Public Charter Schools in DC -- Are they good? (Washington: middle school, professionals)

[colonialsfan]

Can anyone recommend the best charter schools in DC? I assume they have long waitlists (which is fine by us, since we're taking our time to move back to the city).

Does anyone know anything about the Washington Yu Ying Charter School? It looks interesting to me... bilingual education in Chinese and English.

[njmom8]

I think the chinese bilingual school is new this year.

I have heard mixed reviews about Washington Latin, which is a charter school.

I am not sure that any are great, I would be interested to hear if anyone thinks differently.

I would suggest Bethesda, if you are interested in schools. Sad but true-sorry.

(My kids are in DC public school)

[erinkris]

I have a child at Washington Yu Ying, and it is new this year. I'm very, very pleased with the quality of the teachers, administrators and staff.

[4learning]

My son attends Washington Latin Public Charter School, and I have taught in District of Columbia Public Schools (I now teach in an independent school). I can say wholeheartedly that a bright child CAN get a challenging, supportive and free education in the District. However, it takes a bit of rooting about, proactive parents, and it will be different than the school experience in our greater metro suburbs. (And it will be no thanks to the number-crunching policies of Michelle Rhee that are sadly depleting the life spark from the current public schools in good standing in the District). For a quality, free middle school education in the District I would recommend Washington Latin or Deal (thanks to good internal management). Deal is the larger public school, where the motivated student can succeed. Washington Latin is the smaller, quirky charter school--where the motivated child can also succeed (and begin studying Latin in 5th Grade to boot!). In honesty, Washington Latin is capacity building, and there are some instances (such as the physical plant) that have room for growth. However, the teachers tend to be 'the best and the brightest'--completely passionate about what they teach, and the school administration and leadership are smart, experienced and methodically growing the school in an intelligent way. I attended many excellent private schools growing up on the government's dime (foreign service brat). Our family has options other than Latin. Our son loves it there, it is a determined, diverse, hopeful community staffed by smart professionals who care, and populated by families not ready to 'give up on the District', (and who value the choice option presented to all families by the Charter movement). Check Washington Latin out; you will be welcomed!