Moving- school advice needed
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Anonymous
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I am new and have no idea where to post this question…
We are looking to move next year when my kids will be starting middle school. Which school are you in, which county, that you LOVE? Looking for strong academics but also a walkable open community, with basic amenities in walking distance? We are European family, not interested in having to drive 15 min for every errand or get in the car when we are out of bread. Is this wishful thinking? Currently in ffx but looking for elsewhere. School quality is quite important. |
Anonymous
| Arlington. Many walkable neighborhoods with good schools. |
Anonymous
| But she wants good schools. If you can’t afford private, you should probably move back to Europe. |
Anonymous
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What’s your housing budget?
I would say Arlington or Falls Church City. |
Anonymous
Not Arlington. Unless you want to move again for high school. |
Anonymous
The Arlington high schools are quite good and most families send kids there. (Hyperbole and even lying are common on this site, and some might unwittingly think families are fleeing for privates.) Didn’t the high schools all rank among the top twenty in all of the D.C. region on Niche? W-L was 11 I think, according to the ARLnow story. Solid academics, sports, and walkability for all the schools. You can’t beat that combo. Arlington is one of the few DC suburbs where students can walk to elementary, middle, and high schools. And the cafe or coffee shop after school or for lunch. Top notch facilities too, either brand or relatively new. |
Anonymous
The OP was specifically asking for school quality and already lives in the region and wants to stay in the region. So why would you suggest moving for a school based on a ridiculous rating such as Niche and has close to 3000 students? It's ranked 20 in VA, 892!!!! nationally (USNWR). What non-no-cut sports team is any kid trying out for and getting on easily with such a large student body? It's not a public vs private argument. The fact is, none of the Arlington schools has good college admissions results compared to the top schools in Fairfax. |
Anonymous
OP wants top school quality and walkability that aspires to at least some of the qualities of European urbanism. The best of the best. If you want both Arlington is it. Or the Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS pyramid (for another good option), or maybe Madison or Fairfax High Schools (but those feel a bit suburban and OP is trying to get away from that). |
Anonymous
| School quality is much better in many European countries. Not all, but many. There’s an American stereotype for a reason. |
Anonymous
APS is mid, not top quality. Hardly the best of the best--what a stupid observation. Why would anyone who had the choice to move for better schools within the region choose to move to Arlington? |
Anonymous
| You want to live in Falls Church City, closer to Broad between Washington and West. |
Anonymous
Not that poster. And yet, many people do. We moved from DC to Arlington in part for the schools, and we are far from alone. No, the schools aren’t perfect. Yes, they are very good. Most people also need to consider things like proximity to work and cost in their decision. |
Anonymous
Exactly. People don’t move to Arlington for crappy schools. They move for quality schools, convenience, walkability, transit access, etc. Also, it’s rare for someone to go on a forum asking for recommendations on mediocre or average schools and school pyramids. I think Arlington and Falls Church City are both worth a look for OP, giver her priorities for quality schools and urbanism. |
Anonymous
| Mclean pyramid. You can find homes within walking distance of grocery stores and restaurants and even the school. |
Anonymous
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" We are European family, not interested in having to drive 15 min for every errand or get in the car when we are out of bread."
You aren't going to find that in the DC area along with all of your other requirements. Its very rare. |