Maury Elementary School. The SEED School of Washington, D.C. Lowell School

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A K-12 Guide to Finding a Great School for Your Child

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Maury Elementary School

The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

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About GreatSchools

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involved. We empower parents with information and tools

so they can choose the best school for their children,

support their children’s education, and improve schools

in their communities. Parents choose GreatSchools to

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questions answered.

In the past year alone, more than 37 million people

visited GreatSchools (

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). With

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about schools across the country, GreatSchools is the

paramount parent-to-parent education community.

About Fight For Children

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academic performance.

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services to low-income children.

The Partnership

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support their children’s education.

Important Contacts

GreatSchools DC (at The HIVE)

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Archdiocese of Washington, DC

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DC Public Charter School

Board (PCSB)

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District of Columbia Public

Schools (DCPS)

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Independent Education

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of Education (OSSE)

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Page

How to Use this Guide . . . 2

Use the GreatSchools Web Site for More Information . . . 3

Why is Choosing the Right School Important? . . . 3

Five Steps to Choosing a School

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. . .

Your student’s needs . . .

Your family’s needs . . .

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DC School Chooser Workbook . . . 13

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. . . .21

Secondary . . . .101

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How to Use this Guide

The

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Need a QUICK START?

Here are ways this book

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1. Search by Star Rating:,GHQWLI\KLJKSHUIRUPLQJ

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2. Search by Theme:)LQGVFKRROVZLWKVSHFLDO

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5. Use the Workbook:

Skip directly to the Workbook

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How GreatSchools collects data.

Information for

the GreatSchools Web site and the

DC School Chooser

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other websites.

Please note:

some schools may change their

information after the DC School Chooser has been

printed. Therefore, we always recommend you

contact and visit schools in person to get all your

questions answered.

Test Score Advice and

Information

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success of a school, but they should not be used as the

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other features such as day-to-day classroom instruction,

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teacher ratio, school safety, and the school’s mission

and philosophy.

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While we understand test scores can only show you a

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*

4- and 5-star schools:

Most students at these

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your research and visit questions on enrichment

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your child’s interests in addition to school culture,

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3-star schools:

Student scores at these schools

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on how students who are similar to your child do

academically, as well as enrichment opportunities or

academic supports, etc.

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Brightwood Elementary School

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1- and 2-star schools:

Most students at these

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there can be special circumstances to consider.

Private School Test Scores. ,Q'&SXEOLFDQG

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measure and report achievement differently, scores from

one test will not be the same on another. Private schools

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such tests.

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questions around student achievement, and if not, be

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Use the GreatSchools Web site

for More Information

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provides a wealth of current

information in a parent-friendly, easy-to-read format to

help you in your school search. On the Web site,

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public and public charter schools

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and teachers

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* Information about teachers and the student

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and more from the school principal

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schools and districts

Streamline your search

with the GreatSchools

DC Web page:

www.greatschools.org/dc

* Helpful articles and newsletters about topics such as

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with students who have special needs

Why is Choosing the Right

School Important?

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on his or her life. Schools vary widely. They have

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is important for you to consider what type of school

and school environment will help ensure your child’s

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a time.

If you want more help or information, please call

the GreatSchools DC Parent Hotline at 202-431-5538 or

email us at dc@greatschools.org.

(6)

Your student’s needs

As you begin thinking about choosing a

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needs from his or her school. There are many

important things to think about:

Instruction and curriculum::KDWWHDFKLQJ

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perform better in a traditional classroom in which the

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School and class size:

Will your child do better in

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the total number of students in a school does not tell the

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Special programs and services:'RHV\RXUFKLOG

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* Special education

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* Speech services

Social and extra-curricular issues:

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chess club, yearbook) does your child want to participate

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Educating the whole child:

Is it important for

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to play a musical instrument instills discipline.

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is more likely to remain motivated to stay healthy and

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after-school activities are available.

Step 1: Think about needs

(7)

National Cathedral School

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8 Each

additional

Reduced price meals

Free meals $19,123

Your family’s needs

The choice of your child’s school will affect your

whole family. You will need to balance your

child’s needs with those of your family.

