Choosing the right school for your child is critical to ensuring that their future is as bright and as fulfilled as possible. We have compiled some frequently asked questions from prospective parents. If you have a question that is not reflected here, please send us a message.
Where do your graduates go?
MIDS’ eighth-grade graduates are accepted into and attend some of the most prominent independent as well as private and public high schools in the DMV area. Our Head of School partners with families of graduating students to see that each child is placed into a school that best suits his or her social intelligence and learning style. We’ve built strong relationships with our ongoing schools over the years, and Directors of Admissions are extremely impressed with candidates from MIDS.
How will MIDS communicate with me about my child’s progress?
Twice a year, parents engage in parent-teacher conferences with their child’s homeroom teacher. In addition, in-depth report cards are distributed at the end of each quarter, which detail each child’s progress based on a number of competencies, skills, characteristics, and practices. Teachers are also frequently in touch with families via email and phone calls, and parents are welcome to request appointments to discuss a child’s progress as necessary.
What makes you stand out from other schools?
MIDS is the only independent Spanish-Immersion school in Prince George’s County. Our dynamic faculty come from various countries around the world and are trained to encourage each individual child to lead and discover. Students at MIDS are also given opportunities to participate in study abroad programs which help them to develop an age-appropriate sophistication about people and places that is not commonly found in elementary environments. MIDS is committed to equity, diversity, and community and ensuring that all students and their families feel a sense of belonging. In our warm, down-to-earth, respectful community, status isn’t important. We value children as leaders and view parents as partners throughout this momentous and endearing journey toward adolescence.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
Educational research continues to point to smaller student/teacher ratio as a critical factor in the success and quality of a child’s education. MIDS’ maximum student/teacher ratio is:
– 4 & 5 -year-olds,, 7:1
– in other elementary classrooms 8:1
In middle school, where one teacher leads the class, the maximum number of students in class is 15.
What are the hours of the school day?
Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 am and start their school day at 8:30 am.
Pre-K students are dismissed at 2:30 pm. All other students are dismissed at 4:00 pm.
Aftercare
We offer before and Aftercare Programs, billed by the day, from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm. and from 4:15pm to 6:30pm. In addition, there are also Afterschool activities such as robotics, music and sports for an additional fee.
What is the difference between an independent school and a private school?
While the two terms are usually treated as synonyms, there is a subtle distinction regarding the governing structure of each. Both independent schools and private schools do not receive any public funding.
- Independent School
An independent school, however, has an independent governing board and is completely self-funded through tuition, donations and other sources of revenue. - Private School
A private school is often affiliated and funded at least in part by another entity such as a church, synagogue or mosque or even a for-profit organization.
MIDS is an independent school.
What is the ethnic background of MIDS’ students?
MIDS was founded as a model of diversity and has from 80-90 percent students of color in any given year.
Does MIDS have a dress code or require uniforms?
Yes, students wear uniforms at MIDS. Once students are admitted, parents will receive all the information they need to purchase uniforms.
What extra-curricular activities are offered?
MIDS features a variety of after school activities including soccer, music and Tae-Kwon-Do.
How can I be involved as a parent?
Being involved in your child’s educational experience is very important at MIDS. Parents are required to participate in “MIDS Hours” each semester for 30 hours each school year. MIDS provides many opportunities for parents to be engaged throughout the year.