Anonymous
07/19/2015 16:51
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
OP, nothing in DCPS will be like GT program in NYC no matter what people are telling you on here. Without test in schools DC will never have a magnet program.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 16:36
Subject: Re:I have no idea what I'm doing.
Oh and all DCPS are supposed to start a Cornerstone initiative this year which to my understanding is a sort of PBL curriculum. Don't know much more than that at this point. Teachers will be trained during pre-service week.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 16:33
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What are the 'top' charters? How is that determined , by popularity or achievement scores or what? Help!
As an educator I am looking at the fact that your child is currently in a G&T program. I would look for a school that is going to provide a similar experience. A top charter is not necessarily going to do that. You want to look for the school that offers PBL or project based learning opportunities. That is going to take some time to research. You also will want smaller class sizes because G&T students need as much time and attention as students who are struggling. Again charters sometimes pack in 30 or more kids into a classroom and teach to the middle. A former colleague is at Cap City and she likes it. It sounds like they do a lot of experiential learning which is what is going to be beneficial to your gifted child. After the 3rd grade you will want to look for a SEM school in DCPS. Look into Renzulli Learning for more information about SEM schools.
Here is more information about G&T vs. SEM in DCPS and a list of SEM schools:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/district-introduces-gifted-programs-to-push-talented-students-keep-families/2015/06/06/4132f25e-ffc8-11e4-833c-a2de05b6b2a4_story.html
http://dcps.dc.gov/page/schoolwide-enrichment-model-sem-faqs
Anonymous
07/19/2015 16:19
Subject: Re:I have no idea what I'm doing.
Since it sounds like you're moving no matter what and you really want your G&T child to stay ahead, you really have only private as an option for this coming school year given what you're looking for in a school. At least for your older child that's true. I agree, your younger child probably would be fine at Garrison or Marie Reed. But for what you want, private (maybe parochial? But I don't know those schools) is all you got, really.
And at this late date, you're highly unlikely to get into any of the most popular public schools at all. Lottery and 2nd round lottery are both long over with, so all that's left are spots no one else took.
And at this late date, you're highly unlikely to get into any of the most popular public schools at all. Lottery and 2nd round lottery are both long over with, so all that's left are spots no one else took.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 13:15
Subject: Re:I have no idea what I'm doing.
I will add that Two Rivers is also excellent with teaching PBL.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 13:14
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Anonymous wrote:What are the 'top' charters? How is that determined , by popularity or achievement scores or what? Help!
As an educator I am looking at the fact that your child is currently in a G&T program. I would look for a school that is going to provide a similar experience. A top charter is not necessarily going to do that. You want to look for the school that offers PBL or project based learning opportunities. That is going to take some time to research. You also will want smaller class sizes because G&T students need as much time and attention as students who are struggling. Again charters sometimes pack in 30 or more kids into a classroom and teach to the middle. A former colleague is at Cap City and she likes it. It sounds like they do a lot of experiential learning which is what is going to be beneficial to your gifted child. After the 3rd grade you will want to look for a SEM school in DCPS. Look into Renzulli Learning for more information about SEM schools.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 13:07
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
What are the 'top' charters? How is that determined , by popularity or achievement scores or what? Help!
Anonymous
07/19/2015 11:11
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Read these boards. A lot. Old threads about the lottery this year etc.
You have time to play the lottery for the 15-16 school year. Hopefully you can come down and visit schools. Definitely recommend that.
Garrison should be fine for your 3 yo.
Some popular charters on DCUM
Creative Minds
Inspired Teaching
Two Rivers
Cap City
Lee Montessori (though this only just finished its first year)
Popular immersion charters (but difficult to enter so late, with no language background:
Mundo Verde (Spanish)
Stokes (Spanish and French)
Yu Ying (Chinese - but wow that would be really hard!)
Hope this helps.
This is so so so helpful. Thank you so much!
OP might not realize this now, but no, that's not really helpful. The odds that they'll get into any of the 8 listed charter schools are abysmal. Or does everything change in 2nd grade?
Things don't change that much in 2nd grade. We applied only to "top" charter schools for my rising 3rd grader (keeping her where she already went was a perfectly acceptable back up) and got in no where.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 10:05
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
I would do private
Anonymous
07/19/2015 10:02
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Sorry about typos.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 10:02
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Not sure of your location , but might also want to try Shinung Stars. Small but growing Montessori preschool and an elementary. Offers Spanish and has a nice children's gardening and arts program. Playspace is an issue. But they are moving to a larger space in 2016. We've applied and on the WL. Can't hurt to take a look.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 09:54
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Commute to Hearst may not be that bad. Mass Ave moves pretty well northbound during morning rush. I'd call the school to see if they can give you a sense of likelihood of getting in.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 09:35
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
To the OP, I dont think you'll find either MR or garrison acceptable.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 09:23
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Commute would be especially rough for Shepherd, unless OP has a reverse commute--not sure I'd add to the list.
Anonymous
07/19/2015 08:24
Subject: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Read these boards. A lot. Old threads about the lottery this year etc.
You have time to play the lottery for the 15-16 school year. Hopefully you can come down and visit schools. Definitely recommend that.
Garrison should be fine for your 3 yo.
Some popular charters on DCUM
Creative Minds
Inspired Teaching
Two Rivers
Cap City
Lee Montessori (though this only just finished its first year)
Popular immersion charters (but difficult to enter so late, with no language background:
Mundo Verde (Spanish)
Stokes (Spanish and French)
Yu Ying (Chinese - but wow that would be really hard!)
Hope this helps.
This is so so so helpful. Thank you so much!
OP might not realize this now, but no, that's not really helpful. The odds that they'll get into any of the 8 listed charter schools are abysmal. Or does everything change in 2nd grade?
A lot changes in second grade.
That's good to know. Thanks. I'll check out everything. Just looking for a place to start.
I'd add DCPS schools Hearst, Murch and Shepherd to that list although the commutes would be rough. Long shots but worth a look.