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important that the school be near a Metro stop or bus

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(Note: Public schools provide transportation only for*

special needs students.)

Before- and/or after-school care:

Some schools

provide both before- and after-care, some offer one

or the other, and others do not offer them at all. The

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potential cost, and the hours of operation.

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cost of meals in the tuition. You will want to call schools

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Free and reduced price meals:

Your annual

income must fall below the levels in this table to qualify

for free or reduced price meals. The levels for the 2011-

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If you are interested in a

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D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (D.C. OSP):

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Parent involvement:8QGHUVWDQGLQJKRZDVFKRRO

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policy is (most schools should have a written plan) and

also use

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to connect with other

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Sit down with your child and have a family conversation

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down and keep track.

(8)

Public, private, public charter

schools: What are they?

The good news is that there are many school

options for DC parents and students. The key is

to understand what those options are and the

differences between them.

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

* Public schools are free to every child that is a

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based on the home address.

* To apply to a different school, there is the “out of

boundary” process (see p. 10).

*

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DCPS Specialized Citywide High Schools:

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application process.

DCPS K-8 specialized programs:

Some schools

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Spanish) or have a special focus for the entire

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students must apply (see p. 10).

Public Charter Schools

* Public charter schools are independently operated

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academic achievement.

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charter schools.

* Students from anywhere in the city may apply to any

public charter school.

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there are no application fees or tuition costs.

* Public charter schools often have the freedom to

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their curriculum.

Private Schools

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tuition for attendance.

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* Students who want to attend private schools must

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and application fees.

* Private schools have the freedom to develop

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students attend their school.

* Private schools are not required to publish test score

results, and may take different kinds of tests than

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private schools, but most if not all are accredited (if

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(9)

2010 Graduation Rate: for schools

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Uniforms: if yes, parents may have to

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there may be other fees.

OSP: LQGLFDWHVLIVFKRROSDUWLFLSDWHVLQSURJUDP

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school year.3

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school years.

7HVW6FRUH5DWLQJDQG'&&$67HVW6FRUHV(See pp. 2-3 for more information). If shaded and says “not available,” the school likely does

QRWPHHWUHTXLUHPHQWVIRUWHVWLQJUHSRUWLQJEHFDXVHLWKDVIHZHUWKDQVWXGHQWVLVDQDOWHUQDWLYHDGXOWHGXFDWLRQVFKRROKDVMXVWRSHQHG GRHVQ¶WKDYHWKHDSSURSULDWHJUDGHVRULVSULYDWHDQGGRHVQRWWDNHWKH'&&$6 3 Year Trend: 6FRUHVURVHE\RUPRUHIURPDQGRUVKRZ FRQVLVWHQWLPSURYHPHQWHDFK\HDURUDVLJQL¿FDQWMXPSLQ HJ 6FRUHVIHOOE\RUPRUHIURPDQGRUVKRZ FRQVLVWHQWGHFOLQHHDFK\HDURUDVLJQL¿FDQWGURSLQ HJ 1$ 6FRUHVQRWDYDLODEOHIRUDOOWKUHH\HDUV from 2009-2011.

--

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a trend cannot be established.

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3 _{$VSURYLGHGE\'&363&6%$UFKGLRFHVHRI:DVKLQJWRQDQGLQGLYLGXDOVFKRROV} PD\QRWDGGXSWRGXHWRURXQGLQJDQGRWKHUVWDWLVWLFDOIDFWRUV _{$VSURYLGHGE\LQGLYLGXDOSULYDWHVFKRROVRU266(IRUDOOSXEOLFVFKRROV} computers school library art music sports 4130 ALBEMARLE ST., NW WASHINGTON, DC 20016, WARD 3 SCHOOL PHONE: (202) 282-0110 CLASSROOM HOURS: 8:45AM - 3:15PM School size:VWXGHQWV Re-enrollment Rate: 93%

Before care: Yes

After care: Yes

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Bus:0

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PS/PK Acceptances (2010-2011):

Languages Taught: Spanish

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council, and more.

