Moving to get good, but not "best" public schools (currently in private) - where to go?

[Anonymous]

Earlier poster here. I drop my daughter off at daycare near 495/Gallows and drive in, usually around 7:30/7:45. It has never taken me less than 55 minutes, ever.

I'm the poster whose DH works downtown and gets there in 45 minutes. He just goes straight down 50.

But I work in Hyattsville (hence why he generally does dropoff and I do pick up) and the days I have to do daycare dropoff at 7:30, I can get to Hyattsville from 495/50 in about hour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Earlier poster here. I drop my daughter off at daycare near 495/Gallows and drive in, usually around 7:30/7:45. It has never taken me less than 55 minutes, ever. I've tried 50, I've tried 29, I've tried 495 to 395. I commute to 7th & E NW. maybe I'm doing it wrong?

My DH works near the Hyatt (Senate side) and we live off of Hummer Rd in Annandale. This is the route he takes in the morning. He's been experimenting with return routes recently due to some paving work on the 14th St bridge.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gallows+Rd,+Annandale,+VA+22003&daddr=Columbia+Pike+to:38.891033,-77.048149+to:400+New+Jersey+Avenue+Northwest+washington+dc&geocode=FVe2UAIdGgFm-ymfQBVptky2iTH0lVegI-WMOw%3BFdQAUQIdcsZn-w%3B%3BFZJ-UQId4eZo-ylz4V02iLe3iTFkmwnzQkcVnA&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1,2&sll=38.85567,-77.10604&sspn=0.155601,0.257149&ie=UTF8&z=12

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Earlier poster here. I drop my daughter off at daycare near 495/Gallows and drive in, usually around 7:30/7:45. It has never taken me less than 55 minutes, ever. I've tried 50, I've tried 29, I've tried 495 to 395. I commute to 7th & E NW. maybe I'm doing it wrong?

My DH works near the Hyatt (Senate side) and we live off of Hummer Rd in Annandale. This is the route he takes in the morning. He's been experimenting with return routes recently due to some paving work on the 14th St bridge.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gallows+Rd,+Annandale,+VA+22003&daddr=Columbia+Pike+to:38.891033,-77.048149+to:400+New+Jersey+Avenue+Northwest+washington+dc&geocode=FVe2UAIdGgFm-ymfQBVptky2iTH0lVegI-WMOw%3BFdQAUQIdcsZn-w%3B%3BFZJ-UQId4eZo-ylz4V02iLe3iTFkmwnzQkcVnA&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1,2&sll=38.85567,-77.10604&sspn=0.155601,0.257149&ie=UTF8&z=12

Oops -- he just corrected me and said he takes Carlin Springs Rd to Rt 50, then on to Washington Blvd. So it's actually like this:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gallows+Rd,+Annandale,+VA+22003&daddr=38.852676,-77.122135+to:S+Carlin+Springs+Rd+to:Arlington+Blvd+to:Arlington+Blvd+to:Constitution+Ave+NW+to:400+New+Jersey+Avenue+Northwest+washington+dc&geocode=FVe2UAIdGgFm-ymfQBVptky2iTH0lVegI-WMOw%3B%3BFdj1UAIdXh9n-w%3BFaIrUQId-75n-w%3BFVhFUQIdtMpn-w%3BFTByUQIdtk9o-w%3BFZJ-UQId4eZo-ylz4V02iLe3iTFkmwnzQkcVnA&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=38.866177,-77.109604&sspn=0.077789,0.128574&ie=UTF8&ll=38.866177,-77.109604&spn=0.155578,0.257149&z=12

[Anonymous]

You might also look at schools in 22032, that feed into Olde Creek/Frost/Woodson. Olde Creek is one of the smallest elementary schools in Fairfax, with small class sizes and a very active, committed young principal. homey atmosphere, not "intense" as far as I can tell (though I only have a 2nd grader.) Houses in our neighborhood are in the low to mid 500k range for a 4 bed/3 bath. My DH commutes to l'enfant plaza by taking the VRE- it takes 50 minutes door-to-door but a pleasant commute, 10 minute easy drive to the station and 40 minutes on the train which he spends reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might also look at schools in 22032, that feed into Olde Creek/Frost/Woodson. Olde Creek is one of the smallest elementary schools in Fairfax, with small class sizes and a very active, committed young principal. homey atmosphere, not "intense" as far as I can tell (though I only have a 2nd grader.) Houses in our neighborhood are in the low to mid 500k range for a 4 bed/3 bath. My DH commutes to l'enfant plaza by taking the VRE- it takes 50 minutes door-to-door but a pleasant commute, 10 minute easy drive to the station and 40 minutes on the train which he spends reading.

I have heard really good things about Olde Creek. I have heard that Woodson is academically competitive, but not nutso socially competitive like Langley. We are zoned for Oakton High School, but opted for private. However, had we been in the Woodson or Marshall boundaries, I would have happily given these schools a shot.

[Anonymous]

To 20:59, I think the difference is he has a lot of stoplights to get to a major into DC artery. We only have one stoplight to get onto Highway 50 from home or school and 3 stoplights to 495. You actually live closer in than we do, but I think we have better access to Beltway and 50.

