Looking for lottery recommendations and also best ways to research schools?

[Anonymous]

Superiorwitt wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, stop using Greatschools and Niche. Those websites do not understand how the DC school system operates and are often out of date. For example, you should definitely look at JO Wilson, which is near Union Market and is in a temporary space. They will be moving back into a newly remodeled building in 2026. Having to use a swing space sometimes causes a school's scores to dip because people leave, but I think JO Wilson will be a great pick and do really well once the renovation is over. This is an example of why you shouldn't just rely on Great schools.

If you want to look at test score data, you can look here: https://osse.dc.gov/dccape

Each school has a page on https://schoolreportcard.dc.gov/home and you can look up each school and review the topics most of interest to you.

There's a lot of data here https://www.empowerk12.org/dcdatahub although it's a little bit of work to understand how to use the dashboard. This will help you to review schools in the context of their demographics-- and this is important because DCPS has many lovely preschool and early elementary programs that don't have great test scores, either because of a high proportion of special needs students or people leaving the elementary school due to a lack of a middle school feeder.

You need to decide whether you're interested in language programs and whether you're interested in Montessori. Start by determining that. Then look geographically and decide how much you care about what the middle school option is.

Thank you soo much for this context! I'll start checking into this links to create a more refined list. Are there any sites, specific tips or recommendations to follow when using the school lottery as well?

I don't understand your question. Those are the sites. MySchoolDC explains the lottery. You should review all of this and then come back with more informed questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

Whittier is nowhere near OP's target areas, and the math and science scores aren't very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

I'm not advocating OP drive from Deanwood to Whittier which would be a hellacious drive but Whittier is a STEAM school and the only National STEM Honor Society elementary in DC with cohorts in fourth and fifth grade this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

Whittier is nowhere near OP's target areas, and the math and science scores aren't very good.

Yes, I pointed that out in my post. I was responding to the false statement that there are no STEM elementaries, and Whittier's scores are head and shoulders over Langley's, Seaton's, and Langdon's, the schools PP recommended.

But keep having Very Strong Opinions about schools you're unfamiliar with. It's a great look.

Happy Googling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

Whittier is nowhere near OP's target areas, and the math and science scores aren't very good.

Yes, I pointed that out in my post. I was responding to the false statement that there are no STEM elementaries, and Whittier's scores are head and shoulders over Langley's, Seaton's, and Langdon's, the schools PP recommended.

But keep having Very Strong Opinions about schools you're unfamiliar with. It's a great look.

Happy Googling.

Good luck getting your students on grade level in math!

[Anonymous]

Superiorwitt wrote:For additional context.. are the top 10 elementary schools(mostly upper NW) THAT much better than options elsewhere in the city?

ie Janney, Key, Stoddart, Oyster-Adams etc.

My experience with two kids in NW schools is that it's the company they keep. Most kids are high achieving and will do fine in life.
My older one is in college now (went to year 2) and he finds it easier than high school.

[Anonymous]

Curious about why you mention having property near Union Market— are you saying you’d likely move there? Otherwise, simply owning property somewhere does not give you boundary preference.

[Superiorwitt]

Anonymous wrote:Curious about why you mention having property near Union Market— are you saying you’d likely move there? Otherwise, simply owning property somewhere does not give you boundary preference.

It would be an option, yes; just seeing what may make sense

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

Whittier is nowhere near OP's target areas, and the math and science scores aren't very good.

Yes, I pointed that out in my post. I was responding to the false statement that there are no STEM elementaries, and Whittier's scores are head and shoulders over Langley's, Seaton's, and Langdon's, the schools PP recommended.

But keep having Very Strong Opinions about schools you're unfamiliar with. It's a great look.

Happy Googling.

Something tricky is that actually, science education varies widely between DCPS elementary schools (they all claim to do it, but execution varies. I have had kids in two different schools so I've seen this in practice. one school -- one or two 'lectures' on a science topic all year. another school -- hands-on experiments and projects all throughout the year.)

