Capital City PCS - Lower School

Overall, I've been pleased with the changes.

I had my 3 children in this school during the 2017-18 school year, and then only 2 there during the 2018-19 school year. I had taken them out of their old school (which was a positive and nurturing environment and I now regret that decision) because I was seeking a more culturally-aware, character-building and challenging environment for them. I was very drawn to the school because I thought it would be a place where the teachers and administrators would work to instill positive cultural awareness, which black children and people are in desperately need of. So we made our way to Roots PCS (a very small school). I was pleasantly surprised by the 2nd/3rd grade teacher. He set out to instill positive cultural images, awareness and beliefs in the children, and their work, art and the classroom itself reflected that. My second grader was anxious to go to school everyday, learn and worked very hard. He made honor roll both semesters. My other 2 children's experiences were less than awe-inspiring. While my oldest who was in the 4th grade did very well (doing 5th grade work- he's always been an excellent student), he was surprised to see that when the children brought candy to the teacher she was less strict with them, and that the other 4th graders were mostly lagging behind without advancing beyond basic skills such as long division and reading (at the appropriate grade level). As for my then-kindergartener, her experience was terrible. The school Special Ed teacher desperately tried to work with her and I'm sure her actual teacher tried to some extent, but it was clear that she was not getting the help that she needed. For one thing, there were no paraprofessionals and the Special Ed teacher was often required to work as a substitute for the combined 2nd/3rd grade class, so I took my daughter out of the school. The 2018-19 school year was absolutely awful! The boys were in the same class together (one in 3rd and one in 5th). They both hated going and wished they were in the other teacher's class. There was just too much negativity and not enough encouragement. Both of my boys have always liked school so this was new! Finally, one day my oldest said the class was "a hellhole" and "a warzone". I had NEVER heard him talk like that before! And my youngest son cried at the prospect of going back. I took them out and homeschooled them the remainder of the year...

Whittier is a real gem. We are moving into our second year there and we love it. Their staff and teachers are diligent, kind and committed. There is a culture id accountability and enthusiasm. There is also a host of ways for students to feel a part of the school. School plays and team sports. They have a tv show that is really quite good and the students love it. Chess club and a community garden are just two of the fun offerings. Principal Johnson leads with joy and integrity. She knows every student by name and finds ways to cheer for her team. We love it.

We love DCB and the community around the school. Ms Daniela is a superlative leader who has built a team around her that values student success and bringing out the best in everyone. The school has been able to retain highly effective teachers because they’re willing to sacrifice the higher pay of DCPS to stay in the warm community of DCB. We have been parents of DCB students for seven years now and can’t imagine sending our kids anywhere else. Homework is limited to reading (in both Spanish and English) which helps develop a love of learning in the kids and reflects the most recent research that worksheet type busywork isn’t effective in younger grades. My 9 year old helped fill this out, and he noted, “There is definitely no bullying, I’ve never seen anything like bullying at DCB.”

The administration in the school is horrible. They do not care about the children. They only care about personal relationships with teachers and staff stay away from this school.

Our son is currently enrolled in PK-3 at Sela. We were a bit unsure how he would handle the language immersion environment, but he has done nothing but thrive. He loves going to school and can't say enough good things about his day. His teachers are caring and communicative and, as cliche as it sounds, the school environment really is that of a family (parents and students greeted by name by everyone from the Head of School to the front desk staff). Dr. Smith, the head of school, sets the tone of appreciating diversity and striving for excellence.Like all relatively new organizations, Sela certainly has areas in which it is continuing to grow and improve (for example, avenues for family participation in the school community), but it has clearly mastered the most important functions of a school -- providing a first-class education in a safe, nurturing environment. We look forward to returning next year.