Hellobee Boards

So as someone who had a baby right before school started and is currently stressed out by two drop offs (can’t avoid because of ages) I vote leave him at neighborhood school for this year. Because the stress of logistics is real and that stress will carry over to your kids, I don’t always like how I act when we are running behind and losing 45min a day would be tough. Unless you really dislike the neighborhood school I’d consider just applying again to the charter for next year (assuming that’s an option). Who knows by then you may even have a different perspective on the neighborhood school, who knows but regardless the experience may be useful. My oldest also goes to a big school (7 kinder classes last year!) but with good friends and a good teacher I think that’s fine, especially short term. Oh also, this third pregnancy I was SO tired and kept getting sick and being super close to school was a godsend.

Sorry for the rambling but do what makes life easier for everyone!

I'd leave him unless you already don't love the neighborhood school. Two drop offs and the earlier mornings on top of changing his routine after school started just seem like too much.

One thing to consider, is the charter school actually a better school? I'm an Ed researcher and am always surprised that normally the schools are worse or equal to the public schools. Some are good, but at my old district there were wait lists 100 kids long for a school that was way worse than their neighborhood schools (in terms of academic performance, school climate, and student engagement).

I'm not surprised that they got to #18 on the weight list. Probably one parent pulled their kid (moved/,got into a different school) and then few parents wanted to switch after school started.

As a former teacher, I’d say just be really careful about your expectations of a charter school. People often seem to have these ideas that charter school = better. It is so not true. They are often worse. They do not have to follow the same guidelines as public schools so their scores are often skewed. They usually advertise to families which can be subconsciously appealing. Public schools do not do this and thus can look less progressive. Charter schools are run more like a business in order to attract students (and thus be funded!).

I’m not saying this one is bad, some are excellent!! Just that it’s something to really think about before you make a decision.

I vote for going with the easiest. Mom of 3 here with my first also in kinder. Kids will thrive wherever they are and your son seems to like and adjusting well.

The point you made where your neighbor picked up your kid when school closed early is really important. What would happen if your son was in charter and they were out ...do you have alternatives? It is so much easier to be in schools with people you know and trust and can help out in a pinch. I do two drop offs bc of age. The kindergartener had early release the other day but it coincided with my son’s pick up time bc he’s only in half day preschool. My neighbor whose son is in the same school picked her up and had her for a little bit while I got my son.

I just came to say yay for B'more city kids! My oldest just started K at our neighborhood school.

As I think you know, either school will probably be good for your kid, so I think it makes sense to pick the easy logistics.

@gotkimchi: I'm pretty sure we listened to the same podcast!

Like others have said, I would do whatever is easier for you, especially if your son seems happy at his current school and is developing friendships there. You can always change schools in the future if you decide it would be a better fit.

having just had #3 5 months ago with R in K full time now, we also went with the easiest neighborhood option, which was actually our preferred option (it's a two-way immersion program for spanish which we're super excited about). but i looked into homeschooling, the local charter (for regular and their homeschool program) and i decided that the easier option was the best for us. we're in a district that does school of choice so if this school doesn't work for us long term, we can always go somewhere else. i'm so thankful the school is a 4 minute walk from our house with 3 to get out of the house!