Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 19:25     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:Our PreK-3 daughter was waitlisted 120's for all of our preferred schools, while matched with IB Ludlow Taylor.

We have heard really bad things about Ludlow Taylor and don't really know what we should do at this point. Advice?

Current ludlow taylor parents' feedback appreciated...



Did not read the whole thread because I can guess the content from having read many others LT discussions. I just wanted to add that we have also matched to LT and my 3yo is going to go there next year. If it makes you feel better we, the parents, are married and both hold science PhDs from an Ivy. I would not worry so much about preK.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 19:18     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cobbs just doesn't play the "let me be concerned about YOU" game very well. It's not that she doesn't say "how high?" when you tell her to jump, it's that she truly doesn't engage at all on the soical/emotional aspects of schooling that more involved parents (NOT just white) hope their schools will provide in the elementary years.

I heard a very experienced AA family detail their interaction with her and it was simply that she wasn't going "to get involved with that." Yes, she takes care of her teachers, but the lacking component at LT is really the "warm fuzzy," which is quite important to some parents when it comes to their little kids. I think parents have a right to expect a little bit of warmth being sent int heir direction or in their kids' direction. It sets a tone for a culture and her culture is one of "get over it." I think she'd make a much better middle school principal, in a different district. Perhaps she's used to bigger problems, and so it's hard for her to engage, but she's clearly missing the mark. She has neighborhood people who are hungry to do th work and they aren't sticking it out.


You are ridiculous. So now elementary schools are supposed to cater to the "social and emotional needs" of the PARENTS??


Not sure what you mean, but I think you are missing the point. Think of it this way. The principal is the CEO, and the parents are the shareholders. While, yes, the CEO should focus on the bottomline, i.e., educating children, he also should be focused on instilling confidence in the shareholders that he is the right person for the job. That's just good business.

Not only that, but many public school parents don't seem to realize the importance of fundraising. A big part of what makes Brent-Brent and Deal-Deal is that they raise a ton of money....from parents who enjoy supporting the principal.


Amen. OP here. I've been amazed by the awesome discussion that has cropped up. But this is really what hits home for me.

If our child goes to a school, we don't want to do it half-heartedly, parsing their experience and ignoring ours.. because at the end of the day, we have more children whom we would like to go to this school. We are looking for a "long term relationship", even though the steps after K at this school remain very murky. Just that alone is enough to consider other options... We want to go all in, but realize that might mean going all in only for three years for each child, and then we will be investing in another institution with our efforts, finances, etc. If its only three years plus a bunch of bs, I don't think it would be the right fit. (kind of like someone who says they are "not ready for a serious relationship")

So while we might come off as total narcissists, we are not. We want to be meaningfully engaged in growing an institution. We have regularly donated to four different schools fundraisers over the years, for schools we knew we would never be a part of, but that are part of the community we live in and love. We would want to do the same at LT if our son were to go there. We are not looking to have our hands held or our egos stroked. We work hard and live modestly, we respect people who work hard, even if they have an edge, but we want to have opportunities to help grow the school. If we are just an annoyance to the culture of the school, what is the point? We aren't just looking for free daycare or free preschool. We are looking for a place where our child and our family can weave a larger set of memories, contributions, and friendships. We want to leave the school a better place than we found it, it benefits our children, our neighboorhood, and the lives of many.

'The bad things" I initially mentioned were the out of bounds students and knife fights. A serious physical threat to a teacher. A playground injury to a younger child by an older one that required hospitalization. They were a few years ago. There were some more personal anecdotes that I don't feel that I could share on a public site, but yes, the sum total was not cool. I've seen the school, pre- and post-renovation, and yes, it is all renovated beautifully, including the light filled, colorful ECE classrooms, but how a place looks isn't actually what I care about at the end of the day. I am skeptical about open houses in general, we signed up but ended up having a conflict.

And to the snarky posters, believe me, if we choose to go to L-T, you will love us.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 17:56     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cobbs just doesn't play the "let me be concerned about YOU" game very well. It's not that she doesn't say "how high?" when you tell her to jump, it's that she truly doesn't engage at all on the soical/emotional aspects of schooling that more involved parents (NOT just white) hope their schools will provide in the elementary years.

I heard a very experienced AA family detail their interaction with her and it was simply that she wasn't going "to get involved with that." Yes, she takes care of her teachers, but the lacking component at LT is really the "warm fuzzy," which is quite important to some parents when it comes to their little kids. I think parents have a right to expect a little bit of warmth being sent int heir direction or in their kids' direction. It sets a tone for a culture and her culture is one of "get over it." I think she'd make a much better middle school principal, in a different district. Perhaps she's used to bigger problems, and so it's hard for her to engage, but she's clearly missing the mark. She has neighborhood people who are hungry to do th work and they aren't sticking it out.


