Anonymous wrote:Really appreciate the replies here! One more question: Are there any Mandarin heritage speakers at the school?

There’s quite a few.

Really appreciate the replies here! One more question: Are there any Mandarin heritage speakers at the school?

Anonymous wrote:Any current thoughts on the Chinese program for PreK 3? We didn't initially consider it because of commute but I wonder if I should. For context, we are very eager for language immersion - ideally Chinese. And a nice-to-have would be a school with (realistically) a small Chinese community.

We are hundreds deep at the DCI feeders and also have no shot at nearby DCPS immersion schools, but Global Citizens is a 30 minute drive. With that:

- Thoughts on if it is worth the commute?
- Is there a Chinese community?
- What is screen use like, particularly in PreK?
- What are specials like?
- What is the lunch program like?
- What is the after school program like?
- Based on report card and current postings, seems like teacher retention might be an issue?

I have a kid at Global. Whether the commute is worth it is obviously an individual decision. While some families are leaving after this year due to the location change (esp those who commute via metro), most really like the school are staying even though it may be a more challenging commute.

A typical PK day is group instruction on the carpet, centers (small group play activities/instruction), plus playground time, nap, etc - no ipads or anything like that. Probably not much different than any other PK classroom in DC. As far as I can tell, the teachers have been consistent for the years we've been there - the school is probably posting jobs since they are still adding a grade each year.

Global runs its own aftercare program, rather than bringing in an outside company like Apollo. Kids are grouped by grade and the activities loosely align with what they are learning during the day. This year they brought in outside instructors to lead weekly basketball, ballet, and Baby Scientist classes as part of the aftercare program.

Anonymous wrote:Any current thoughts on the Chinese program for PreK 3? We didn't initially consider it because of commute but I wonder if I should. For context, we are very eager for language immersion - ideally Chinese. And a nice-to-have would be a school with (realistically) a small Chinese community.

We are hundreds deep at the DCI feeders and also have no shot at nearby DCPS immersion schools, but Global Citizens is a 30 minute drive. With that:

- Thoughts on if it is worth the commute?
- Is there a Chinese community?
- What is screen use like, particularly in PreK?
- What are specials like?
- What is the lunch program like?
- What is the after school program like?
- Based on report card and current postings, seems like teacher retention might be an issue?

It’s my first year, and I have no complaints. We’re on the spanish track, but have friends on the mandarin track and they also love it. They have little screen time, & specials are different in Prek3/4 level. Right now lunch is the same vendor Friendship uses, which will change more than likely next year due to them moving buildings. Aftercare is only 500 a month & they group them
based on grade.

Any current thoughts on the Chinese program for PreK 3? We didn't initially consider it because of commute but I wonder if I should. For context, we are very eager for language immersion - ideally Chinese. And a nice-to-have would be a school with (realistically) a small Chinese community.

We are hundreds deep at the DCI feeders and also have no shot at nearby DCPS immersion schools, but Global Citizens is a 30 minute drive. With that:

- Thoughts on if it is worth the commute?
- Is there a Chinese community?
- What is screen use like, particularly in PreK?
- What are specials like?
- What is the lunch program like?
- What is the after school program like?
- Based on report card and current postings, seems like teacher retention might be an issue?

Anonymous wrote:I know Global Citizens has wanted to be one of the very few bilingual program functioning across the river or near to it.. but I think they should really review the move to their newly selected space.

That area really isnt conducive imo to an elementary school and may be one ofthe reasons Eagle Academy didnt work out.

Its nice-ish with the views, and somewhat quiet.. but for a number of reasons that they themselves should know.. its just not the right area and its pretty removed from every other more populated parts of the city. There are tons of old DCPS buildings across the city that could be workable with some renovations and likely other similar spaces as well.

Current parent here. The Global administration explained that they had really hard time finding suitable facilities in Ward 7 or 8. And they had to move fast as the current lease at Friendship is up this year. As far as I can tell, most families are staying with the school after the move. A group of parents is working on setting up a shuttle to help with transportation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know Global Citizens has wanted to be one of the very few bilingual program functioning across the river or near to it.. but I think they should really review the move to their newly selected space.

That area really isnt conducive imo to an elementary school and may be one ofthe reasons Eagle Academy didnt work out.

Its nice-ish with the views, and somewhat quiet.. but for a number of reasons that they themselves should know.. its just not the right area and its pretty removed from every other more populated parts of the city. There are tons of old DCPS buildings across the city that could be workable with some renovations and likely other similar spaces as well.

They get the benefits of saying they are in ward 8 but also being close to all the new builds in buzzard point. They will probably have higher enrollment in early grades from people who don't get in to Amidon or Van Ness. It's also a short drive from Anacostia.

Buzzard Point is Ward 6. Navy Yard is Ward 8. I’m curious where the playground will be. The Eagle Academy kids played outside along the river walk.

The playground will be where the dogpark is currently, attached to the apartment building

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know Global Citizens has wanted to be one of the very few bilingual program functioning across the river or near to it.. but I think they should really review the move to their newly selected space.

That area really isnt conducive imo to an elementary school and may be one ofthe reasons Eagle Academy didnt work out.

Its nice-ish with the views, and somewhat quiet.. but for a number of reasons that they themselves should know.. its just not the right area and its pretty removed from every other more populated parts of the city. There are tons of old DCPS buildings across the city that could be workable with some renovations and likely other similar spaces as well.

They get the benefits of saying they are in ward 8 but also being close to all the new builds in buzzard point. They will probably have higher enrollment in early grades from people who don't get in to Amidon or Van Ness. It's also a short drive from Anacostia.

Buzzard Point is Ward 6. Navy Yard is Ward 8. I’m curious where the playground will be. The Eagle Academy kids played outside along the river walk.