Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Latin’s more average academics is why it appeals to such a vast number of families. So many more people can see themselves at Latin because it’s essentially a great compromise between “too rigorous” academics like BASIS and “non-existent” academics at their in-bound DCPS middle school. Latin’s academics are good, and lots of high achieving kids go there, which makes it a unicorn in DC. But based on conversations with families there, it’s not the best fit for students advanced in math and science. Also, the laid back attitude of the families there could be exactly what some people are looking for, but it could be the wrong fit for families looking to be surrounded by the type A families that are more likely to be found at a school like BASIS. Just because Latin is so popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone.

The high performing kids and families go to Basis.

The average performing kids go to Latin. If your kid is average performing, families tend to be more laid back.

Sure they might be some high performing kids at Latin but it’s definitely not a large group and why their scores are so bad even though the majority of families at both school are from CH with similar SES

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Latin’s more average academics is why it appeals to such a vast number of families. So many more people can see themselves at Latin because it’s essentially a great compromise between “too rigorous” academics like BASIS and “non-existent” academics at their in-bound DCPS middle school. Latin’s academics are good, and lots of high achieving kids go there, which makes it a unicorn in DC. But based on conversations with families there, it’s not the best fit for students advanced in math and science. Also, the laid back attitude of the families there could be exactly what some people are looking for, but it could be the wrong fit for families looking to be surrounded by the type A families that are more likely to be found at a school like BASIS. Just because Latin is so popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone.

The high performing kids and families go to Basis.

The average performing kids go to Latin. If your kid is average performing, families tend to be more laid back.

Sure they might be some high performing kids at Latin but it’s definitely not a large group and why their scores are so bad even though the majority of families at both school are from CH with similar SES

This was clear to us and we didn't list basis because neither the child that matched or younger sib that will still be at the feeder next year are kids that would excel (or maybe even survive) at basis. My kids are great, curious, and bright. They are not academic superstars though. Actually one reason we are interested in Latin is my fear that they'll get lost at DCI. My sense was that kids that aren't super well organized and driven might fall through the cracks.
The other side of this is that Basis is really an inappropriate school for average performers, bc that level of acceleration is stressful unless you really want it. Latin is a really excellent choice for an average learner with a bad IB school. It's kind of ideal. Saying all this as someone who ranked Basis higher and will be enrolling their child there next year.

Anonymous wrote:Do lottery preferences play a role in the Latin demographics?

Anonymous wrote:I’m from a feeder and went to the Latin main campus open house. FWIW, the question was asked if Latin has many families coming from immersion charters (DCI feeders) and admin says no they don’t.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Latin’s more average academics is why it appeals to such a vast number of families. So many more people can see themselves at Latin because it’s essentially a great compromise between “too rigorous” academics like BASIS and “non-existent” academics at their in-bound DCPS middle school. Latin’s academics are good, and lots of high achieving kids go there, which makes it a unicorn in DC. But based on conversations with families there, it’s not the best fit for students advanced in math and science. Also, the laid back attitude of the families there could be exactly what some people are looking for, but it could be the wrong fit for families looking to be surrounded by the type A families that are more likely to be found at a school like BASIS. Just because Latin is so popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone.

The high performing kids and families go to Basis.

The average performing kids go to Latin. If your kid is average performing, families tend to be more laid back.

Sure they might be some high performing kids at Latin but it’s definitely not a large group and why their scores are so bad even though the majority of families at both school are from CH with similar SES

The other side of this is that Basis is really an inappropriate school for average performers, bc that level of acceleration is stressful unless you really want it. Latin is a really excellent choice for an average learner with a bad IB school. It's kind of ideal. Saying all this as someone who ranked Basis higher and will be enrolling their child there next year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok I’ll bite - here are the top five reasons our family is very happy at Latin

1. Incredible, passionate, dedicated teaching and support staff - I’ve never met a group of people in a school setting like them and it goes all the way to the top -

2. The special ed team is great and always works to find the support solutions needed and changes it when it is not working - we have two kids one who needs support and one who doesn’t and both are thriving

3. The small size of the school allows kids to do lots of things they are interested in - like jazz band and wrestling- great do both!

4. The education philosophy I totally buy into - some may not - but the focus on humanities and learning deeply about a subject - classical education sounds stiff but honestly in todays world it is a breath of fresh air

5. Student autonomy - pushing students to interact directly with a teacher if they need help with an assignment or are missing work - I love that it is teaching our kids to take ownership over their own education.