You are ridiculous. So now elementary schools are supposed to cater to the "social and emotional needs" of the PARENTS??


Not sure what you mean, but I think you are missing the point. Think of it this way. The principal is the CEO, and the parents are the shareholders. While, yes, the CEO should focus on the bottomline, i.e., educating children, he also should be focused on instilling confidence in the shareholders that he is the right person for the job. That's just good business.

Not only that, but many public school parents don't seem to realize the importance of fundraising. A big part of what makes Brent-Brent and Deal-Deal is that they raise a ton of money....from parents who enjoy supporting the principal.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 17:32     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
When you have a preconceived notion of someone and then interact with them, you often misinterpret the situation and/or present yourself in a manner you wouldn't have had you not "heard things" previously. This can alter your voice tone, body language, etc. and you may not be aware of it. This may have a lot to do with how someone responds. Food for thought and something to keep in mind when speaking to LT's principal.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 17:27     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Principal Cobbs is very good at interacting with children. I'd be shocked to hear otherwise.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 16:14     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
We are currently at L-T and are OOB and we will be coming back for PK4. I really like L-T. My child's teacher is just wonderful and my child is very happy there. We are hoping to move closer to L-T (we are about a 1.5 miles away currently) because I would love for my child to be closer to his classmates who do live near the school. I would be comfortable having my children (I have a second that I plan to put in L-T too) there for all of their elementary years even as others may leave.

We do go to all PTA meetings so are active parents. Principal Cobbs is awkward sometimes but I have not had any negative interactions with her, in fact my conversations have always been pretty pleasant with her. Both my husband and I went to excellent private schools from nursery to high school so I feel we have some good experience to compare our own kids' experience. And so far, so good.

I concur with the pros and cons already listed by current parents here. Although I differ with the day care. But unlike the other parent, I'm not super risk-averse. I think it's fine. Not great and yes, there could be more coverage but he's happy in them (sometimes making me wait while he finishes a project or dancing, etc.), he gets to do soccertots and powertots and dance, etc. As for the older kids, I have not seen misbehavior per se, maybe horsing around but I also don't live near the school to see anything. The ones I've interacted with are very sweet to my son.

Good luck with your decision.

Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 15:37     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:Cobbs just doesn't play the "let me be concerned about YOU" game very well. It's not that she doesn't say "how high?" when you tell her to jump, it's that she truly doesn't engage at all on the soical/emotional aspects of schooling that more involved parents (NOT just white) hope their schools will provide in the elementary years.

I heard a very experienced AA family detail their interaction with her and it was simply that she wasn't going "to get involved with that." Yes, she takes care of her teachers, but the lacking component at LT is really the "warm fuzzy," which is quite important to some parents when it comes to their little kids. I think parents have a right to expect a little bit of warmth being sent int heir direction or in their kids' direction. It sets a tone for a culture and her culture is one of "get over it." I think she'd make a much better middle school principal, in a different district. Perhaps she's used to bigger problems, and so it's hard for her to engage, but she's clearly missing the mark. She has neighborhood people who are hungry to do th work and they aren't sticking it out.


You are ridiculous. So now elementary schools are supposed to cater to the "social and emotional needs" of the PARENTS??
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 15:29     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I don't think it is kissing up to say hello to white strangers with little kids in tow when you pass them in the halls of your PUBLIC school bought and paid for by those same white stranger's tax dollars.


OK, there are two problems with this:

1) I'm a white LT parent, and the principal has never been anything but courteous to me. I'm not saying she's the warmest person on the planet, but she's certainly never been rude.

2) If you're coming in with the attitude that your affluence (= tax dollars) entitles you to greater deference than a parent who is lower income (& might not pay taxes, or not as much), then I dn't blame the principal. I'd wouldn't have time for you, either.


1) -- i was a potential white parent and she avoided the heck out of me. Rude? Slightly. Surprising? Very.

2) -- i am not affluent, not just by DCUM standards, but I am a DC tax payer and this isn't about the SES of the other parents. This is about the fact that she is a paid PUBLIC employee who avoids parts of the public, namely me and my school-aged child.


So don't send your kids there. Good luck with the lottery and/or finding a better option on the Hill if you're IB for LT!

Some parents just need that hand holding from a busy school principal -- like sought after benefactors who will miraculously improve the school through their wonderful child's presence.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 15:22     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:Oh and "high percentage of children with behavioral problems in the higher grades" was a total LOL line for me. Translation: AA.


They have alcoholic children at the school? Elementary school?!
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 15:20     Subject: Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:According to the DME, LT has only 22 percent IB participation rate for 276 IB students, even without taking into account possible address cheaters.


