Is there a significant difference between Walter Johnson, Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walt Whitman?

[Anonymous]

We live in Chevy Chase -- very close-in -- and have 4 college-age and teen kids. The proximity to Metro has been great for our kids in terms of affording them a chance to gain independence. They have explored the city and we've benefitted as they've shown us new neighborhoods and fun places to go. Additionally, our 3 oldest have traveled in US and overseas with friends, making good use of their skills in using public transit to get around.

[Anonymous]

I agree that the ability to use public transport can be a big plus. BCC is the closest in, close to Bethesda metro etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:white, whiter, whitest

reverse discrimination....reverse discriminiation.....black....black...black.....is that a bad word?

[Anonymous]

Let me add that there are fewer Jews at BCC. Whitman and Churchill and loaded with them and WJ has their share.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me add that there are fewer Jews at BCC. Whitman and Churchill and loaded with them and WJ has their share.

Oh no, Jews... beware!

[Anonymous]

How is BCC more economically diverse than WJ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just moved to the area and my children will be attending the WJ cluster this fall. Since we're new, I don't claim to have first hand knowledge. However, here are so things I've read/been told:

Whitman is the most expensive area overall. I believe it has the highest test scores. It is very highly regarded, although some people say the high school can be a bit of a pressure cooker due to so many high achieving, affluent families.

BCC has a well regarded IB program. Scores are excellent, but not quite as high as Whitman. It has a more racially/ethnically diverse study body than Whitman. I've also been told there is a high percentage of international families at BCC, lending an interesting, more cosmopolitan atmosphere. BCC is located downtown, so it's a slightly more "urban" vibe than either WHitman or WJ.

WJ draws from a somewhat more economically diverse pool than does Whitman. It is in the suburbs, farther out, just past the beltway. It is known for having a very good theater and music program, I believe. Some say it's less of a pressure cooker than Whitman.

Again, I am new here and cannot vouch for these stereotypes. I just pass them along for what they are worth. It's my understanding that all three school clusters are excellent. I was told by many that I couldn't go wrong finding a house in any of these clusters. Perhaps others with experience will offer additional insights? Good luck.

Really? East-West Highway (where BCC is located) is "urban?" That is one of the funniest things ever. Look, all of these schools are good. None has an urban vibe if that is what you are truly after. Whitman and WJ have a lot of diversity but the stereotypes on DCUM haven't caught up to the reality. Whit and WJ, perhaps have more middle eastern, asian, and Indian students and BCC, perhaps has more hispanic students. That said, there is diversity at all the schools. BCC might have more economic diversity whereas Whit and WJ have populations of wealthier immigrant families. All are good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just moved to the area and my children will be attending the WJ cluster this fall. Since we're new, I don't claim to have first hand knowledge. However, here are so things I've read/been told:

Whitman is the most expensive area overall. I believe it has the highest test scores. It is very highly regarded, although some people say the high school can be a bit of a pressure cooker due to so many high achieving, affluent families.

BCC has a well regarded IB program. Scores are excellent, but not quite as high as Whitman. It has a more racially/ethnically diverse study body than Whitman. I've also been told there is a high percentage of international families at BCC, lending an interesting, more cosmopolitan atmosphere. BCC is located downtown, so it's a slightly more "urban" vibe than either WHitman or WJ.

WJ draws from a somewhat more economically diverse pool than does Whitman. It is in the suburbs, farther out, just past the beltway. It is known for having a very good theater and music program, I believe. Some say it's less of a pressure cooker than Whitman.

Again, I am new here and cannot vouch for these stereotypes. I just pass them along for what they are worth. It's my understanding that all three school clusters are excellent. I was told by many that I couldn't go wrong finding a house in any of these clusters. Perhaps others with experience will offer additional insights? Good luck.

Really? East-West Highway (where BCC is located) is "urban?" That is one of the funniest things ever. Look, all of these schools are good. None has an urban vibe if that is what you are truly after. Whitman and WJ have a lot of diversity but the stereotypes on DCUM haven't caught up to the reality. Whit and WJ, perhaps have more middle eastern, asian, and Indian students and BCC, perhaps has more hispanic students. That said, there is diversity at all the schools. BCC might have more economic diversity whereas Whit and WJ have populations of wealthier immigrant families. All are good.

Agree with your assessment PP. There are tons of international families at Whitman. And I really don't think BCC is urban, although some of the kids like to think they are from the 'hood. The main difference is not where the kids live (it's all Bethesda, which is NOT urban) but where the schools are located. Whitman is a "closed" campus for 9-11 grade because there is nowhere the kids can walk during the day. BCC and WJ are open because they can walk to Chipotle.

[Anonymous]

The poster that mentioned urban was I doubt, referring in anyway shape or form to demographics so much as surrounding area, neighborhood, resources, access to transit, general feel. I doubt they were trying to make it sound like a true blue city school. The fact that they phrased it as "slightly more 'urban' vibe" underscores this fact.

...and that (slightly more 'urban' than WJ and Whitman), BCC most definitely is.