Public schools -- elementary in NE neighborhoods or Takoma

[Anonymous]

My husband and I are looking to buy in one of the following neighborhoods: Takoma DC, Brookland, Petworth/Columbia Heights, or Capitol Hill. We have an 8 month old and are thinking ahead and we're wondering which neighborhoods have the best public schools for elementary at least, and possibly middle school as well. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

We live in Takoma DC. The in-boundary school is going to improve, I believe. First, there was a terrible fire in January so the school is finally getting the renovation it badly needed (very 70s yucky facility). Second, the principal is great. Third, there are so many kids in the neighborhood now that there is great pressure to return the school to in-boundary families. It's been an out-of-boundary school (something like 85%?) for years and years because in-boundary families did OOB lotteries or charters. TEC has some new families going this fall, the early ed program seems very good, they are an arts catalyst school, and have a lot of Takoma DC support from neighbors/organizations.

Also there are a number of fairly close charters and you could try your luck in those as well.

[Anonymous]

The Hill's got your best DCPS choices at present. Also the highest home prices.

Consider Barnard in Petworth and charters.

[Anonymous]

Or woodridge are lovely with lots of charter options.

[Anonymous]

There is a group of parents in Brookland working on the public schools in Brookland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband and I are looking to buy in one of the following neighborhoods: Takoma DC, Brookland, Petworth/Columbia Heights, or Capitol Hill. We have an 8 month old and are thinking ahead and we're wondering which neighborhoods have the best public schools for elementary at least, and possibly middle school as well. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Look in-boundary for Brent or Maury on the Hill:

http://www.dc.gov/DC/OCTO/Maps+and+Apps/Online+Mapping/All+Online+Maps/DCPS+Boundary+Information+System+(EBIS)

[Anonymous]

you might look in boundary for West Elementary (preS to 8th), which I believe has the option of Deal for Middle.

I agree that Takoma is up & coming, however, your middle option is only Takoma.

It feels like the energy around West & Takoma are similar and both very positive. Takoma will have the added benefit of new building, which can really have a positive boost for a school.

[Anonymous]

Brookland is a wonderful family friendly neighborhood. I don't live there, but wish I did. There are a number of great charters in Brookland, Yu Ying, Stokes, Inspired Teaching, LAMB expansion. You can get a lot of house for your money, great neighbors and probably have a lot of good school options available to you.

[Anonymous]

I'd strongly advise you to RENT in a neighborhood where you're not too uncomfortable with the inbounds option. Get to know the neighborhood and decide whether or not you like it. Then, try your luck with the good charters and OOB lottery. If you don't get lucky, at least the inbounds choice won't come as a shock.

Of the neighborhoods you listed, parts of Capitol Hill are by far the best of that bunch, notably Peabody, Watkins (now Logan) Montessori, and Brent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brookland is a wonderful family friendly neighborhood. I don't live there, but wish I did. There are a number of great charters in Brookland, Yu Ying, Stokes, Inspired Teaching, LAMB expansion. You can get a lot of house for your money, great neighbors and probably have a lot of good school options available to you.

PROBABLY. If you don't get in via lottery, you may be stuck