IB participation rate is increasing dramatically each year. Next year enrollment will be going up to 336 and I can practically guarantee IB participation goes up as well. Currently, LT is targeted by OB parents in other areas of the city seeking a better school option. Despite the IB participation rate, LT still has the second highest test scores of any ES on the Hill.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 15:08     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:Happy LT parent here. Principal was, in my understanding, one of Rhee's first hires. I think she is wonderful at her job except in the PR line of things. I don't think she is racist since I have heard similar complaints from AA families. I just think she is lacking, as Jennifer Aniston said of Brad Pitt, the "sensitivity chip." Even when she tries to be really warm and fuzzy, she can't quite pull it off -- it's just not in her DNA -- but I have never found her rude at all, and she is excellent at managing the school.


+1 -- Another Ludlow-Taylor parent and very happy with the school. Cobbs runs a tight ship and makes excellent hires. How much interaction do you or your child really have with the principal anyway? Her teachers are great!
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 12:59     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
You're an idiot and should feel lucky you're inbound for LT. "Things" you've heard simply aren't true. The school has excellent teachers ( I can vouch for PK3 - K personally, as I have two in the school).

Question: Have you ever bothered to go by the school and meet/look in on the classrooms where your daughter would be? I doubt you'd be disappointed. Still, with your attitude, I hope you take it elsewhere.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 12:02     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Current Ludlow Taylor parent here - PS3. Here's my completely honest answer;

Pros:
- PS3 classroom teachers have been brilliant! I am amazed over and over again by the quality of the PS3 classroom experience (very balanced play, art and learning). Our DD has progressed socially to a degree I would have have believed possible a year ago. I agree with PP that LT early childhood compares favorably to any other ECE program on the Hill. My whole family are career teachers and are equally impressed.

- Arts integration - real and impressive. Older child attended a different Hill PS3 and I never understood what arts integration meant there, just didn't see it At LT there's clear partnership between Artists in residence, French classes and reggio curriculum.

-Cohort of children and families in the ECE program are absolutely lovely. We went to a LT sponsored dine-out on H street a few weeks ago and for the first time I've lived on the Hill, I actually felt like part of the "village" other people talk about. Even our older DD (who doesn't attend LT) felt welcome and had a great time. The school community, through first grade at least, is diverse, inclusive and really a pleasure to be around. The ECE opera performance yesterday was packed with parents supporting their kids and their classmates.

Cons:
-Afterschool program. I'm just not OK with it. Didn't feel like there was enough supervision, to the point that it scared me and I pulled my child out. But 'm a super risk averse person, so I can see how the program works for other parents, and think that's an equally rational take on it. If you can pick up at 330 or have an afternoon sitter (our choice) LT is really an amazing experience.

-Older grades and disruptive behavior. The disruptive behavior is a real occurrence, teacher responses range from totally appropriate to appalling. We live within sight (and earshot) of the school. I've personally witnessed responses from teachers at different times -- from effective, 1:1 or small group problem resolution with an adult to ignoring bad behavior to male teachers yelling at full voice to a whole row of children lined up against the wall. On the plus side, i have never ever seen children in the younger grades on the playground at the same time as the older kids, so all of this is a non-issue as far as ECE goes.

-Principal. Just not a friendly person at all. We are both AA, but probably considered gentrifiers (dual professional couple, bought home in neighborhood relatively recently)

On balance, we have been thrilled with our decision to send DD to LT for PS3. I cannot imagine a better preschool experience for her. DD was sick today and just devastated not to be able to go to school


So what do you plan to do long term? I assume you are returning for PK, but what about K and above? Will you play the lottery for alternatives or support a comtrolled choice set to give you possible options at another Capitol Hill school?


I am a different poster but agree wholeheartedly with all of the posters points above except that I haven't seen the disruptive behavior. We don't live close to the school, so I don't doubt him or her though. What I would add is that from what I can see LT, slowly, slowly, is gentrifying. It would be sped up 10 times over with a friendlier principal, but it's happening. If controlled choice comes to pass, I would think LT would be one of the best options in that likely choice set and would probably get even more interest.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 10:45     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Current Ludlow Taylor parent here - PS3. Here's my completely honest answer;

Pros:
- PS3 classroom teachers have been brilliant! I am amazed over and over again by the quality of the PS3 classroom experience (very balanced play, art and learning). Our DD has progressed socially to a degree I would have have believed possible a year ago. I agree with PP that LT early childhood compares favorably to any other ECE program on the Hill. My whole family are career teachers and are equally impressed.

