I'd have to disagree with this based on the makeup of DS's classes the last few years. I'd estimate perhaps 60 - 70 percent white which I don't think is bad for NW DC. |
| We have been very happy with Lafayette. There have been a bunch of logistical challenges this year with the trailer school, and so far we've been very impressed with how the administration and the teachers have handled everything. The new principal seems good--I think she may have ruffled some feathers last year but that's likely inevitable whenever you have a leadership change. She generally seems quite responsive. And we love the neighborhood and community generally. |
| OP, I would encourage you to take a tour if you can. Even in trailer city, it's still a very impressive school! |
| It truly is remarkably how well this year in trailer city is going (so far at least). Things were a bit last-minute before the first day, but now it seems everything is working as well as possible. The kids, teachers, families and admin really have a positive attitude about the whole thing, which is fantastic to see. And the new school next year should be awesome. We have been really pleased with Lafayette so far (child in 1st grade). There are some less popular teachers for sure, but I think things are just getting better and better. |
| I think it says something about the terrible conditions of the building when parents say the trailers are actually a vast improvement (something I have heard as well). |
| It's as good as it gets for DCPS. Why wouldn't you just move across Western for MCPS. |
Because maybe she doesn't want to have 28 kids and 1 teacher in her child's K class? |
And because maybe she doesn't want to deal with the 2.0 disasters? |
| Many people like it. Many teachers not into the new Principal. Some folks are peeling off. This happens in all schools - but all else is pretty typical and fine. I would send my kids there if they are able to go with the flow and dont have special needs. Janney is the "star" school in the area...but also Murch, Oyster, Mann (my opinion the best or second to Janney) and a few others. Good luck. |
Janney is the star because it is a great turnaround story. You don't hear a lot about Lafayette because it has been a terrific school for years and years. |
Agree with these sentiments. I have run into a few people who left for family reasons, didn't like teacher assignment or inability to have classroom changed. My kids seem to be moving through just fine; I was happy my 2nd was pulled for math to work above grade level last year. Master schedule changes and rotations in the younger grades makes it seem like school leadership is looking at how the school operates and areas to improve, streamline, etc. Seems like the "if it's not broken, don't change it" sentiment at Lafayette has left the building, which is great for the school. |
DCPS in upper NW is much better than MCPS. I guess it used to be different, but it certainly doesn't seem to be the case anymore. |
| DCPS in Upper NW compared to the top schools in mcps? You need to make a more realistic comparison... |
I agree for elementary school but there are huge disparities for middle and high school. The only way I'd do Lafayette was if planned on moving to private at middle school. We lived in CCDC & loved it, but ultimately weren't comfortable with the schools so we moved to MD. |
I would (an am) picking Deal over Westland or Pyle any day of the week. |