Recommend Hardy-feeding elementary for family new (again) to DC

[Anonymous]

We are moving back to DC after 5 years away. We’ll have a third grader this fall. Based on where she has thrived thus far (and where she thrived a bit less), I feel pretty sure that Hardy will be the right middle school for her, and now looking at which Hardy-feeding elementary would be the best fit. As a family we prefer a neighborhood with a higher walk score so quite sure Key isn’t for us, but not sure as to which of the other 4 might be good for her. Looking for smallish (though that’s negotiable if it checks the other boxes), friendly with a nice community feel, not overly competitive. She’s more of a stories and arts kid but she has a real curiosity for learning and science (okay so basically she doesn’t like math) and would love a school that encourages that inquisitiveness. Any opinions? Thanks so much.

[Anonymous]

Eaton

[Anonymous]

It sounds to me like Stoddert (Glover Park) would be a nice fit. Mann also checks the school boxes but maybe not the neighborhood boxes. At both Mann and Stoddert, the community is deeply invested in the school. Eaton may be that in Cleveland Park, too. I just don’t know and am naturally skeptical it is.

[Anonymous]

Hyde-Addison is smallest ES in the catchment and has brand new facilities. Very engaging, close knit school. Really like the principal, he means business and runs a tight ship.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't restrict yourself to a specific school zone given the housing market in DC. Find a place to live that works for you in one of those zones--the schools are more alike than they are different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hyde-Addison is smallest ES in the catchment and has brand new facilities. Very engaging, close knit school. Really like the principal, he means business and runs a tight ship.

I think Key is smaller actually

[Anonymous]

what is a walk score?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eaton

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what is a walk score?

a way to rank neighborhood walkability

[Anonymous]

Eaton was amazing for both of my kids.
Hardy has been less than good.

The shift from what Eaton is to what Hardy is, is not to be underestimated.

[Anonymous]

Mann is wonderful and is one of the smaller schools on the list. Amazing teachers and nice community. Classes tend to be small. If you live right near the school there is a decent amount of stuff you can walk to (school itself, Starbucks and various doctors offices, Wagshals, sporting facilities at AU, and possibly Cathedral Commons depending where you are. But it is not super walkable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eaton was amazing for both of my kids.
Hardy has been less than good.

The shift from what Eaton is to what Hardy is, is not to be underestimated.

Same experience. Hardy has been terrible this year. It’s jarring how bad it is compared to our experience at Eaton, where my first child went from PK-5th with the exception of the full pandemic year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mann is wonderful and is one of the smaller schools on the list. Amazing teachers and nice community. Classes tend to be small. If you live right near the school there is a decent amount of stuff you can walk to (school itself, Starbucks and various doctors offices, Wagshals, sporting facilities at AU, and possibly Cathedral Commons depending where you are. But it is not super walkable.

Mann is great. Neighborhood walkability is fine. Access to public transportation is non-existent.

[Anonymous]

Stoddert is right for you OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eaton was amazing for both of my kids.
Hardy has been less than good.

The shift from what Eaton is to what Hardy is, is not to be underestimated.

Same experience. Hardy has been terrible this year. It’s jarring how bad it is compared to our experience at Eaton, where my first child went from PK-5th with the exception of the full pandemic year.

Can you elaborate on the issues at Hardy, PP's?