't think I had to think about it. I was 100% planning on keeping him there until 8th anyway, so I thought "problem solved". I'm just now (beginning 5th) realizing that I messed up big time. I guess I'm moving to Vienna next summer. Lease is up in June anyway. ARRRGGGG.

Yo--take it easy on yourself. Your working on figuring it out now. Is your kid happy? Doing well? Your heart and priorities are clearly in the right place--it will work out.

Since you're thinking of moving anyway, that's the most certain option.

You can also apply OOB to a DCPS middle school - Hardy, or Stuart Hobson? Some strong students at both.

A few students do get 'lucky' and get into Latin, Basis, Cap City etc at 6th. No harm in applying.

Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

Are you kidding??? Your kid got up to 5th grade without you even looking at what grades various middle schools begin. Poor kid.

I know! I feel guilty enough. WHAT DO I DO? I knew our elementary school lasted until 5th and then got a MS charter to go until 8th so I really didn't think I had to think about it. I was 100% planning on keeping him there until 8th anyway, so I thought "problem solved". I'm just now (beginning 5th) realizing that I messed up big time. I guess I'm moving to Vienna next summer. Lease is up in June anyway. ARRRGGGG.

Yo--take it easy on yourself. Your working on figuring it out now. Is your kid happy? Doing well? Your heart and priorities are clearly in the right place--it will work out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

It's almost like that was their purpose. Crazy how it's surprising that a charter school actually does that these days. Good for CMI.

Agree. CMI ES is good for many kids. But CMI MS is really only a school for a kid with severe special needs or behavioral issues who cannot handle a transition to any of the other MS in the city. Very basic math/reading skills, lots of "specials," and no offerings to allow a highly-functioning child to test into the application HS in DC.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

It's almost like that was their purpose. Crazy how it's surprising that a charter school actually does that these days. Good for CMI.

Sure, I guess, if you don't care that your families peel off and grades 5-8 are all new kids looking for a non-academic middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

Are you kidding??? Your kid got up to 5th grade without you even looking at what grades various middle schools begin. Poor kid.

I know! I feel guilty enough. WHAT DO I DO? I knew our elementary school lasted until 5th and then got a MS charter to go until 8th so I really didn't think I had to think about it. I was 100% planning on keeping him there until 8th anyway, so I thought "problem solved". I'm just now (beginning 5th) realizing that I messed up big time. I guess I'm moving to Vienna next summer. Lease is up in June anyway. ARRRGGGG.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former ITS/CMI upper-grade parents, where are your kids going now? MacFarland? Deal? BASIS? Washington Latin? I have a 5th grader. HELP.

I was going to stay, but this forum was the kick in the pants I needed. Great school, great teachers, great place -- terrible academics, terrible college-prep, terrible academic planning/structure. I am not IB for any decent school, but I guess I could move IB to deal or MacFarland (others?). Is it too late to get into BASIS or Latin for next year? How about DCI (any shot)?

Also, I was thinking about moving to VA eventually. (I need a decent public in-state university since I cannot afford to pay for a private college.) Should I move for middle? Where??? HELP.

I know some families who have moved on to private and parochial schools.

This is me. I rent, don't own, single-mom. Successful but not rich. (HHI 100K/year). I cannot afford private school. It'll be a stretch to afford private university in less than 10 years -- which is why I'm looking to eventually move to VA anyway. Any other ideas?

I HIGHLY regret not doing the lottery last year. I thought our charter elementary would be fine for MS, and in any case, I thought MS started in 6th grade. When this year started, I got that many applied last year for a charter MS in 5th grade. WHY would MS start in 5th grade??? Or at least why do some start in 5th and some in 6th so it's like chaos.

The charter middle schools that start at 5th (Latin, Basis, Cap City, EL Haynes) say they need to because their students come from all over the city, and have had different curriculums (e.g. Montessori, immersion, IB, expeditionary learning, DCPS, KIPP or DC Prep) and the kids are going to have some differences / gaps. They say the 5th grade year is to try and get everyone on a more or less equal footing before they go into the more 'serious' work in 6th.

Of course critics will say that they do it to attract kids with motivated parents to choose their school at 5th and thus lock them in for the rest of middle. I'm sure there's some truth to both sides -- but it's not new and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone at this point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

It's almost like that was their purpose. Crazy how it's surprising that a charter school actually does that these days. Good for CMI.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

How long have you been at CMI? Are you in middle school or can you give us a grade range where your child is?

Been there since the beginning. A couple years until MS. I'm happy with the school and have zero complaints. I am one of them who gets why it has such a long waitlist and why people rave about it. I am very happy with the new campus. All my friends and all my kid's friends go to CMI. If you get in, I think it's great!

No, I will not stay for MS unless I saw a 180 turn around (not holding my breath, don't expect it, and don't think it would be good for the elementary program). It would need to have daily language (of one language), elective options, a real science lab (not a classroom where kids get booted out for other kids to use it -- and those kids never get real desks), at least some real sports/extracurricular option (leadership, robotics -- not where you have to pay $75/month for a once-a-week program, soccer). It wouldn't need to be at the same level as Washington Latin, BASIS, Deal, etc, but it would need to be almost there where I could feel confident it would be there in a year (since we need to make decisions the year before).

From what I gather, the MS was created for and only for kids who could not function at a normal school and therefore were going to be 'sent to the wolves' (quote) if the MS wasn't created, and couldn't afford a private option. It appears that way from the kids who stayed, the kids who plan to stay, and the lack of academic challenge in the MS (twice a week language, second language was now dropped, no science, etc), and afterschool care was dropped to $75/month (but no discounts for a day option). There's still no homework (or barely any) even in the upper grades. It's like it was created with a very specific mold in mind.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not concerned about my kid being behind their counterparts. I toured Deal and there's a range of kids there. My child will be right in the middle.

That said, he will be behind where he "could have been" academically. I admit that with an academic school, he could eventually be with the top kids at Deal. That's not my priority.

My priority is to keep him happy and as a kid as long as possible. I want him to be unaware of homework (CMI doesn't have any), tests (CMI doesn't have any), stress (CMI doesn't have any). If you are concerned, visit Georgetown Day -- it's surprisingly similar to CMI -- very laid-back for elementary -- very student-led, very creative-friendly, very emotionally/socially focused and kids do great academically later (in middle, a bit, but particularly in high). I'm considering it for MS and I do think CMI is preparing my kid for it (like I said, the elementary model seems similar).

I think you need to make the best decision for your own child. Does s/he do better with structure (not CMI), needs help academically (not CMI), need academic challenges (not CMI), or does your kid do fine academically and really need a creative outlet (CMI), a giant space to run around (CMI), and a student-led curriculum (CMI)? My experience is that you cannot go wrong if you are a parent who cares and is looking for the best place for your child.

Well said and so true. Thank you.