Anonymous wrote:My vote is for whatever works best for your kid and family and then cheerfully stay all in. My MIL was a (private) middle school teacher and her mantra was always that middle school is to get children safely and confidently from being kids to being teens. We did that - one at SH and one at Jefferson but could have been EH - and both are doing very well in high school and beyond. Each had a safe path to get themselves to and from school (by bus and bike) and we let them figure that out. (Neither had a close set of friends going there and I sometimes wish they did, as it took them a while to rebuild that.)
You will have moments of joy and moments of aggravation (and doubts) in both settings. It's the "all in and make the best of it" demeanor that you as parent(s) bring to it that will most like make the difference. Your angst and your doubts will directly translate into your child's. Your confidence (faked and otherwise) and positive proactive engagement will make it happen for them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at EH:
ELA: 15 of 75 (20%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed (<5%)
Math (Algebra 1): data suppressed

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at SH:
ELA: 68 of 146 (47%)
Math (8th grade): 6 of 114 (5%)
Math (Algebra 1): 22 of 29 (76%)

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at Jefferson:
ELA: 37 of 120 (31%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed
Math (Algebra 1): 13 of 15 (87%)
Math (Geometry): <10

One point for context is that SH allows parents to opt their kids into the accelerated math path even if they don't qualify, but heavily suggests against it. (There are now 3 defined paths: Direct acceleration (doing 7th grade math -- with 7th graders -- in 6th); an accelerated/combined 6th/7th grade content class (all 6th graders) designed to get you to 8th grade math in 7th grade if it goes well, but kids can choose to drop down and do normal 7th grade math in 7th, so there's an easy off-ramp; and a standard 6th grade class. The school gives you a suggested path based on BOY MAP testing, but will allow you to choose a different path with counseling. They also do counseling post-the accelerated middle track and kids are about 50/50 in terms of whether they continue on or not.) What this means is that you can basically guarantee your kid Algebra 1 in 8th if you want to & you can absolutely guarantee your kid a shot at it if they aren't a great test taker/are coming from a school with a rockier foundation. I think, on balance, it's a positive, but it doesn't mean that the Algebra 1 class isn't all math superstars like it is at Jefferson, where placement is much squishier and there is no known/available path to opt into the higher level class. For true math superstars, I could see parents preferring the option that guarantees every kid in the class "should" be there though. (I am not familiar with EH, so I don't know how it works there, but it seems like they have very few kids in that position to begin with.)

If you look at the approaching, meeting, or exceeding scores for Algebra 1, SH and Jefferson are at 90% and >= 90%, respectively, so I think on balance the classes at both schools end up filled with similarly capable students.

Data for EH, on the other hand, is still suppressed, though with some finagling you can figure out it's somewhere between 10-12 students approaching, meeting, or exceeding in Algebra 1, with somewhere between 1-3 of those students meeting or exceeding.

To the extent that SH and Jefferson scores are similar and solid, it does suggest that SH's flexible approach to placement might be a winner. It will be easier to judge for sure in 2 years when more kids are coming off the middle math path, because that's the one that I think it makes sense to let parents place their kids on.

Anonymous wrote:I get that Hill middle schools is a super loaded high angst subject. Right now, the OP must post-lottery choose between Jefferson and Elliot-Hine for 6th grade next year. Does not appear to live substantially closer to either one. Which would you choose? Why? Maybe a waitlist spot at SH will open up later. But that is not a guaranteed option right now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at EH:
ELA: 15 of 75 (20%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed (<5%)
Math (Algebra 1): data suppressed

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at SH:
ELA: 68 of 146 (47%)
Math (8th grade): 6 of 114 (5%)
Math (Algebra 1): 22 of 29 (76%)

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at Jefferson:
ELA: 37 of 120 (31%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed
Math (Algebra 1): 13 of 15 (87%)
Math (Geometry): <10

One point for context is that SH allows parents to opt their kids into the accelerated math path even if they don't qualify, but heavily suggests against it. (There are now 3 defined paths: Direct acceleration (doing 7th grade math -- with 7th graders -- in 6th); an accelerated/combined 6th/7th grade content class (all 6th graders) designed to get you to 8th grade math in 7th grade if it goes well, but kids can choose to drop down and do normal 7th grade math in 7th, so there's an easy off-ramp; and a standard 6th grade class. The school gives you a suggested path based on BOY MAP testing, but will allow you to choose a different path with counseling. They also do counseling post-the accelerated middle track and kids are about 50/50 in terms of whether they continue on or not.) What this means is that you can basically guarantee your kid Algebra 1 in 8th if you want to & you can absolutely guarantee your kid a shot at it if they aren't a great test taker/are coming from a school with a rockier foundation. I think, on balance, it's a positive, but it doesn't mean that the Algebra 1 class isn't all math superstars like it is at Jefferson, where placement is much squishier and there is no known/available path to opt into the higher level class. For true math superstars, I could see parents preferring the option that guarantees every kid in the class "should" be there though. (I am not familiar with EH, so I don't know how it works there, but it seems like they have very few kids in that position to begin with.)

If you look at the approaching, meeting, or exceeding scores for Algebra 1, SH and Jefferson are at 90% and >= 90%, respectively, so I think on balance the classes at both schools end up filled with similarly capable students.