Seems super vague.

Let me guess: your kids are "thriving" there, whatever that means.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Latin’s more average academics is why it appeals to such a vast number of families. So many more people can see themselves at Latin because it’s essentially a great compromise between “too rigorous” academics like BASIS and “non-existent” academics at their in-bound DCPS middle school. Latin’s academics are good, and lots of high achieving kids go there, which makes it a unicorn in DC. But based on conversations with families there, it’s not the best fit for students advanced in math and science. Also, the laid back attitude of the families there could be exactly what some people are looking for, but it could be the wrong fit for families looking to be surrounded by the type A families that are more likely to be found at a school like BASIS. Just because Latin is so popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone.

The high performing kids and families go to Basis.

The average performing kids go to Latin. If your kid is average performing, families tend to be more laid back.

Sure they might be some high performing kids at Latin but it’s definitely not a large group and why their scores are so bad even though the majority of families at both school are from CH with similar SES

Anonymous wrote:I think Latin’s more average academics is why it appeals to such a vast number of families. So many more people can see themselves at Latin because it’s essentially a great compromise between “too rigorous” academics like BASIS and “non-existent” academics at their in-bound DCPS middle school. Latin’s academics are good, and lots of high achieving kids go there, which makes it a unicorn in DC. But based on conversations with families there, it’s not the best fit for students advanced in math and science. Also, the laid back attitude of the families there could be exactly what some people are looking for, but it could be the wrong fit for families looking to be surrounded by the type A families that are more likely to be found at a school like BASIS. Just because Latin is so popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok I’ll bite - here are the top five reasons our family is very happy at Latin

1. Incredible, passionate, dedicated teaching and support staff - I’ve never met a group of people in a school setting like them and it goes all the way to the top -

2. The special ed team is great and always works to find the support solutions needed and changes it when it is not working - we have two kids one who needs support and one who doesn’t and both are thriving

3. The small size of the school allows kids to do lots of things they are interested in - like jazz band and wrestling- great do both!

4. The education philosophy I totally buy into - some may not - but the focus on humanities and learning deeply about a subject - classical education sounds stiff but honestly in todays world it is a breath of fresh air

5. Student autonomy - pushing students to interact directly with a teacher if they need help with an assignment or are missing work - I love that it is teaching our kids to take ownership over their own education.

Seems super vague.

Let me guess: your kids are "thriving" there, whatever that means.

Anonymous wrote:I’m from a feeder and went to the Latin main campus open house. FWIW, the question was asked if Latin has many families coming from immersion charters (DCI feeders) and admin says no they don’t.

The school is old, run down, and an odd layout like they threw some add ons without thinking of the flow. It’s night and day compared to facilities at DCI which feels like a college campus.

I also found leadership to be full of themselves and pompous. The presentation wasn’t much substance at all, mostly videos of staff praising the school. A number of families asked some good questions after and the answers were BS fluff responses without answering the question. No coverage of what a classical curriculum entailed except they talked about requiring Latin. So someone after the presentation actually asked this question and a fluff general response with no substance. Maybe they don’t need to try hard but we were not impressed at all.

We went to the open house at DCI and the presentation of great, covered a lot about IB curriculum, course offerings, tracks and options in addition to extracurricular, clubs, etc…. The principal did the presentation and we personally asked a few questions one on one after and wow, were we impressed by character and he gave thoughtful, direct, honest answers of substance.

Anonymous wrote:Ok I’ll bite - here are the top five reasons our family is very happy at Latin

1. Incredible, passionate, dedicated teaching and support staff - I’ve never met a group of people in a school setting like them and it goes all the way to the top -

2. The special ed team is great and always works to find the support solutions needed and changes it when it is not working - we have two kids one who needs support and one who doesn’t and both are thriving

3. The small size of the school allows kids to do lots of things they are interested in - like jazz band and wrestling- great do both!

4. The education philosophy I totally buy into - some may not - but the focus on humanities and learning deeply about a subject - classical education sounds stiff but honestly in todays world it is a breath of fresh air

5. Student autonomy - pushing students to interact directly with a teacher if they need help with an assignment or are missing work - I love that it is teaching our kids to take ownership over their own education.