[Anonymous]

I would look at the neighborhoods that feed into Ashlawn and Barrett ES in Arlington (Boulevard Manor, Dominion Hills, Bonair, Arlington Forest). There are often houses in those neighborhoods that will be close to your 600k limit (although some may need some work). Dominion Hills and Arl Forest are mostly colonials 3BR/2BA and Boulevard Manor has a lot of split levels which offer a bit more room. Can't beat the commute from any of those neighborhoods and although they are good schools but not considered "best" in Arlington prices are more reasonable.

[Anonymous]

More about Mantua

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/072010laserhelo.htm

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/197/0002/tjw/(4)
July 20, 2010
Suspect Charged with Shining Laser at Helicopter

Mason Police District – An 18-year-old man was arrested after allegedly pointing a laser light at a Fairfax County Police helicopter that was in flight over Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Court, around 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.

The crew observed a group of people on the school premises and called for ground patrol units to assist. One of them allegedly shined a laser light directly at the helicopter, blinding crew members. An investigation led to the arrest of Michael E. Promisel, of 8938 Glenbrook Road in Fairfax. He was taken to jail and charged with interfering with the operation of an aircraft and endangering the life of the aircraft’s operators.

This crime is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/img/072010michaelpromisellaseringhelo.jpg

[Anonymous]

i too would check south arlington. commutes are better than further out- can get something less than 600k i would also try falls church city - own school district very small and gets rave reviews

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More about Mantua

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/072010laserhelo.htm

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/197/0002/tjw/(4)
July 20, 2010
Suspect Charged with Shining Laser at Helicopter

Mason Police District – An 18-year-old man was arrested after allegedly pointing a laser light at a Fairfax County Police helicopter that was in flight over Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Court, around 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.

The crew observed a group of people on the school premises and called for ground patrol units to assist. One of them allegedly shined a laser light directly at the helicopter, blinding crew members. An investigation led to the arrest of Michael E. Promisel, of 8938 Glenbrook Road in Fairfax. He was taken to jail and charged with interfering with the operation of an aircraft and endangering the life of the aircraft’s operators.

This crime is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/img/072010michaelpromisellaseringhelo.jpg

Well, that sounds pretty intense!

[Anonymous]

What a shame. Looks like the young man who was arrested is a 2009 graduate of Woodson, and won second place at the County Science and Engineering Fair last year for a presentation on Micro Hydroelectricity.

http://www.fcps.edu/dis/sciengfair/awards2009/09SecondPlace.pdf

I don't think this is a sign of any endemic problems in the area, just a kid who made a really bad choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look in south arlington--especially the neighborhoods
btw route 50 and Columbia Pike.

this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More about Mantua

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/072010laserhelo.htm

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/197/0002/tjw/(4)
July 20, 2010
Suspect Charged with Shining Laser at Helicopter

Mason Police District – An 18-year-old man was arrested after allegedly pointing a laser light at a Fairfax County Police helicopter that was in flight over Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Court, around 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.

The crew observed a group of people on the school premises and called for ground patrol units to assist. One of them allegedly shined a laser light directly at the helicopter, blinding crew members. An investigation led to the arrest of Michael E. Promisel, of 8938 Glenbrook Road in Fairfax. He was taken to jail and charged with interfering with the operation of an aircraft and endangering the life of the aircraft’s operators.

This crime is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2010/img/072010michaelpromisellaseringhelo.jpg

Your point?

[Anonymous]

Speaking of good schools (or not good schools) - I couldn't find West Springfield HS on the list of Science Fair winners (perhaps I overlooked it, but they certainly didn't stand out). Any thoughts on WSHS? Did they not participate? Does the pyramid or HS focus on something else (humanities? civics? history? arts? athletics?)

Also, surprisingly, I saw a fair amount of Marshall HS winners, and Marshall is an IB school - and I thought that generally (stereotypically?) IB is not known as a strong science/math (AP) school.

I want to thank the person who posted the link to the Science Fair winners - it is very telling as regards to those HS which apparently have a stronger math/science focus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Speaking of good schools (or not good schools) - I couldn't find West Springfield HS on the list of Science Fair winners (perhaps I overlooked it, but they certainly didn't stand out). Any thoughts on WSHS? Did they not participate? Does the pyramid or HS focus on something else (humanities? civics? history? arts? athletics?)

Also, surprisingly, I saw a fair amount of Marshall HS winners, and Marshall is an IB school - and I thought that generally (stereotypically?) IB is not known as a strong science/math (AP) school.

I want to thank the person who posted the link to the Science Fair winners - it is very telling as regards to those HS which apparently have a stronger math/science focus.

I am the one who posted about Marshall before and I am a teacher there. I don't teach math or science, but do know that because we are an IB school we offer many high level math and science classes. Our math department is especially good and many of the teachers have been there for 20+ years. The science department is also very strong. I don't teach IB, but I have never heard that IB schools are weak math/science schools. From what I know of the IB program, if you get the full diploma, it is extremely rigorous in all subject matters. And those students who get the full IB diploma have to take IB classes in ALL subjects unlike AP where you can pick and choose based on your strengths and interests. I am not knocking AP, but it is different than IB because there is no "AP diploma" option. The IB diploma is something unique that I had never heard of until I went to Marshall and it definitely offers a challenging curriculum for those who are up for it.