Janney Elementary School

DCPS, PK-5

2011 Test Score Rating:

Student Demographics: School Diversity 0%$PHULFDQ,QGLDQ _{$ODVNDQ1DWLYH} 3%$VLDQ1DWLYH+DZDLLDQRU _{2WKHU3DFL¿F,VODQGHU} 10%%ODFNRU$IULFDQ$PHULFDQ 7% Hispanic White 9% Other Income Level 3%/RZ,QFRPH Special Education ELL/ESL DC-CAS 2009 2010 2011 Trend Math 90% Reading 91% 92%

--

(10)

Our Web site contains more than we could ever

include in this printed guide, but no single piece

of information tells the whole story. Visiting

is the only way you can tell whether you and

your child will feel safe and comfortable at the

school. You will also be able to see whether the

teachers are enthusiastic and the students are

engaged in learning.

Now that you have narrowed your choices, it is

time to visit the schools:

Schedule your visit.

Pick three or four dates and

times that work best for you and then call the school.

([SODLQWKDW\RXDUHFRQVLGHULQJDSSO\LQJRUHQUROOLQJ

\RXUFKLOGDQGZRXOGOLNHWRYLVLW)LQGRXWLI\RXZLOOEH

able to meet the principal and observe classes while

you are there. Have your calendar handy so you can

write down the date and time of your visit. School phone

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on p. 21.

Think about what you want to see at

the school. %HIRUH\RXJRXVHWKHDC School Chooser

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\RXZDQWWRPDNHVXUH\RXDVNGXULQJ\RXUYLVLW<RX

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Your observations of the school can start the moment

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ChooserWKLQJVWRZDWFKIRUZRUNVKHHWRQSDQG

a pen so you can record your observations and the

answers to the questions you prepared in advance.

Arrive early.3ODQWRJHWWRWKHVFKRROPLQXWHV

before your scheduled visit and check in at the main

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FKHFNRXWWKHQHLJKERUKRRGDQGZDWFKKRZWKHIURQW

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Step 3: Visit your top choices

Ask and observe.7KLVLV\RXUFKDQFHWRJHWWKH

information you need to make the best choice for you

and your child. You have prepared your questions in

advance and you are ready, so do not be afraid to ask

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call later.

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visit and may tell you the most about whether the school

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you can, but when you are in classrooms do not disturb

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DC School ChooserWKLQJVWRZDWFKIRUZRUNVKHHW\RX

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Have a great visit!

(11)

Step 4: Make your decision

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Now that you have visited your top choices, you should have a good idea which schools are a

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impressions from those visits and the information you gathered to follow these next steps. They will

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Eliminate schools where you felt unwelcome

or unsafe.&URVVRIIDQ\VFKRRORQ\RXUOLVWWKDWGRHV

not seem like a comfortable place for you and your

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LQVWHDGRIEHLQJLQFODVV":DVEDGODQJXDJHXVHGE\

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Compare information about your choices to

your worksheets about your child’s needs and

your family’s needs. /RRNRYHUWKHQRWHV\RX¿OOHG

in on the

DC School ChooserQHHGVZRUNVKHHWRQS

(or printed from

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) to see how

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would best meet the needs of your child and family.

Look at your school visit notes and rank the

schools on your list.5DQNWKHVFKRROVEDVHGRQKRZ

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enthusiasm of teachers, whether students seemed

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Use the

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schools take completely different kinds of tests, so if you

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individual school for test score information.

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workplace, and life.

Make your decision.

Once you have considered all

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decide which qualities are most important to you.

Apply to more than one school.<RXU¿UVWFKRLFH

may not be available, so you will want to apply to at

least two other schools that meet most of your needs.

This way, you work to ensure that your child has the

(12)

School Type

_{Application Start and End Dates}

2012-2013 School Year

'&36QHLJKERUKRRGVFKRROV 1RQH

'&366SHFLDOL]HG&LW\ZLGH+LJK6FKRROV (*new application process).

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– for more information visit ZZZGFSVGFJRY.)

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DCPS Specialized Citywide High Schools:7KHVHKLJKVFKRROVGRQRWSDUWLFLSDWHLQWKH'&36RXWRIERXQGDU\

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, an online website will be used to apply to these schools for the 2012-2013 school year. There will be one

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etc.) so you will only have to complete that part once no matter how many of these schools to which you apply. The name

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Different types of schools have their own procedures and deadlines. Review the information below

and the enrollment calendar on p. 12 to help you get organized.

