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Chosen_one11 OP t1_izj3rob wrote

Reply to comment by CleanWhiteSocks in How does everyone feel about Blackstone valley prep schools? by Chosen_one11

Could you give me more info on why people didn’t like working there. Also how is Lincoln with diversity

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CleanWhiteSocks t1_izj53kh wrote

From the people I know who work there it's very much run like a business which obviously schools are a business but no one ever got the impression that the kids best interests were the number one priority. And I know from speaking to past superintendents from public schools they didn't have a lot of patience with the bvp superintendents complaining about the budget they had to work with when public schools had the same budgets but also had to fit in transitional students and preschool students and special needs students, meaning that they had to find a way to make their budget work for kids ranging from ages 3 to 21 and who had special needs unlike bvp. Somehow special needs kids never got chosen in the bvp lottery.

I will admit that Lincoln doesn't have a huge range of diverse students simply because of the population of Lincoln. I will say that I live in a small neighborhood and in my small neighborhood I have a few Indian neighbors and Muslim neighbors who all have kids who go to the Lincoln School System and are quite happy there, all as well as quite a few lgbtq students who have felt safe and welcome in the Lincoln Public School System.

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Chosen_one11 OP t1_izjk3xi wrote

Thanks I agree with a lot of what you have said they don’t have the best interest for their students. I know Lincoln has good schools. I just get worried of my daughter who on the darker side not seeing people with her skin tone and possible bullying issues because of her skin tone. She’s a smart kid and she herself has realized how it keeps changing and is open to switching schools.

Thank you

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_iztoda4 wrote

From a purely educational stand point, Lincoln, hands down.

Lincoln will most likely have a more stable, happier staff than a charter because the work life balance is much better. The teachers are more likely older and more experienced and more likely to stay as a presence in the school as your daughter ages (due to less turnover).

I would also talk to your daughter about how she feels about the school culture. A lot of charters have a heavy emphasis on compliance and college as a goal-- its just a different type of environment. There's nothing wrong with this, but they're very focused on numbers (since its the bread and butter of how charters market). For some kids, this feels kind of restrictive or might reduce intrinsic motivation to simply enjoy whatever their passions are.

I have no idea what the culture like is at Lincoln, but public schools (especially well achieving ones) don't usually have the pressure to prove anything. Charters have a certain pressure to compete for funds, students, and often expansion like a business.

Whatever you decide I hope your daughter finds a good fit. I went to an extremely diverse district in my old state and it's unfortunate how few schools have that diversity in RI.

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Chosen_one11 OP t1_izttyvw wrote

Thanks for the comment…yes there been a lot of turnover and each year too many changes…I want her to be happier in school. She use to be obsess with going to school now she could care less.

She see what is going on and she’s just 9yrs old. I chose BVP because it’s diversity. I knew Lincoln would as always there so we will make the jump. I’m not sure if mid year is better or just wait for the next school year.

Diversity is different needed in all schools just sucks it’s not everywhere.

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_iztzk6e wrote

She seems old enough that maybe you could talk to her about her preferences or visit your local school with her. Waiting a few months is probably okay, but if she's checking out maybe you can involve her in some after school programming outside of BVP that will encourage her to enjoy learning again.

I know that the cities like Providence have intramural leagues and after school programming at a number of non profits (mostly older kids). Maybe there are activities she could get involved with outside of school that would still allow her to socialize with a diverse group of kids her age.

I wish you the best! It's great that you are involved and that she feels comfortable talking to you about school fit.

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