Good elementary schools in Arlington & Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of moving to Arlington or Alexandria (city), and want to make sure we end up somewhere with good schools. I'd be glad to hear any comments about particularly good elementary schools. We want to live as close to DC as possible-- so are not crazy about the "far" parts of Arlington or Alexandria. We are not necessarily looking for schools that consistently have the "best" test scores-- we are really more interested in schools that are academically solid, but that also offer nurturing environments and--ideally-- small classes and good arts programs. Thanks for any info!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of moving to Arlington or Alexandria (city), and want to make sure we end up somewhere with good schools. I'd be glad to hear any comments about particularly good elementary schools. We want to live as close to DC as possible-- so are not crazy about the "far" parts of Arlington or Alexandria. We are not necessarily looking for schools that consistently have the "best" test scores-- we are really more interested in schools that are academically solid, but that also offer nurturing environments and--ideally-- small classes and good arts programs. Thanks for any info!

Waynewood Elementary in Mt. Vernon is an excellent grade school - 22308. Small classes, great parent reviews, and a top 10 elementary school in Fairfax Co. Area is lovely as well. Great area to raise children.

[Anonymous]

academically solid, but that also offer nurturing environments and--ideally-- small classes and good arts programs

sounds like Barrett, near Ballston. My kids go to Taylor, which is also great, but a friend's son is very happy at Barrett. There's some redrawing of boundaries going on at the moment, so you'd need to look into that.

I don't know any Arlington parents who have anything other than praise for their kids' schools. Part of that may be the degree of school choice Arlington offers.

[Anonymous]

I know it seems like a long way off, but you might want to consider the high school situation before you settle on Alexandria versus Arlington. Alexandria has one huge high school -- T.C. Williams. Arlington has a number of smaller high schools, which you choose (I think) through lottery. Your children are also eligible for Thomas Jefferson if you live in Arlington; not so if you live in the city of Alexandria. If you live in the Fairfax County area that is also called Alexandria (i.e., down the G.W. Parkway near Mount Vernon) you are also eligible for Thomas Jefferson, but quite far away. Thomas Jefferson Magnet School was recently identified by U.S. News as the best school in the entire country. It focuses on math and science.

We live in the city of Alexandria and I must say that the prospect of T.C. Williams is a bit frightening. I wish that Alexandria had several smaller high schools instead of one enormous, college-sized place.

[Anonymous]

I have not heard great things about city of Alexandria schools. In Arlington, good elementary schools are considered to be Jamestown, Taylor & Nottingham - all in the 22207 zip code. They feed into Williamsburg Middle School and Yorktown High.

[Anonymous]

I, too, have not heard great things about city of Alexandria schools. The Fairfax County part of Alexandria is a different story. As for Arlington, I really don't think you can go wrong with any elementary schools in Arlington. I disagree with the previous poster who said the good schools are only Jamestown, Nottingham, and Taylor. Yes, those are good schools with high test scores, but there are many other excellent schools in Arlington - Tuckahoe, Glebe, Ashlawn, etc.

[Anonymous]

My DD attends Taylor and we are very pleased with it.

[Anonymous]

Most Arlington parents would agree - you cannot go wrong with the public schools. The elementary schools are wonderful! As far as an earlier comment about choosing HS - you have a neighborhood HS, you do not choose which one (except HB Woodlawn is lottery). Washington-Lee was just re-done and is beautiful. Yorktown and Wakefield are both due to have renovations in the near future.