Public elementary schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase?

[MarinaK]

We are moving to the area just before the beginning of the coming school year and are currently looking into schools for my son, who will be going into first grade. Because we are out of state and are unfamiliar with the various schools, it would be very helpful to have some "inside" information. We are doing lots of online research, but it would be great to hear from parents with first hand experience. We are particularly interested in Somerset and Bethesda Elementary and would love to hear specifics about those two schools, but other recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Big class sizes and suspect curriculum (our view). We chose private. From their you can go with Grace Episcopal, WES, and some privates inside DC depending on your commute (Sheridan, Beauvoir, NPS, St Pats).

I'm sure the public school supporters will follow up with more responsive information (and criticism of my post).

[Anonymous]

Bethesda Elementary has a good reputation and its in downtown Bethesda which is a great area if you can afford it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Big class sizes and suspect curriculum (our view). We chose private. From their you can go with Grace Episcopal, WES, and some privates inside DC depending on your commute (Sheridan, Beauvoir, NPS, St Pats).

I'm sure the public school supporters will follow up with more responsive information (and criticism of my post).

Although these privates are all good, so are the publics you inquired about. The issue with a "suspect curriculum" is simply that the Montgomery County Public Schools has (recently) decided to slow down the math acceleration. Math acceleration (meaning kids moving 2, 3 years AHEAD of their grade year in math) is being slowed down. Frankly, this still puts these public schools on a more accelerated track than most area privates. Publics in MoCo are always stronger than privates (mostly b/c privates have less acceleration). Just wanted to put the "curriculum" into perspective. If you wanted your kid to be 3 years ahead in math then, yes, you will be disappointed in MoCo publics - and also in privates - and at Catholic schools - and anywhere else. If your kid is a math savant, just skip ahead to college math classes Otherwise, the MoCo publics you listed are on par with the privates you listed. Fear not, all of your choices are great.

[Anonymous]

The MCPS budget is decided in secret at meetings at which the unions and MCCPTA participates. No curricular change is possible w/o union approval.

Under the new curriculum students a made to sit in groups and teach each other while the teacher hops around.

It is a nice way to make everyone perform to an average level.

So, think carefully before you move to MCPS.

[Anonymous]

You should contact both schools and talk to the principals. If you will be in the area any time soon, also schedule a tour of both schools and meet with the principals personally. Online research and anonymous tips are one thing, seeing is another.

I don't see how recommending privates like Beauvoir or Sheridan (or almost all the ones pp mentioned) is particularly helpful, because all application deadlines have passed and I seriously doubt they would take any late applicants.

[Anonymous]

They are both great schools with involved parents and no economic diversity. In many ways their school populations are just like the privates PP recommended. Class sizes will be larger than independent privates (but not Catholic options).

[Anonymous]

If math is the problem, you can save your 35K per year and hire a tutor a couple times a week to teach one on one engaging, fun mathematics to the child's level and solve that problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The MCPS budget is decided in secret at meetings at which the unions and MCCPTA participates. No curricular change is possible w/o union approval.

Under the new curriculum students a made to sit in groups and teach each other while the teacher hops around.

It is a nice way to make everyone perform to an average level.

So, think carefully before you move to MCPS.

What a load.

[Anonymous]

Both schools are great. But good schools are crowded, in part because people like me (and you) move to the good schools. Great principals, experienced teachers, an organized, happy place = overcrowded.
That said, you can luck out. We are very happy at Bethesda Elementary, despite the large classes (28 kids per class in our first grade). But the class after ours (kindergarden) has about 20 kids per class. Go figure.
I have friends at Somerset who adore their school.
I have friends in NW DC at Murch and Janney who are also very happy. Janney is even closer to the Metro (Red Line) than is Bethesda Elementary.
We are lucky to have these choices. Wherever you go, give yourself a year to settle in.

[Anonymous]

My kids go to BE and we love it. I really can't imagine that the private schools are any better than Bethesda, Somerset, Burning Tree, etc. I am sure they both have good and not as good teachers. I think the key is the parent involvement. I know at BE our parents are very involved, we have many, many great programs for the kids, which really adds to their learning. I think you can't go wrong with any of the public schools in the Bethesda area.

[Anonymous]

there is plenty of economic diversity at Bethesda Elementary!
some students do live in multi- million dollar mansions
in Edgemoor , but other students live in small apartments
in downtown Bethesda. I know a few families who are
renting small apartments in town just to give their
kids a great public education at Bethesda Elementary!
FWIW, we live in a house that is with about $800k
(so middle of the road for BE)

[Anonymous]

Go with a private if you can manage it. There will be a lot to put up with otherwise.

[Anonymous]

35K a year is a lot to put up with. Try public and if you don't like it, switch. BE has lower income kids coming in from Silver Spring as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The MCPS budget is decided in secret at meetings at which the unions and MCCPTA participates. No curricular change is possible w/o union approval.

Under the new curriculum students a made to sit in groups and teach each other while the teacher hops around.

It is a nice way to make everyone perform to an average level.

So, think carefully before you move to MCPS.

Sounds like Montessori.