- Arts integration - real and impressive. Older child attended a different Hill PS3 and I never understood what arts integration meant there, just didn't see it At LT there's clear partnership between Artists in residence, French classes and reggio curriculum.

-Cohort of children and families in the ECE program are absolutely lovely. We went to a LT sponsored dine-out on H street a few weeks ago and for the first time I've lived on the Hill, I actually felt like part of the "village" other people talk about. Even our older DD (who doesn't attend LT) felt welcome and had a great time. The school community, through first grade at least, is diverse, inclusive and really a pleasure to be around. The ECE opera performance yesterday was packed with parents supporting their kids and their classmates.

Cons:
-Afterschool program. I'm just not OK with it. Didn't feel like there was enough supervision, to the point that it scared me and I pulled my child out. But 'm a super risk averse person, so I can see how the program works for other parents, and think that's an equally rational take on it. If you can pick up at 330 or have an afternoon sitter (our choice) LT is really an amazing experience.

-Older grades and disruptive behavior. The disruptive behavior is a real occurrence, teacher responses range from totally appropriate to appalling. We live within sight (and earshot) of the school. I've personally witnessed responses from teachers at different times -- from effective, 1:1 or small group problem resolution with an adult to ignoring bad behavior to male teachers yelling at full voice to a whole row of children lined up against the wall. On the plus side, i have never ever seen children in the younger grades on the playground at the same time as the older kids, so all of this is a non-issue as far as ECE goes.

-Principal. Just not a friendly person at all. We are both AA, but probably considered gentrifiers (dual professional couple, bought home in neighborhood relatively recently)

On balance, we have been thrilled with our decision to send DD to LT for PS3. I cannot imagine a better preschool experience for her. DD was sick today and just devastated not to be able to go to school


So what do you plan to do long term? I assume you are returning for PK, but what about K and above? Will you play the lottery for alternatives or support a comtrolled choice set to give you possible options at another Capitol Hill school?


Good point on aftercare -- as much enthusiasm as SWS garners from some, the aftercare is an often overlooked attraction. The Bridge is one of the very best around. If your ECE child is full day, they'll spend an additional 10-12 (or more) hours a week in aftercare in addition to school. Not every SWS familiy that shifted from LT to SWS had issues with LT ECE and I've mostly heard positives, but some have said they prefer Bridge to LT aftercare.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2014 10:15     Subject: Re:Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?
Anonymous wrote:Current Ludlow Taylor parent here - PS3. Here's my completely honest answer;

Pros:
- PS3 classroom teachers have been brilliant! I am amazed over and over again by the quality of the PS3 classroom experience (very balanced play, art and learning). Our DD has progressed socially to a degree I would have have believed possible a year ago. I agree with PP that LT early childhood compares favorably to any other ECE program on the Hill. My whole family are career teachers and are equally impressed.

- Arts integration - real and impressive. Older child attended a different Hill PS3 and I never understood what arts integration meant there, just didn't see it At LT there's clear partnership between Artists in residence, French classes and reggio curriculum.

-Cohort of children and families in the ECE program are absolutely lovely. We went to a LT sponsored dine-out on H street a few weeks ago and for the first time I've lived on the Hill, I actually felt like part of the "village" other people talk about. Even our older DD (who doesn't attend LT) felt welcome and had a great time. The school community, through first grade at least, is diverse, inclusive and really a pleasure to be around. The ECE opera performance yesterday was packed with parents supporting their kids and their classmates.

Cons:
-Afterschool program. I'm just not OK with it. Didn't feel like there was enough supervision, to the point that it scared me and I pulled my child out. But 'm a super risk averse person, so I can see how the program works for other parents, and think that's an equally rational take on it. If you can pick up at 330 or have an afternoon sitter (our choice) LT is really an amazing experience.

-Older grades and disruptive behavior. The disruptive behavior is a real occurrence, teacher responses range from totally appropriate to appalling. We live within sight (and earshot) of the school. I've personally witnessed responses from teachers at different times -- from effective, 1:1 or small group problem resolution with an adult to ignoring bad behavior to male teachers yelling at full voice to a whole row of children lined up against the wall. On the plus side, i have never ever seen children in the younger grades on the playground at the same time as the older kids, so all of this is a non-issue as far as ECE goes.

-Principal. Just not a friendly person at all. We are both AA, but probably considered gentrifiers (dual professional couple, bought home in neighborhood relatively recently)

On balance, we have been thrilled with our decision to send DD to LT for PS3. I cannot imagine a better preschool experience for her. DD was sick today and just devastated not to be able to go to school


So what do you plan to do long term? I assume you are returning for PK, but what about K and above? Will you play the lottery for alternatives or support a comtrolled choice set to give you possible options at another Capitol Hill school?