Data for EH, on the other hand, is still suppressed, though with some finagling you can figure out it's somewhere between 10-12 students approaching, meeting, or exceeding in Algebra 1, with somewhere between 1-3 of those students meeting or exceeding.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at EH:
ELA: 15 of 75 (20%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed (<5%)
Math (Algebra 1): data suppressed

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at SH:
ELA: 68 of 146 (47%)
Math (8th grade): 6 of 114 (5%)
Math (Algebra 1): 22 of 29 (76%)

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at Jefferson:
ELA: 37 of 120 (31%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed
Math (Algebra 1): 13 of 15 (87%)
Math (Geometry): <10

One point for context is that SH allows parents to opt their kids into the accelerated math path even if they don't qualify, but heavily suggests against it. (There are now 3 defined paths: Direct acceleration (doing 7th grade math -- with 7th graders -- in 6th); an accelerated/combined 6th/7th grade content class (all 6th graders) designed to get you to 8th grade math in 7th grade if it goes well, but kids can choose to drop down and do normal 7th grade math in 7th, so there's an easy off-ramp; and a standard 6th grade class. The school gives you a suggested path based on BOY MAP testing, but will allow you to choose a different path with counseling. They also do counseling post-the accelerated middle track and kids are about 50/50 in terms of whether they continue on or not.) What this means is that you can basically guarantee your kid Algebra 1 in 8th if you want to & you can absolutely guarantee your kid a shot at it if they aren't a great test taker/are coming from a school with a rockier foundation. I think, on balance, it's a positive, but it doesn't mean that the Algebra 1 class isn't all math superstars like it is at Jefferson, where placement is much squishier and there is no known/available path to opt into the higher level class. For true math superstars, I could see parents preferring the option that guarantees every kid in the class "should" be there though. (I am not familiar with EH, so I don't know how it works there, but it seems like they have very few kids in that position to begin with.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at EH:
ELA: 15 of 75 (20%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed (<5%)
Math (Algebra 1): data suppressed

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at SH:
ELA: 68 of 146 (47%)
Math (8th grade): 6 of 114 (5%)
Math (Algebra 1): 22 of 29 (76%)

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at Jefferson:
ELA: 37 of 120 (31%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed
Math (Algebra 1): 13 of 15 (87%)
Math (Geometry): <10

One point for context is that SH allows parents to opt their kids into the accelerated math path even if they don't qualify, but heavily suggests against it. (There are now 3 defined paths: Direct acceleration (doing 7th grade math -- with 7th graders -- in 6th); an accelerated/combined 6th/7th grade content class (all 6th graders) designed to get you to 8th grade math in 7th grade if it goes well, but kids can choose to drop down and do normal 7th grade math in 7th, so there's an easy off-ramp; and a standard 6th grade class. The school gives you a suggested path based on BOY MAP testing, but will allow you to choose a different path with counseling. They also do counseling post-the accelerated middle track and kids are about 50/50 in terms of whether they continue on or not.) What this means is that you can basically guarantee your kid Algebra 1 in 8th if you want to & you can absolutely guarantee your kid a shot at it if they aren't a great test taker/are coming from a school with a rockier foundation. I think, on balance, it's a positive, but it doesn't mean that the Algebra 1 class isn't all math superstars like it is at Jefferson, where placement is much squishier and there is no known/available path to opt into the higher level class. For true math superstars, I could see parents preferring the option that guarantees every kid in the class "should" be there though. (I am not familiar with EH, so I don't know how it works there, but it seems like they have very few kids in that position to begin with.)

Anonymous wrote:I have a 7th grader at Jefferson and am happy to answer any questions. My kid is really happy and has been very successful so far. In Algebra, joined lots of clubs, made a few of the sports teams. Gets themselves to school and home independently on the Circulator daily, along with friends from all of the feeder schools. We really like the small school size (about 100 less students than SH) and the admin has been very responsive. The principal is really passionate and the LSAT this year focused on adding positions to further support accelerated students in all subjects.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at EH:
ELA: 15 of 75 (20%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed (<5%)
Math (Algebra 1): data suppressed

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at SH:
ELA: 68 of 146 (47%)
Math (8th grade): 6 of 114 (5%)
Math (Algebra 1): 22 of 29 (76%)

Proficiency rates for 8th grade at Jefferson:
ELA: 37 of 120 (31%)
Math (8th grade): data suppressed
Math (Algebra 1): 13 of 15 (87%)
Math (Geometry): <10

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It never ceases to amaze me how nasty and bitter people are on this subject. There are, in fact, good kids of all types at all three of those schools, happy kids, caring teachers, good facilities, fun after school program. NOBODY CARES if you send your kid to Latin or Basis. But it’s a real pathology to come on here bashing schools your neighbors’ kids attend. If you have a concrete complaint or question bring it on. But the attacks are just absurd.

Read your own post. You are resorting to name calling and mischaracterizing people’s fact-based responses as “nasty” because you don’t want to face the truth about Elliot-Hine, which is that the vast majority of kids are below grade level.

SH and EH have almost identical test scores btw.

And of course it’s all the racialized commentary and calling the school “terrible” that is nasty. We all know what the test scores are.

EH's 8th grade scores in both ELA and Math are significantly worse. Could read that in a number of ways. Future PARCC scores might help clarify what's going on there. But that doesn't help OP, who needs to make a choice now.

Don't you just love DCUM gaslighting? Scores are published but that doesn't stop people from just making things up.

Who is gaslighting whom? EH had 33% meeting/exceeding in math last year to SH's 30%. For ELA it was 52.5% for EH vs 66% for SH.

Anonymous wrote:I get that Hill middle schools is a super loaded high angst subject. Right now, the OP must post-lottery choose between Jefferson and Elliot-Hine for 6th grade next year. Does not appear to live substantially closer to either one. Which would you choose? Why? Maybe a waitlist spot at SH will open up later. But that is not a guaranteed option right now.