s/o What happens if we move in December?

[Anonymous]

We are almost certain that we will be moving to the D.C. area right before Christmas. We are hoping to move to Takoma Park MD and would like to get into Takoma Park ES. Any advice on finding a rental, preferably a single family home? When would my DD take the exam for the magnet program? She will be in 2nd grade when we move. We are currently living in a part of the country where students are still bussed (to meet various socio-economic/diversity quotas) so neighborhood schools are new to us. Private really isn't an option.
TIA!

[Anonymous]

Search homesdatabase.com for homes in the 20912 zip code (I am not sure if the entire zip code is zoned for TPES though, but it's a place to start). I don't think you can enter the magnet in second grade.

[Anonymous]

The highly gifted centers are grades 4 & 5 and I believe you test into them in 3rd grade. There are several in the county but none in Takoma Park. I believe the county buses the kids.

The Takoma Park science magnet is a middle school magnet and then Montgomery Blair is the highschool science magnet.

You don't need to live in Takoma Park for entry into any of these programs.

[Anonymous]

There is a magnet program for 1st and 2nd grade at TPES that kids test into in kindergarten. That may be what OP is referring to.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Yes, I was talking about the magnet at TPES. Thought that we would need to get into this to get on a 'good path' for other magnets. That's how it is here. Magnets feed into other magnets.
All the info. you are providing is very much appreciated! This is a big move for us and I am already having anxiety about it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - Yes, I was talking about the magnet at TPES. Thought that we would need to get into this to get on a 'good path' for other magnets. That's how it is here. Magnets feed into other magnets.
All the info. you are providing is very much appreciated! This is a big move for us and I am already having anxiety about it!

No need to be in that magnet (it's the only GT magnet for grades 1/2) to test into the Highly Gifted Center. If your child is qualified, s/he will test in.

[Anonymous]

If you haven't already bought a house - don't forget to look at fairfax county - it has a much better more consistent approach program for gt kids - you stay in the program from grades 3-8 and don't have to re-apply and can come and gofrom privates and still be in the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you haven't already bought a house - don't forget to look at fairfax county - it has a much better more consistent approach program for gt kids - you stay in the program from grades 3-8 and don't have to re-apply and can come and gofrom privates and still be in the program.

This is the Maryland Public Schools board.

OP said they plan to move to Takoma Park.

Why would she look at Fairfax County?

[Anonymous]

OP here - I am pretty sold on Takoma Park (for many reasons, not just because of the schools). We are just regular down to earth people looking for a place to fit in. Housing costs are staggering to me and we don't plan to buy again soon. Who knows? We may never buy again and I am okay with that.
I have no idea where I will work, my DH's work is in Adelphi, the part that is outside of the beltway.
Any other school advice is appreciated. Any further advice on finding a rental is great as well. Rentals seem kinda scarce and we are of course we will be moving at the worst possible time. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

We moved this year in Dec, when our daughter was in 2nd grade too. I spent a lot of time trolling craigslist and homedatabase. We were also very interested in TP, but ended up in another part of MoCo that we are very happy with. Good luck!