are all in-boundary applicants really in-boundary?

[Anonymous]

I think the common DCUM suggestion is for families who haven't purchased yet to rent in-boundary for a standard lease term of a year or so, then make a property decision that suits them better. Yes, they are entitled to remain at the schools OOB unless the child's behavior gives the principal some reason to look for an excuse to push him out. (This is hardly ever done, mostly because one doesn't want to "give up" on a troublesome student.) But the renters who do this are bona fide in-boundary residents for long enough to qualify. It is a loophole that helps young families who weren't yet ready to buy before the boom, families relocating from other cities, or families who like it better east of the park but can't pay for private schools.

We paid for private pre-K, then bought a condo in-bounds for Oyster instead but considered this, especially because we prefer a more urban neighborhood than those feeding into most upper NW schools.

[Anonymous]

Same PP just clarifying: Yes, these families do live in their rentals for a year or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is the link to the rules: http://os.dc.gov/os/cwp/view,a,1207,q,639915.asp

Chapter 21 is the relevant chapter, sections 2105 and 2106 and you also have to read the amendments. It appears that if you enter because you are in-boundary you have to remain in boundary to have a right to continue attending.

I looked at the DCPS website. They talk repeatedly about proof of residency. Acceptable documents include pay stubs with that address, a driver's license with that address, and other proog that this is your home address.

I know that in the past they have done checks on enrolled kids to make sure they live at the given address. The focus was on removing non-DC residents who don't pay tuition, so I don't know whether they also specifically go after out-of-boundary students who fraudulently used an in-boundary address.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a huge risk to rent in-boundary for a school and expect to stay there OOB for the duration after moving to an OOB home. It's a loophole that could be closed at any moment. I'd research this very, very carefully.

[Anonymous]

School administrators are extremely reluctant to throw kids out, especially high-scoring children with involved parents.

[Anonymous]

OOB is OOB, no matter how you got there (starting OOB or renting IB then moving OOB). Folks need to remember that schools will not always work with OOB families if problems (discipline, learning differences) arise. Also, many OOB families do not feel they have the same voice and status in the community. Depending on the school, there can be a real push-pull there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OOB is OOB, no matter how you got there (starting OOB or renting IB then moving OOB). Folks need to remember that schools will not always work with OOB families if problems (discipline, learning differences) arise. Also, many OOB families do not feel they have the same voice and status in the community. Depending on the school, there can be a real push-pull there.

I'm sure that's true in some schools but in my dd's school it was the OOB parents who were most engaged and ran the PTA.
We rented at first and then moved OOB when it was time to buy a house and we didn't have a problem. (But note that we didn't do that as a deliberate strategy.) But I have heard that OOB students can be asked (and have been) to leave if they are problems.

[Anonymous]

This is a crazy discussion. There are a handful of schools (Janney, Lafayette, Mann) that do not have enough slots for pre-k for all of the in bound parents. Most schools have just a waiting list for OOB pre-k. At the end of the day all IN BOUND parents get a slot for K. We live in a unique city where we even have an option at all for pre-k. Just because you were in bound at the time of applying does not mean you will be treated differently when you move OOB if you still want to stay at a school. There are plenty of schools (Hyde, Eaton, Stoddert) that survive and thrive on OOB kids thoughout pre-k-5 otherwise they would have to close because of lack of enrollment.