Mann (DCPS) vs Somerset (MCPS)

[Anonymous]

We are relocating from NW DC and considering homes in boundary for Mann or Somerset.

Any perspectives you can share on the better choice?

Our kids have attended a private preschool that is warm, attentive, and focuses on developing the "whole child," including social emotional learning and fostering a curiosity and love of learning. Our oldest child is at a private elementary school that has the same traits, and we will probably keep her there. For a variety of reasons we are considering the next two to public elementary, though looking for something that will not be a jarring departure from their current experience or vastly different from their older sister's experience.

Thanks for your input. Also posted in the MCPS forum.

[Anonymous]

Mann is awesome. Lots of back and forth with private schools so won’t be jarring for your kids.

I can’t speak to Somerset directly (and have heard good things but one difference is that in DCPS, PTA can raise money and fund teacher salaries. So this helps Mann put a partner teacher in every classroom and fund other programs like gardening (and possibly some of the arts programming but I’m not entirely sure on how the budget breaks out). In MCPS, pta funds aren’t allowed to fund salaries.

[Anonymous]

I know many that find Somerset fairly ideallic from an elementary-school perspective. That said, it pulls from a super-wealthy area with basically nobody from apartments and little diversity (ethnic, economic, etc.).

Perhaps you don't care too much about public middle or high school. I know many MoCo families prefer Whitman, Churchill and other MoCo public HSs over BCC...which is what the Somerset boundary feeds into.

[Anonymous]

We love Mann. Lots of neighborhood kids attend and there is a strong sense of community. Agree that the partner teachers are a huge differentiator.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Mann. The education is very strong and student teacher ratio is small enough to tackle any challenges your kid may have

On top of it being a really really good school they really take advantage of being a kid in DC with unique field trips etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know many that find Somerset fairly ideallic from an elementary-school perspective. That said, it pulls from a super-wealthy area with basically nobody from apartments and little diversity (ethnic, economic, etc.).

Perhaps you don't care too much about public middle or high school. I know many MoCo families prefer Whitman, Churchill and other MoCo public HSs over BCC...which is what the Somerset boundary feeds into.

This is far from true. Somerset itself is not diverse, but the elementary school is wonderfully so. There are a number of below-market rate apartment complexes off of Bradley Boulevard that are in bounds for Somerset. The percent of students at Somerset who qualify for free or reduced lunch (FARMS) is over 20%. Additionally, a similar share are English language learners, ranging from embassy / NGO families to refugee families who live in the aforementioned apartment complexes. As of last year, 44 languages were spoken by the school's students. Finally, 50 percent identify as POC. OP, call the school to sign up for a tour. They have a great brochure they give out that goes through these facts and more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know many that find Somerset fairly ideallic from an elementary-school perspective. That said, it pulls from a super-wealthy area with basically nobody from apartments and little diversity (ethnic, economic, etc.).

Perhaps you don't care too much about public middle or high school. I know many MoCo families prefer Whitman, Churchill and other MoCo public HSs over BCC...which is what the Somerset boundary feeds into.

This is far from true. Somerset itself is not diverse, but the elementary school is wonderfully so. There are a number of below-market rate apartment complexes off of Bradley Boulevard that are in bounds for Somerset. The percent of students at Somerset who qualify for free or reduced lunch (FARMS) is over 20%. Additionally, a similar share are English language learners, ranging from embassy / NGO families to refugee families who live in the aforementioned apartment complexes. As of last year, 44 languages were spoken by the school's students. Finally, 50 percent identify as POC. OP, call the school to sign up for a tour. They have a great brochure they give out that goes through these facts and more.

For more informed opinions I suggest you post on the MCPS board. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Both seem great. Mann is probably the best school in DCPS.

Honestly find the house that works best for your family.