It might be hard to figure out, but maybe looking at 5th grade CAPE Science scores would tell this story?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn't a STEM-focused elementary school here. Beware of Harmony-- it markets itself as such, but its math performance is really low and it was nearly closed down a few years ago.

I would suggest you look at Langley, Seaton, Burroughs, Langdon, and Inspired Teaching. Stokes is a French and Spanish school so consider whether you want language, if you do, consider Mundo Verde and Yu Ying as well. Avoid Shining Stars Montessori, it seems to be in some sort of slow-motion collapse. Lee Montessori is okay.

You can use this resource to see if any out-of-boundary PK3s were accepted in recent years. https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 This helps you to avoid wasting a spot where you have zero chance. Look up Ludlow-Taylor and you'll see what I mean-- they waitlisted in-boundary students so out-of-boundary students don't stand a chance.

The best thing you can do for yourself is 1) understand the difference between boundary and non-boundary schools (which isn't the same thing as charter vs non-charter) and watch the video on MySchoolDC to see how the lottery works and make sure you do truly understand it.

If by "here" you mean Deanwood and Union Market, maybe. Whittier is STEM focused.

Whittier is nowhere near OP's target areas, and the math and science scores aren't very good.

Yes, I pointed that out in my post. I was responding to the false statement that there are no STEM elementaries, and Whittier's scores are head and shoulders over Langley's, Seaton's, and Langdon's, the schools PP recommended.

But keep having Very Strong Opinions about schools you're unfamiliar with. It's a great look.

Happy Googling.

Something tricky is that actually, science education varies widely between DCPS elementary schools (they all claim to do it, but execution varies. I have had kids in two different schools so I've seen this in practice. one school -- one or two 'lectures' on a science topic all year. another school -- hands-on experiments and projects all throughout the year.)

It might be hard to figure out, but maybe looking at 5th grade CAPE Science scores would tell this story?

Not at all. The CAPE Science test doesn't test actual science knowledge and the 5th grade scores are the least reliable indicators of anything for any schools not in the JR pyramid, since so many students leave for charters or feeds.

[Anonymous]

Superiorwitt wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Curious about why you mention having property near Union Market— are you saying you’d likely move there? Otherwise, simply owning property somewhere does not give you boundary preference.

It would be an option, yes; just seeing what may make sense

You don't actually need to move to that property unless you are trying to get an IB feed for the particular school the property is zoned for. Given that you dismissed all IB schools in the area except L-T (which, for the record, I don't think is wrong), you don't actually need to worry about this for ES... since a property IB for L-T would never be described as Union Market area (vice Capitol Hill or even near H St).

[Anonymous]

Regarding science focus, consider looking at Payne in the East Capitol Hill neighborhood. We toured them when we were deciding where to live and were very impressed -- great community and it seems to be getting better and better. Notably, they have a dedicated science teacher and classroom for upper grades that kids from 3-5 go to like a special, but it's part of their core curriculum. This seemed to increase the focus on science and also allow for more hands on activities.

L-T has already been mentioned, but they also seemed to focus quite a bit on science, with a school wide science fair that even the youngest kids participate in (early grades do class projects, starting in I think 3rd, the projects are individual).

Just noting these because people tend to focus on test scores, which are only part of the story. We found it enormously helpful to actually visit schools and talk to students, teachers, and parents. These were the two CH schools that stood out to us on the science front for these reasons, and I don't think you can get that from a MySchool profile or posts on DCUM (I think this site over-fixates on test scores instead of simply treating them as a floor for evaluating schools).

[Anonymous]

Since you seem to want to be very informed, OP, I will echo what another poster said about considering how much you care about your options after elementary.

I know your kid is young and you do have time before this is an issue. But just be mindful of the reality that your chances of middle school lottery success are small, so you may face a choice down the road of moving or private.

It just always seems to me that a lot of DC parents of little kids aren’t paying perhaps as much attention to that as they should be.

[Anonymous]

If you move to Union Market area you will probably be in-bounds for JO Wilson. It's a good middle-ground school--fairly economically diverse and it will be newly renovated by the time you get there. But if you want academic rigor, consider DC Prep and KIPP, which have more regimented curricula.