Good school district in MoCo that is affordable for parents working for federal gov

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a single mother eager to live near Somerset Elementary School. I was thinking of moving to one of those Soviet-style condominiums right near the Friendship Heights Metro--the Willoughby is the cheapest, I think (2 bedrooms for about $450,000); there's also the Elizabeth and the Irene.
Two problems (at least):
1. I don't see a lot of kids or kid-friendly things (playgrounds) in the vicinity or in those buildings. I could be wrong--I'm just starting my search.
2. It's LONG walking distance to Somerset for little legs. I do believe in walking to elementary school, but where can we live that's near Somerset? I can't afford the lovely homes near the school.

Any guidance appreciated. I don't mind condo living (I lived in NYC for many years), but we need a few kids to play with!

Why Somerset specifically?

[Anonymous]

Why Somerset?
1. I love their no-bullying policy.
2. I've e-mailed the principal, Laura Gross, a few times about my daughter's special needs and received a prompt e-mail in reply --and I'm NOT a parent (yet). Very impressive.
3. People with children at the school are very enthusiastic about the school. Not just "it's OK" --but thrilled with the teachers, the renovations, etc.

I'm not "wedded" to Somerset, but it seems to be terrific.

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring. Why would you go farther if you don't have to?

Contrary to popular belief, people who live in SS are generally very happy with the schools.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for additional info.
We were looking into zip code 20878 area, but with DH considering the career move, I started thinking maybe that's too far north.
Happy to hear that it is convenient enough to commute.
Silver Spring is also a consideration. Is there any good Montessori pre-school nearby?

[Anonymous]

what about apts on Westbard--Wood acres ES?

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring -- we love it here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for additional info.
We were looking into zip code 20878 area, but with DH considering the career move, I started thinking maybe that's too far north.
Happy to hear that it is convenient enough to commute.
Silver Spring is also a consideration. Is there any good Montessori pre-school nearby?

Julia Brown Montessori is in Silver Spring, as is The Barrie School (which IIRC is Montessori).

There is a wonderful Waldorf preschool in Silver Spring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Silver Spring -- we love it here.

We love it here too. We live in Woodside Park and couldn't be happier. And, my commute downtown is much easier than that of my sister, who lives in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a single mother eager to live near Somerset Elementary School. I was thinking of moving to one of those Soviet-style condominiums right near the Friendship Heights Metro--the Willoughby is the cheapest, I think (2 bedrooms for about $450,000); there's also the Elizabeth and the Irene.
Two problems (at least):
1. I don't see a lot of kids or kid-friendly things (playgrounds) in the vicinity or in those buildings. I could be wrong--I'm just starting my search.
2. It's LONG walking distance to Somerset for little legs. I do believe in walking to elementary school, but where can we live that's near Somerset? I can't afford the lovely homes near the school.

Any guidance appreciated. I don't mind condo living (I lived in NYC for many years), but we need a few kids to play with!

There are also condo apartments and condo townhouses on the other side of Somerset in back of Norwood Park. The townhouses are called Kenwood Townhouse Condos. I think. The roads are Hillandale and Chevy Chase Boulevard, among others. Those feed into Somerset Elem.

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring Montessori schools: also Crossway Community (address is Kensignton but really Silver Spring/Wheaton), Evergreen and Spring Bilingual Montessori. I'm sure there are others, too.

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of great preschools in Silver Spring and my sense is that many of them cost less than schools in more expensive suburbs or in D.C. Check out the preschool list on the aparentinsilverspring.com blog.

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring is a bit area - I'm assuming most posters mean downtown SS?

[Anonymous]

About Silver Spring -- yes, it's big and some parts are much better than others. Downtown SS, Woodside, Indian Spring, Dale Drive south of 29, Four Corners, Woodmoor, Northwood -- all nice areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Silver Spring is a bit area - I'm assuming most posters mean downtown SS?

SS also includes areas north - like Colesville, parts south of Ashton, and Briggs Chaney area (20905). There are some lovely homes and quaint neighborhoods in those areas, but if you're looking at easy access to metro, you've got to hit Glenmont (by Georgia Ave. and Randolph Rd.).

[Anonymous]

We live in the Forest Glen area of Silver Spring. It's very convenient. We can walk to the Forest Glen metro and it's a quick drive to downtown SS, Kensington, and other