Step 5: Apply and enroll on time

*

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(13)

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DCPS non-neighborhood schools – Out of Boundary Lottery:$SURFHVVWRDSSO\WRD'&36VFKRROWKDWLVQRW

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applications is 11:59 pm on February 27, 2012.9LVLW

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for more information.

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use the out of boundary lottery.

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student essays, student and parent interviews, letters of recommendation, and auditions or portfolios of work.

Public charter schools:

You may apply to as many public charter schools as you like. Many have an “open enrollment

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soon as possible.

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Please note:

spots are not guaranteed. You must apply through the DCPS Pre-School/Pre-K/Head Start

**Lottery. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on February 27, 2012*. Visit**

www.dcps.dc.gov

for more information.

Public Charter Schools

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Meridian PCS

(14)

Choose, apply and enroll calendar

You have a lot of ground to cover. Many schools set their own enrollment start dates and deadlines,

so be ready to call schools directly. Use the calendar below for things you need to do and when to do

WKHPWKHVFKRROSUR¿OHVDQGWKHZRUNVKHHWVLQWKH'&6FKRRO&KRRVHU:RUNERRNVWDUWLQJ

on p. 13 to

get organized and get moving!

Month

Task

October 2011

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Use the DC School Chooser and Web site ZZZJUHDWVFKRROVRUJGF to research schools.

Make a list of the schools you want to visit and learn more about.

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(15)

This is a companion guide to help families choose a school. There are

many schools to choose from, including DCPS schools, public charter

schools and private schools. This Workbook will help you explore

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Five Steps to Choosing a School

Step 1:

Think about needs

Step 2: Understand the choices

Step 3:

V

isit your top choices

Step 4:

Make your decision

Step 5:

Apply and enroll

DC School Chooser W

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(16)

Where a student goes to school will affect the family as a whole. Students’ needs must balance with

important factors that affect the entire family.

1. Talk together about what matters in a school, and list the 5-7 factors that matter most in the table below

. Consider factors such as:

school/class size, learning style, special education needs, arts, sports, other extracurriculars, school culture, languages, th

emes,

location, transportation, school calendar

, tuition/fees, friends, parental involvement, safety

, playground, hot lunch, uniforms, etc.

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next to each factor

.

3. Rank the factors you’ve listed in order of importance (1 is most important, 7 would be least important, etc.)

Rank

Factors (ex. academic program, gym, small class sizes, etc.)

Important to

STUDENT

Important to

FAMILY

(Example)

2 Good math program and/or pre-engineering classes

VERY

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1. List the 2-3 schools you’ve already heard about that you think might be good and that you want to

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a.

________________________________________________________________

b.

________________________________________________________________

c.

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2. 8VH

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have dif

ferent information, so use all of them if you can!

GreatSchools School Chooser:

The School Chooser is a print guide that contains basic

information about almost all the schools in the city

. If you want a free copy

, call the phone number

on the cover of this guide.

www

.greatschools.org:

The GreatSchools W

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about.

GreatSchools staff and volunteer coaches:

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want free help with the research process.

They will help you one-on-one and/or direct you to free

workshops in the community

.

School staff:

It’

s always a good idea to make a list of what you want to know and call the school

directly for answers.

3. Use the worksheet on page 4 to list schools you are interested in and what you learn about them.

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There are many schools in the city, so it will take a little time and effort to narrow down choices to the

2 or 3 schools to visit.

(18)

School Name

(ex: Martin Street School)

Does have...

(ex: gym, Spanish,

AP class)

Doesn’t have...

(ex: before/after care)

Need more info on...

(ex: graduation rates,

credits)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. Schools to Visit Worksheet

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(19)

Now that you have narrowed your choices, it is time to visit. This is really the

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How to make your visit a success:

1. Schedule your visit.

Call the school ahead of time and set up a date and time for your visit.

Find out if you will be able to speak to the principal (or vice principal) and teachers (if they are able).

Y

ou also want to ask to watch classes not only at your child’

s grade, but the next one up. DO NOT

just show

up to the school.

