Gonzaga neighborhood concern

[Anonymous]

We will find out today if we got in but I have a growing concern about this school with 4 shootings in the last month and 1 this week. I suspect other schools like SJC and DeMatha and Va Catholic schools may get more attendance because of this. Anyone else feel this way?

[Anonymous]

We have been at Gonzaga for a few years now. It has not been a problem for students. There was one issue a few years ago- a student was held up and asked for money. This was maybe 4 years ago.

DS feels comfortable taking metro. According to my son he walks by many of the people they serve breakfast and lunch to each day. We do pick up if late practice though.

That being said, the city is changing and nit for the better.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, yes. It was the “dream” school for our DS since K. But with crime completely out of control and the DC local government seemingly paralyzed on crime we’re not sure anymore. Plus, we’re only downtown now 2 days a week so it feels even more uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

The question is how much risk you are willing to take or endure.

Are the odds that your son might be accosted while walking the few blocks down N. Capitol street to catch the Metro equal to ZERO?

Of course not! But incidents are rare.

Boys learn to live in the heart of the city in the hours before and after school. They travel in groups. They behave in an appropriate manner.

I was amazed how well adapted my Gonzaga senior had become.

But if you are a person adverse to any level of danger, no matter how small, sending your son to Eye Street 180 days a year may be too much stress for you.

[Anonymous]

Gonzaga is DS’s clear first choice and DH and I also love it and think it would be a great fit for him. If he’s accepted, we plan to send him.

That said, I do worry about crime in the neighborhood and would love to hear from current parents about this. Our plan would be to hopefully find a carpool in the morning (a number of kids in our neighborhood attend/applied) and for him to metro home. If he’s there after dark, we would pick up.

[Anonymous]

Gonzaga has always been a somewhat sketchy location. I would not let that influence your decision if it’s the right school. If your kid is going to metro and walk, I’d make sure they are comfortable dealing with panhandling etc.

[Anonymous]

This topic was discussed at length in a re ent post, starting on page 3:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1187487.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga has always been a somewhat sketchy location. I would not let that influence your decision if it’s the right school. If your kid is going to metro and walk, I’d make sure they are comfortable dealing with panhandling etc.

This. All I hear from the boys about the location is how long the line is at Cane's.

With WM closed and Georgetown moving to control half that block, I would expect some continued improvement in the direction toward Union Station.

[Anonymous]

This board might affect your feelings but it doesn’t reflect our reality. I have a junior and while it’s been a good way to talk about street smarts and common sense (like keeping an arm looped through your backpack on the metro instead of next to you where it can get stolen), we have never been worried about safety. He’s not allowed to walk to the metro in the dark, but that’s just normal teenage best practice, not unique to that area.

[Anonymous]

Also more worried, but son loves it there and the education is outstanding

[Anonymous]

That area is no more dangerous today than it was 20 years ago. It’s an urban school in a major city. It may not be for everyone. Crime will always be an issue. But, despite the general increase in crime (thank you, Charles Allen), it remains the case that the odds of something happening going to/from Union Station are incredibly low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This board might affect your feelings but it doesn’t reflect our reality. I have a junior and while it’s been a good way to talk about street smarts and common sense (like keeping an arm looped through your backpack on the metro instead of next to you where it can get stolen), we have never been worried about safety. He’s not allowed to walk to the metro in the dark, but that’s just normal teenage best practice, not unique to that area.

How can you avoid walking to the metro in the dark during winter if you have after school activities? My son always was walking there in the dark and never had an issue. But this was a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

If you want rolling hill and manicured lawns, you were always going to choose Prep. Don't pretend now that you just realized Gonzaga is located near Union Station and the US Capitol (both known for criminal activity I guess).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga has always been a somewhat sketchy location. I would not let that influence your decision if it’s the right school. If your kid is going to metro and walk, I’d make sure they are comfortable dealing with panhandling etc.

This. All I hear from the boys about the location is how long the line is at Cane's.

With WM closed and Georgetown moving to control half that block, I would expect some continued improvement in the direction toward Union Station.

Is the law school expanding? I’m an alum and had not heard about it. That neighborhood was bad 20 years ago when I was in law school and I doubt has gotten that much worse.

[Anonymous]

I feel like the Gonzaga boys are a positive presence in the area. Dealing with crime and homelessness outside the school doors seems like a good way for them to learn about the world. It’s not ideal obviously but it’s a teaching opportunity.