And that's fine. Understandable even. Sure, being a public institution there's an argument to be made that every eligible child should be considered for admission. But I understand the practicality of having family involvement (i.e. allowing siblings to out-rank other 'random' children on the wait-list) and community involvement (i.e. show preferential treatment for those who live within a certain radius). I DO think we live so close to that school (about 50 feet from the "predetermined automatic acceptance border") that, in line with 'community involvement' WE should receive that preferential treatment.
Thankfully there are other great options nearby. There are inexpensive private schools. Great public schools. Strong home-schooling network. And The Hybrid School. I actually came across another similar type of (hybrid-type) school about the same distance from our house (i.e. within 1.5 miles of our home)....but it was not as well established. Sometimes "new" is all the rage. But with schools, a bit of a track record for evaluation and assessment is comforting.
Anyway, it's not looking too promising for admittance into the Charter Academy for any of the 3 children - even though I queried both 5th AND 6th grade for Haley! Which puts a tiny bit more pressure on our family interview today with the Hybrid School.