2. Think about what you want to see.

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use the worksheet on page 6 to help guide you.

Y

ou should have 5 questions ready when you

walk in the building.

The more you do ahead of time to be ready

, the better the visit will be.

3. Arrive early.

Y

ou made the ef

fort to schedule the visit, so it is good to show respect for the school

and the staf

f by being on time. By arriving 10 minutes early

, you have a chance to check out the

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4. Ask and observe.

The point of this visit is to get the information you need to make a choice,

so asking questions is a good thing. Don’t feel shy

, speak up!

5. Make sure to write things down.

Using the worksheet on page 6, make sure you take notes on the

things you see as you as you are walking through the building/classrooms and write down the answers to

your questions.

6. Say thank you.

Make sure to thank everyone you spoke to during your visit (even if you just mouth the

words to a teacher in a classroom so you don’t disrupt anything).

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school to get the answers. Remember

, the more questions you ask and the more answers you get, the easier it will

be for you to make a good choice!

BE SURE

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MORE

THAN ONE SCHOOL

BEFORE

YOU DECIDE!

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Things to Watch for When Walking Through the School and in the Classroom

School Name:

______________________________________________________

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isit Date:

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our questions (write in questions you have – see page 2 and 4 worksheets or the School Chooser for help)

Question 1:

Answer:

Question 2:

Answer:

Question 3:

Answer:

Question 4:

Answer:

Question 5:

Answer:

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1. /LVWWKHWRSSULRULWLHV\RXQDPHGRQSDJHLQWKH¿UVWFROXPQ

2. W

rite the names of the 2-3 schools you visited across the top row

.

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4. If the schools you visited did not meet your priorities, return to Step 2 and research more schools or else visit more of the s

chools you already

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Top 5 Priorities

(from page 2)

School Name:

Example:

Good math program and/or

pre-engineering classes

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2.

3.

4.

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You are all set! You have made your choices! Now what? After all that good work you and your family did,

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Tips:

1. If you are interested in an independent charter

, private school, or specialized public school program, call the school to get an application

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for an application.

3. Make your own list of the items in each application and check them of

f as you get them done. Make sure you know when each application is due!

School Name

Application Items

¥

Application Due Date

And always remember

, the GreatSchools staf

f is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call us!

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6FKRRO3UR¿OHVElementary

(Elementary schools serving any grades between PS-8)

(24)

E L E M E N T A R Y | A 533 48TH PL., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019, WARD 7 SCHOOL PHONE: (202) 671-6060 CLASSROOM HOURS: 8:45AM - 3:15PM

School size: 297 students Re-enrollment Rate: 78% Before care: Yes

After care: Yes Uniforms: Yes

Minnesota Ave.

Bus: 96, 97, U4, U6, U8, W4

Out of Boundary Deadline: February 27, 2012*

OOB Acceptances (2010-2011): 4 PS/PK Acceptances (2010-2011): 17 Languages Taught: Chinese, Spanish Extra-curricular: Boys and Girls Club, tutoring, soccer, poetry

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DCPS, PS-5

Student Demographics:

School Diversity

0% American Indian / _{Alaskan Native} 0% Asian / Native Hawaiian or _{2WKHU3DFL¿F,VODQGHU} 99% Black or African American

1% Hispanic 0% White 0% Other

Income

Level 95% Low Income

Special Education 10% ELL/ESL 0% DC-CAS 2009 2010 2011 Trend Math 46% 26% 17% Reading 45% 26% 22%

“We are best known for our environments and language program.”

2700 27TH ST., NW

WASHINGTON, DC 20008, WARD 3 SCHOOL PHONE: (202) 387-2700 CLASSROOM HOURS:

8:15AM - 3:00PM

After care: Yes Uniforms: No Dress code: No

Woodley Park Zoo-Adams Morgan Bus: 96, L2, L4, DC Circulator Application Deadline: January 18, 2012 Application Acceptances (2010-2011): Tuition: $16,314-$22,576

Financial Aid: Yes OSP: Yes

Languages Taught: Chinese, Spanish Extra-curricular: Discovery programs 2011 Test Score Rating:

