no room in private schools/MoCo options?

[Anonymous]

We are moving to DC, and are committed to living in the District, not the suburbs. We have kids who will be going into non-entry year grades. We are going through the motions and applying to the usual suspects, but I do not expect much success.

Some of the threads suggest that there is an option to live in DC but attend MoCo schools for a fee. Can someone help me get started on this possibility, with a website or other resource? As well, I would be grateful for insights on whether it's a good idea, and experiences that folks have had or heard about.

many thanks.

[Anonymous]

Are your kids in elementary? If so you're way better off just moving into one of the high performing NW schools, and entering private in an entry year. If they're in Middle/High, I know a few kids who pay for MoCo, but I'm not sure of the process (check website?).

[Anonymous]

Not a direct answer, but Horace Mann in the district is probably as good as the close-in MoCo schools. Nice area to live, too, as long as you don't require public transit.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the quick replies. My main concern is about a DD who will be entering 8th grade. Seems as if the choices are harder at the middle/HS level. (We have been delighted by the choices available for our younger child, and will certainly do public school for her.)

[Anonymous]

Google "montgomery county" "non resident student".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are moving to DC, and are committed to living in the District, not the suburbs. We have kids who will be going into non-entry year grades. We are going through the motions and applying to the usual suspects, but I do not expect much success.

Some of the threads suggest that there is an option to live in DC but attend MoCo schools for a fee. Can someone help me get started on this possibility, with a website or other resource? As well, I would be grateful for insights on whether it's a good idea, and experiences that folks have had or heard about.

many thanks.

An article about a similar situation: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032901119.html
The link to the MCPS site: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a direct answer, but Horace Mann in the district is probably as good as the close-in MoCo schools. Nice area to live, too, as long as you don't require public transit.

I doubt that mann is equivalent, but it is a very good school.

[Anonymous]

Mann is much better than MoCO schools. Sorry, but my MoCo friends think so too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mann is much better than MoCO schools. Sorry, but my MoCo friends think so too.

Better than all MCPS? That's quite a stretch.

[Anonymous]

Better than at least 4-5 schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, absolutely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Better than at least 4-5 schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, absolutely.

Probably better than Sidwell, STA, NCS, GDS and Holton too, right?

[Anonymous]

"Reviews requests for enrollment for any student living with
nonresident parents/guardians willing to pay tuition provided the enrollment is approved by the principal/designee and the requested school is not overutilized and is consistent with Regulation JEE-RA: Transfer of Students. The rate and collection of tuition will be consistent with Policy JED: Residency, Tuition, and Enrollment."
- MCPS JED-RA Policy

Go to the main site and do a policy search:
http://search.mcps.k12.md.us/
There are several pdf files on guidelines and residency.

Tuition for out of county used to run around $13K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better than at least 4-5 schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, absolutely.

Probably better than Sidwell, STA, NCS, GDS and Holton too, right?

Are you being facetious?

Many of the MCPS schools have rigorous programs that will better equip students to deal with the realities of the real world b/c the schools don't exist in a bubble as many private schools do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better than at least 4-5 schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, absolutely.

Probably better than Sidwell, STA, NCS, GDS and Holton too, right?

Are you being facetious?

Many of the MCPS schools have rigorous programs that will better equip students to deal with the realities of the real world b/c the schools don't exist in a bubble as many private schools do.

Yes, I was. PP stated that Mann was better than MCPS. I'm sure PP also thinks Mann is better than area privates.

However as for the realities of the real world at MCPS and lack of a bubble, I hardly think our MoCo elementary school fits the bill with an enrollment of over 80% white children and 2% FARMS.

[Anonymous]

OP,

One additional approach to your problem may be to expand your list of private schools. If by the usual suspects you are limiting your search to just a few schools, you might want to look at places where you are more likely to have success in admissions but are good schools in DC. For example, Burke and Field for middle/high schools. You might also want to talk to admissions folks at some of the schools that end at 8th grade. Since your daughter has to change schools anyway, a school like Sheridan or St. Patricks etc. that ends at eighth might consider admitting her for that one year to get her to an entry year. I think all of these possibilities are probably easier than trying to get into MoCo schools based on the previous discussions on this topic.