Unanticipated Move to DMV - we have 7 y/o and need school advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could rent a 3br condo in northwest DC and have access to the best public elementary schools in the area (small class sizes, teacher aides in every class). But you won’t be getting a large place at that budget, so that’s the trade off.

They aren't getting a 3 br condo for that price.

[Anonymous]

OP, this is a bad place to ask for advice because of all the political trolls that have taken over the schools forums. I would ask your or your spouse's co-workers that live in this area for advice. If you are moving for work, presumably they will put you in touch with a relocation specialist who can also help you with some of this. A budget and the type of home you are looking for when you do buy in a year would be incredibly helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ll be based in downtown DC. We prefer a public school, but are open to the right private school. Our preference would be DC or Virginia. I don’t mind driving. As far as a budget, we haven’t thought about it as we just found out Thursday we are moving. We are coming from the Midwest.

Public schools don't have a "registration/application period" to miss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, this is a bad place to ask for advice because of all the political trolls that have taken over the schools forums. I would ask your or your spouse's co-workers that live in this area for advice. If you are moving for work, presumably they will put you in touch with a relocation specialist who can also help you with some of this. A budget and the type of home you are looking for when you do buy in a year would be incredibly helpful.

What do you mean by the part in bold? Please explain yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look in the area of Capitol Hill but in bounds for Maury, Brent, Watkins or Payne Elementary.
The Hill is a beautiful area and walkable to many metros, restaurants, parks and the National Mall.
There are several local rental agencies but they don’t always know the boundary lines so do you own research.
I found hotpads to be a reliable site with actual up to date prices. I also recommend you negotiate!
Keep in mind that in many of the row houses you will need to pay water, gas, electric and internet which could run you another $300-$500 per month

As somebody who lives in Capitol Hill I second this post. You are guaranteed a spot in your in bounds public school, so even though you missed the lottery window, it would not impact a 2nd grader. Besides the commute, metro, and walkability of Capitol Hill, if you are new to the area and want to explore experience DC, you can bike/walk/scooter down to the Mall, museums, parks, sports games, etc. For better or worse, there a lot of families coming and going in DC (State Dept, military, moving, or school choice), so your child will not be the only 'new' kid - everybody is used to making new frineds. While my kids have been in their school since PK3, newer kids and families always have an easy time adjusting.

If and when you find a house you like, I'd reach out specifically for parents from that school boundary to talk to. I agree with the prior poster that this site can get pretty polarized and heated, and there are a lot of families in DC, MD, VA, charter, public, and private who are all happy with their schools, but aren't as vocal on here.

[Anonymous]

Arlington is a good option, even Alexandria City for lower elementary grades (Charles Barrett, Lyles Crouch, Naomi Brooks, George Mason). Both areas are e really Metro accessible to DC. Since you will be renting, that provides a chance to get familiar with the area before making a long-term commitment. Good luck and welcome!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We will need to rent for the first year. Commute I would prefer no more than 30 min commute to work. For rent we are thinking $3500-4000.

Ok, that is a tight budget, but here are some options on the Maryland side:

If an apartment works for you, check out the Topaz House in Bethesda, MD. It is an older high rise, with a fair number of families. It is in the Bethesda Elementary district. Although the school is less than a mile away, the bus picks up at the front door, because of crossing major streets to get to school. This building is two blocks from the metro and pet friendly, roof top pool, across the street from an excellent gym.

If you are looking for a house, look in central Silver Spring for houses to rent. Zip codes 20910 and 20901. Houses for rent go quickly. Silver Spring is more affordable than some of the areas and has a lot of midwesterners. We get to know our neighbors, have block parties, aren’t pretentious. It is an area with lots of federal workers and college professors.

Nooooooooooo. Stick to Falls Chuch. MCPS is super dysfunctional right now. Hell, for the past 15 years. Falls Church is your ticket

Agree. MCPS has been ruined by woke democrats. The same type of extremists control FCPS, but they have only just begun to destroy a system built up for years.

oh please "woke democrats" have not destroyed Bethesda elementary.

OP I am sorry but this is classic DCUM-- you will get some people who really want to help you and you will get some people who want to fight their internet wars with your question, so you need to take things with a big lump of salt because there can be useful information on this board but at the same time many of consider it to be alternative universe which has little in common with the real world in which we live