Not Available

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PRIVATE SCHOOL, PK-6

DC-CAS

DC-CAS 2009 2009 2010 2010 20112011 TrendTrend

Math

Reading Not Available

Student Demographics: School School Diversity Diversity American Indian / American Indian / Alaskan Native Alaskan Native

Asian / Native Hawaiian or

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Black or African American

Hispanic Hispanic White White Other Other Income Income Level

Level Low IncomeLow Income

Special Special Education Education ELL/ESL ELL/ESL

(25)

A | E L E M E N T A R Y 401 EYE ST., SW WASHINGTON, DC 20024, WARD 6 SCHOOL PHONE: (202) 724-4867 CLASSROOM HOURS: 8:40AM - 3:20PM

After care: Yes Uniforms: Yes

Waterfront-SEU, Federal Center Bus: P2, P6, V7

OOB Acceptances (2010-2011): 1 PS/PK Acceptances (2010-2011): 10 Languages Taught: None offered at this time

Extra-curricular:

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DCPS, PS-5

Income

“We are best known for our strong academic focus.”

3825 KLINGLE PL., NW

8:00AM - 3:00PM

After care: Yes Uniforms: Yes Bus: 31, 32, N4 Application Deadline: Contact school Application Acceptances (2010-2011): Tuition: $8,215

Financial Aid: Yes OSP: Yes Languages Taught: Spanish Extra-curricular: Crafts, rock band, yearbook

Not Available

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PRIVATE SCHOOL, PK-8

DC-CAS

DC-CAS 2009 2009 2010 2010 20112011 TrendTrend Math

Reading Not Available

0% American Indian / _{Alaskan Native} 4% Asian / Native Hawaiian or _{2WKHU3DFL¿F,VODQGHU} 68% Black or African American 12% Hispanic

15% White 0% Other

Income

Level N/A Low Income

Special Education N/A

ELL/ESL N/A

(26)

E L E M E N T A R Y | A - B

5300 BLAINE STREET, NE

8:00AM - 3:30PM

After care: Yes Uniforms: Yes Bus: 96, U6, W4 Application Deadline: Contact school Lottery Acceptances (2010-2011): Languages Taught: Spanish Extra-curricular: PAWS, Saturday school, All Star book club, tutoring, tech club, stage crew

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PUBLIC CHARTER, PK-5

Income

--

“We are best known for our arts/technology integration.”

1755 NEWTON ST., NW

8:45AM - 3:15PM

After care: Yes Uniforms: No Dress code: Yes

Columbia Heights Bus: H8, S1, S2, S4

OOB Acceptances (2010-2011): 24 PS/PK Acceptances (2010-2011): 40 Languages Taught: Dual Language - Spanish

Extra-curricular: Gardening, drama club, tutoring, tech club

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DCPS, PS-5

0% American Indian / _{Alaskan Native} 6% Asian / Native Hawaiian or _{2WKHU3DFL¿F,VODQGHU} 10% Black or African American 75% Hispanic

7% White 1% Other

Income

--

Maury Elementary School. The SEED School of Washington, D.C. Lowell School

A K-12 Guide to Finding a Great School for Your Child

D.C.

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About GreatSchools

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involved. We empower parents with information and tools

so they can choose the best school for their children,

support their children’s education, and improve schools

in their communities. Parents choose GreatSchools to

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questions answered.

In the past year alone, more than 37 million people

visited GreatSchools (

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). With

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about schools across the country, GreatSchools is the

paramount parent-­to-­parent education community.

About Fight For Children

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cultivates quality education for low-­income children in

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academic performance.

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services to low-­income children.

The Partnership

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support their children’s education.

Important Contacts

GreatSchools DC (at The HIVE)

Archdiocese of Washington, DC

DC Public Charter School

Board (PCSB)

District of Columbia Public

Schools (DCPS)

Independent Education

(formerly known as AISGW)

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of Education (OSSE)

Table of Contents

Page

How to Use this Guide . . . 2

Use the GreatSchools Web Site for More Information . . . 3

Why is Choosing the Right School Important? . . . 3

Five Steps to Choosing a School

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. . .

paramount parent-to-parent education community.

cultivates quality education for low-income children in

services to low-income children.