where to buy in NoVa for good but not crazily competitive schools and Spanish immersion option

[Anonymous]

We're starting to look to buy a home in the DC area. DH works in Fairfax and I'm in Crystal City, so ideally somewhere without a horrible commute for either of us, though we're willing to commute further with public transportation than if we have to drive. Our DS is still a toddler, but we'd like to move somewhere with good schools that are not full of hyper-competitive parents (because I could easily see myself becoming one too!), and would like to take advantage of the Spanish immersion schools in the area.

We're thinking Fairfax or Loundon counties - like the open space of W Loundon but not the commute time. Within Fairfax county, are there towns that would be better to live in for schools, or does each area have good schools? I don't fully understand the difference between county and city schools systems.

Financially we'd like to stay under $700,000, though could go a little higher for the perfect place. Any thoughts on areas we should focus on?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

How about Burke and the surrounding ares? The schools are quite good and Ravensworth Elementary has a Spanish immersion program.
Everyone in Northern Virginia seems to be fairly competitive compared to other places we've lived, but
I've found the parents in the Burke area to be somewhat less so than those in other parts of the county and actually, quite friendly. Lots of military officers and retirees and government workers. Nice, solid, down to earth area.

Also, a decent commute to both Fairfax and Crystal City.

[Anonymous]

Different poster - You could take the VRE from Burke to Crystal City

[Anonymous]

If you like being near the water, you could also look in the Mt. Vernon area. Ft Hunt has a good immersion program and the huntington yellow line to crystal city is an easy commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different poster - You could take the VRE from Burke to Crystal City

I agree. Burke! We lived in Montgomery County, MD, in the District, and in NoVA. Burke is by far our favorite. My husband's commute was so easy in Burke. He walked to the VRE station. No bus. No yucky, crowded metro. No insane traffic. Just a nice, quiet, clean VRE train. It was wonderful! The schools are very good. And the people are so friendly. We just loved it!

[Anonymous]

I will disclose up front that I am a realtor. I specialize in working with families relocating to the DC area.
I live and work in Fairfax County - just off the GW parkway between Old Town and Mt. Vernon. The schools are very good and the neighborhoods are lovely and affordable.
For reference the zip codes are 22307,22308,and 22309. Fort Hunt Elementary School has a Spanish Immersion program and I could help you search in that area.
Feel free to contact me if you wish to talk or set up an appointment.

Catherine
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

South Arlington has a Spanish immersion school at Claremont and several other S Arlington are good.

[Anonymous]

PP here, several other S Arlington schools are good.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend Laurel Ridge Elementary...on the Burke-ish side of Fairfax. It's a quick zip down Roberts Rd. to Fairfax City, and you can go right down Braddock to 495/395.

[Anonymous]

Just be warned, OP, that the Spanish Immersion program is a lottery in Fairfax County Schools. And just because it is your base school does not mean your child will be in the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just be warned, OP, that the Spanish Immersion program is a lottery in Fairfax County Schools. And just because it is your base school does not mean your child will be in the program.

Rose Hill Elementary has Spanish immersion program. In-district kids are chosen first from the lottery. If there are unused slots, the out-of-district kids get a chance. I believe there is one other FCPS that gives priority to in-district kids. The other immersion programs do not.

[Anonymous]

I heard that Laurel Ridge's principal is moving on after this year. Too bad, I've heard he's really good. We haven't had a chance to try public schools yet, but are hoping to this fall.

[Anonymous]

Homes are still affordable in South Arlington and that would put you in the perfect location for Arlington's Spanish-immersion programs, which they offer K-12. Claremont is the immersion school in S. Arlington for K-5, then immersion continues at Gunston middle school (also in S Arlington) and for HS at Wakefield.

[Anonymous]

Rose Hill area is affordable. Edison HS has IB. Don't know alot about the middle schools.

[Anonymous]

I'll also recommend the Mt Vernon area just south of Old Town. We live in 22308 and the schools are great. I don't know much about the spanish immersion program as that wasn't a desire of ours.