Elementary Schools In Capitol Hill

[Anonymous]

Peabody/ Watkins has a new principal that started last year (rough year to start) but seems great. After 8 years with a principal that divided the school, I would give it a chance. Also, when looking at boundaries, DCPS does have a proximity preference. Since the boundaries are so crazy a lot of people are able to use this preference to get into another school.

From the website:

A lottery preference provided to students who live greater than a half-mile walking distance from their DCPS in-boundary elementary school and apply to attend a DCPS out-of-boundary school that is a half-mile or less walking distance from their home. This preference only applies to students enrolling in PK3 – grade 5. Proximity preference is not offered at DCPS citywide schools. The application will automatically apply this preference based on the guardian's home address provided on the application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

It's not all about race, because it's also about class. There's such a correlation between race and class on the Hill that's there's no way to separate it. White and Asian families are almost universally highly-educated and economically stable, while there's much more variation among Black families.

Some families avoid schools based on reputation, but others, like us, leave because of negative experiences. We're white and a decade ago left our inbound Hill school after pre-K, as did others we knew, including our child's Black classmate with two high-powered lawyer parents.

Our kids are now in schools that have good reputations, and we're staying because they are doing well. Reputations are often earned by experience, though some of that is a self-fulfilling prophecy: A good reputation draws rich families who have the ability to choose where to live. Fewer poor kids makes things easier on the school, which improves the experience and reputation, which leads to further segregation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

And that it provides feel-good fodder for people like pp to take a cursory glance at the situation and believe they know best what is in the hearts and minds of their neighbors. So yes, shallow and weirdly arrogant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

And that it provides feel-good fodder for people like pp to take a cursory glance at the situation and believe they know best what is in the hearts and minds of their neighbors. So yes, shallow and weirdly arrogant.

I listened to it and it may be shallow but it doesn't have to go very deep to get at the fear and control wrought by gentrification and white supremacy. I'm a non-white parent with kids who were variously in SWS/Peabody, Watkins and Stuart Hobson. You might not want to see yourselves but I see you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

Everyone lists L-T and it is very diverse. Along with Two Rivers. Heck Maury is only 60% white which is a f-load more diverse than most suburban schools. Miss me with the virtue signaling and assumptions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

Everyone lists L-T and it is very diverse. Along with Two Rivers. Heck Maury is only 60% white which is a f-load more diverse than most suburban schools. Miss me with the virtue signaling and assumptions.

Actually I just checked: Brent, Maury and SWS are all 60% white. Plenty of good press on DCUM about schools that are only 1/2 - 1/4 white, including Van Ness, Ludlow-Taylor, Two Rivers, Inspired Teaching. "Even" Payne has an increasingly good reputation on DCUM. It's the height of substanceless wokeness to simultaneously claim that white families are racist for opting out of diverse neighborhood schools AND also racist for attending their inbound schools or accessible charters, thereby increasing the percentages of white kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

And that it provides feel-good fodder for people like pp to take a cursory glance at the situation and believe they know best what is in the hearts and minds of their neighbors. So yes, shallow and weirdly arrogant.

I listened to it and it may be shallow but it doesn't have to go very deep to get at the fear and control wrought by gentrification and white supremacy. I'm a non-white parent with kids who were variously in SWS/Peabody, Watkins and Stuart Hobson. You might not want to see yourselves but I see you.

Know exactly what you are talking about—I see it too. But that’s about how they act once they are in schools—normally abominably—but not why they choose schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

And that it provides feel-good fodder for people like pp to take a cursory glance at the situation and believe they know best what is in the hearts and minds of their neighbors. So yes, shallow and weirdly arrogant.

I listened to it and it may be shallow but it doesn't have to go very deep to get at the fear and control wrought by gentrification and white supremacy. I'm a non-white parent with kids who were variously in SWS/Peabody, Watkins and Stuart Hobson. You might not want to see yourselves but I see you.

Yeah, but would you have sent your kids to Friendship PCS, Eliot-Hine, and Eastern? I don't doubt at all that you experienced racism - both express and microagressions. But we need to separate that out from the relatity of school choice and trying to Pollyanna our way out of the reality that some schools fail all their kids, and no/few parents with options will choose them. And when it comes down to it, I very much doubt that parents are making real estate decisions based on the racial demographics of Hill schools. They probably do what I did - just verify which schools are generally considered ok and look for housing in those areas. I know when I was looking for a house we certainly had no red line between Peabody/Watkins and Maury and Brent.

[Anonymous]

I've lived in DC for many years, chose Capitol Hill for proximity to a job, and bought a house IB for Maury. To me, coming from a rural/suburban background, Maury looks pretty diverse. But I also notice that whatever race the families are, they're mostly rich. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about it. I'm follow discussions about race issues and try to learn more. I just wanted a good school for my kid, and I'm happy with it. I figure others in the neighborhood are similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

I am extremely curious how you come to the conclusion that L-T isn’t racially diverse. It appears more diverse in real terms than basically any school in the city.

Congratulations, I guess, on buying a home over one boundary line or another. We are all in basically the same neighborhood, and I assume you chose your home based on your priorities, which might include walkability, decent school, house/yard size whatever. Are you really trying to be superior about Watkins vs L- T vs Maury etc?

