King Elementary School, Democracy Prep or others in Congress Heights

Hi OP. While I have heard of all of these schools I don't have any friends east of the river who chose to send their kids to them. Most found a spot at one of the Hill schools, or went private.

A lot depends on your comfort level which likely stems from your background. Are you African American? What's your education level? I ask because, generally speaking, it makes a difference in what school environment you would feel most comfortable putting your child in. For example, African Americans are VERY comfortable sending their kids to Banneker (it's a phenomenal school), but whites are not. High SES AA's probably would not feel comfortable sending their kids to some of the schools you listed because they don't want their kids exposed to certain behaviors that are more prevalent at schools with a higher percentage of children who are growing up below the poverty level (see the string on what DCPS school affluent AA's send their kids).

There are beautiful homes in Congress Heights. I am very familiar with the neighborhood. Before I had kids, I never thought about "location." Of course now that I have three, I fully get the saying, "...in real estate it's all about location, location and location." I now know...buy in the best school district that you can afford

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I think--depending on your comfort level--you'll be fine at these schools through K. After that time, you may feel a need to reassess. Good luck!