Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The off part wasn't how parents interacted with the directors - that was fine. Or the presentation, that was excellent and full of detailed info. It was how parents interacted with each other (or didn't, even when their kids were playing together). It was like everyone were deers caught in the headlights?

You know why parents don't interact at those things? Because they don't really intend to be at the school and don't want to forge a relationship or get into an awkward conversation and disappear later. No point. I've been there and seen others behave this way - they never show in September.

You are 100% correct.

Anonymous wrote:I have low WL at two other schools (I ranked Lee in third place) and would jump ship in a heartbeat only because my kid needs more structure than what Montessori provides per her therapists. That aside, I think Lee will be great and will be fine staying if the other schools do not work out. If I had a kid just starting out in Montessori I would wholeheartedly go into Lee 100% on board.

No dog in this fight, but why would you rank a Montessori program third out of twelve if your child needs "more structure... per her therapists"?

I remember early IT events in the first year location feeling like this a bit. Chaotic and loud with kids playing, nervous parents, excited (and new, yet professional) administrators. My advice for those starting at Lee: jump in with two feet and make it the community and school you need it to be.

- IT founding family

I have low WL at two other schools (I ranked Lee in third place) and would jump ship in a heartbeat only because my kid needs more structure than what Montessori provides per her therapists. That aside, I think Lee will be great and will be fine staying if the other schools do not work out. If I had a kid just starting out in Montessori I would wholeheartedly go into Lee 100% on board.

Anonymous wrote:The off part wasn't how parents interacted with the directors - that was fine. Or the presentation, that was excellent and full of detailed info. It was how parents interacted with each other (or didn't, even when their kids were playing together). It was like everyone were deers caught in the headlights?

You know why parents don't interact at those things? Because they don't really intend to be at the school and don't want to forge a relationship or get into an awkward conversation and disappear later. No point. I've been there and seen others behave this way - they never show in September.

Ice breaker would have helped I think. I also think that people seemed nervous to go in on the ground floor and commit to being there. There were side conversations about wait list places elsewhere on my side of the room. It also was hard to ask the hard questions or in depth questions when it really feels like we have no choice to go to another school.

Anonymous wrote:I feel like some of the parents could relax a bit, realize their child is more resilient then we give them credit for and get a hobby that does not involve their children.

Oh my! DC kids must be precious snowflakes too!

I feel like some of the parents could relax a bit, realize their child is more resilient then we give them credit for and get a hobby that does not involve their children.

I wonder how many parents had Lee in their 8-12 range, and are now feeling it out hoping one of their waitlist numbers come through. I had decent numbers (in the 20s and 30s for most schools) and am still on the Lee waitlist.

I vote for an icebreaker at the next open house!

The off part wasn't how parents interacted with the directors - that was fine. Or the presentation, that was excellent and full of detailed info. It was how parents interacted with each other (or didn't, even when their kids were playing together). It was like everyone were deers caught in the headlights?

I wish someone had asked about their approach to standardized testing. I forgot. I may pop in to open hours and ask about that and about their planned social curriculum (how they'll deal with teasing). But if not, someone ask about testing at the next open house. Thanks!

Folks Lee is going to be great. From the very beginning I thought this. You can't go wrong with pure AMI montessori curriculum. What could go wrong is disorganization in the leadership and poor communication. Seems like Lee leadership is organized and they communicate well. They've got it covered. Let's get behind our school and ensure its success!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:30 minutes Spanish at the end of the day, after nap, four days a week. A program called Isabella and Ferdinand. Oddly when they mentioned staff they have hired and have yet to hire they did not mention a Spanish teacher.

Isabella and Ferdinand is a contracted program that has its own teacher--sort of like Language Stars. So no need to hire a teacher.

We use this program at ITS! Love the teachers. They are very passionate about the kids learning the culture of Latin America in addition to the language.

Not to change the subject. But the more I think about the school the more excited I am. I do want the school to fulfill it's mission, and, if the gathering tonight is an indication of the school's make-up, I do hope the school finds a way to broaden the applicant pool, but more I want a safe place where my child can come to love learning and come to learn deeply, and I think Lee may be it. We live in a very diverse neighborhood, so I don't have to worry too much about my children growing up in a social-economic bubble.