No? I am the poster who was questioning someone who said Watkins was "the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT." Whether or not this is the key metric or whatever, when it comes to LT, that's clearly just factually untrue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

Not if broken down by subgroup. In fact, in 2017-18, LT had better ELA scores than Brent notwithstanding their very different racial makeups. Test scores are not the be all and end all by any stretch, but the idea that Brent and Maury have way better PARCC scores than LT or Watkins really ignores the link between race and test scores across the city. All four of these school clearly have a large cohort of high achieving kids and very good test scores for UMC white kids, if that's your thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

I am extremely curious how you come to the conclusion that L-T isn’t racially diverse. It appears more diverse in real terms than basically any school in the city.

Congratulations, I guess, on buying a home over one boundary line or another. We are all in basically the same neighborhood, and I assume you chose your home based on your priorities, which might include walkability, decent school, house/yard size whatever. Are you really trying to be superior about Watkins vs L- T vs Maury etc?

No? I am the poster who was questioning someone who said Watkins was "the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT." Whether or not this is the key metric or whatever, when it comes to LT, that's clearly just factually untrue.

Sorry, I was trying to respond to the bolded. As if we chose our homes based on the racial makeup of the schools. If the people in this neighborhood really wanted all-white schools, they wouldn't live in the city at all. I don't get what PP is trying to say - I should have held out for a house in Watkins boundary? What?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We are in Peabody / Watkins and sending our son there for prek3. Watkins is the only truly racially diverse school amongst Brent, Maury and LT. Other posters aren't saying that but so much of the Maury, Brent and LT hype is because upper middle class white parents who can't afford private school are happy that their kids aren't going to school with black kids. Just keep that in mind when you think about what kind of school experience you want for your kids.

Sure, Jan.

I mean Peabody/Watkins has its own issues related to race but PP has a point. And while in other parts of the city people are more willing to just acknowledge that certain schools are more desirable because they are whiter and richer, on the Hill people will weirdly pretend it's not happening. But Brent and Maury are both predominantly white and that is unquestionably part of the appeal for a lot of families. L-T is interesting to me because while it's demographics don't reflect DC as a whole (it's about 40% white, 40% black, and then significant Asian and mixed race populations) it isn't white washed the way the others are. I am curious to see what happens in 10 years. If I had to place a bet, I'd assume it will eventually be heavily white the way Brent and Maury are. But I also wonder if there is something about that neighborhood that allows it to maintain greater racial diversity? Like maybe the proximity to H Street, which was an historically black business district and still has a lot of black businesses (though far fewer than it once did) might help the school retain a higher percentage of black students.

Still, it's gross that when people list the "good" schools on the Hill, they mostly just list the whitest schools.

The only person making racist assumptions is you (and PP, assuming that isn't also you).

Objectively, the best elementary schools on the Hill are Maury and Brent. For example, if you look at the latest PARCC scores available (2018-19), those two schools score way above L-T, Watkins, etc.

This is such an ignorant statement. Talking about race isn't racist, and these are just facts about the racial makeup of these schools.

To argue that Maury and Brent, the two whitest schools on the Hill (and among the whitest schools in the city -- Brent might have the highest percentage of white students in the city, even when compared to JKLM schools) are the "objectively the best" without addressing the racial component is irresponsible. We have to discuss why there is such a stark contrast in educational opportunities and results for black and white students in this city. Pretending that it's just an accident that the most desirable schools also happen to be the whitest schools doesn't do anyone any good. I know white parents at these schools don't like talking about this because it challenges their self-perception as liberal allies. But we have to talk about it even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Great. You are enlightened--here's your diploma. The messaging gets muddy when people--like pp--make a huge assumption that parents CHOOSE schools because "they don't want their child in school with black kids". That's where it gets beyond ridiculous.

Ah right - so there's such a difference between Constitution and 9th vs Constitution and 11th in neighborhood and location that OF COURSE parents aren't focusing on the racial makeup of elementary schools. It just happened that way!

Please. No one will talk about race on the Hill but it's all about race. Go listen to "Nice White Parents" - you'll hear yourself.

I have a lot of thoughts about that podcast. Mostly that it’s shallow.

And that it provides feel-good fodder for people like pp to take a cursory glance at the situation and believe they know best what is in the hearts and minds of their neighbors. So yes, shallow and weirdly arrogant.

I listened to it and it may be shallow but it doesn't have to go very deep to get at the fear and control wrought by gentrification and white supremacy. I'm a non-white parent with kids who were variously in SWS/Peabody, Watkins and Stuart Hobson. You might not want to see yourselves but I see you.

Yeah, but would you have sent your kids to Friendship PCS, Eliot-Hine, and Eastern? I don't doubt at all that you experienced racism - both express and microagressions. But we need to separate that out from the relatity of school choice and trying to Pollyanna our way out of the reality that some schools fail all their kids, and no/few parents with options will choose them. And when it comes down to it, I very much doubt that parents are making real estate decisions based on the racial demographics of Hill schools. They probably do what I did - just verify which schools are generally considered ok and look for housing in those areas. I know when I was looking for a house we certainly had no red line between Peabody/Watkins and Maury and Brent.

I sent my kids to my inbounds schools: SWS and Peabody (when they were in the same building, different kid, different style), Watkins and Stuart Hobson.