Escaping Alexandria Schools

[Anonymous]

We are beginning the process of relocating from Alexandria City to escape the schools there. Our child is currently in private kindergarten and will most likely stay in private/parochial school for elementary, but we are looking ahead and we absolutely do not want ACPS for middle or high school. Deciding where to go is tough. For those of you who have made this move for the same reason, can you share how you chose where to go and why?[b] Sorry if this sounds like a lame question...just feeling overwhelmed right now trying to balance, schools, quality and cost of house and commute to/from work for both my husband and I. First world problems...I know! Thanks for any help you can offer!

[Anonymous]

Where are you commuting to and what is your housing budget?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are beginning the process of relocating from Alexandria City to escape the schools there. Our child is currently in private kindergarten and will most likely stay in private/parochial school for elementary, but we are looking ahead and we absolutely do not want ACPS for middle or high school. Deciding where to go is tough. For those of you who have made this move for the same reason, can you share how you chose where to go and why?[b] Sorry if this sounds like a lame question...just feeling overwhelmed right now trying to balance, schools, quality and cost of house and commute to/from work for both my husband and I. First world problems...I know! Thanks for any help you can offer!

We ran the numbers and moved to North Arlington. A house there is $200,000 more than a comparable one in ACPS, but we calculated it was worth it. The value is almost entirely related to school quality. Pissed me off too -- Loved living in Alexandria.


By the way, we've been shocked at the number of former ACPS parents we've met now living in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

OP here: I commute to DC and my husband to the Pentagon City area (he has a great commute now!). Don't want to exceed $900 or so on the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I commute to DC and my husband to the Pentagon City area (he has a great commute now!). Don't want to exceed $900 or so on the house.

You could probably get this house for 825 to 850:

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4777-33rd-St-N-Arlington-VA-22207/12061003_zpid/

[Anonymous]

Why not stay in the area you love and put the $200K towards SSAS or similar school? Why is a move so necessary?

[Anonymous]

Whatever. I meant St. Stephens / St. Agnes or whatever the acronym is for that school.

[Anonymous]

Loser.

[Anonymous]

We moved from the City of Alexandria (not entirely due to schools, mostly due to limited TH space) and ended up south of Old Town in the Ffx. Co. part of Alexandria. We love it here and found that it was much more affordable than Arlington. That said, our budget as a little higher ($1.1M), but we wanted more space (4-5BDs and a big yard). We were able to find our dream home without spending nearly as much (less than $1M) and just couldn't find anything we liked in Arlington.

There are LOTS of former City of Alex./Del Ray/OT families here. But I know a bunch move to Arlington as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not stay in the area you love and put the $200K towards SSAS or similar school? Why is a move so necessary?

For starters I have two kids, so 200k would only buy 6 or 7 school years between them. SSSAS is north of 25k a year now i believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not stay in the area you love and put the $200K towards SSAS or similar school? Why is a move so necessary?

For starters I have two kids, so 200k would only buy 6 or 7 school years between them. SSSAS is north of 25k a year now i believe.

Probably north of 30k at present for upper school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are beginning the process of relocating from Alexandria City to escape the schools there. Our child is currently in private kindergarten and will most likely stay in private/parochial school for elementary, but we are looking ahead and we absolutely do not want ACPS for middle or high school. Deciding where to go is tough. For those of you who have made this move for the same reason, can you share how you chose where to go and why?[b] Sorry if this sounds like a lame question...just feeling overwhelmed right now trying to balance, schools, quality and cost of house and commute to/from work for both my husband and I. First world problems...I know! Thanks for any help you can offer!

If your budget is 900k, why don't you just move to N. Arlington?

[Anonymous]

What about Bishop Ireton? It is in Alexandria and is private and affordable. AND you don't have to mix with the Alexandria public school riffraff.

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of former Alexandria families here in McLean. You might be pleasantly surprised at the house & yard size you can get compared to Arlington, if you don't mind being a bit further out. Great schools & neighborhoods.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about Bishop Ireton? It is in Alexandria and is private and affordable. AND you don't have to mix with the Alexandria public school riffraff.

Ex ACPS here. We considered Bishop Ireton but decided we didn't want Catholic school. Just not our thing. But yes, it's one of the refugees for kids whose parents seek quality rather than dysfunction.