Cleveland Park Schools

[Anonymous]

We've recently moved to DC and are renting in Cleveland Park. We really love it here and would consider buying; however, the DC public school system is an issue. Can anyone tell us about the public schools in Cleveland Park?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Your public elementary is probably John Eaton. I suggest Googling the John Eaton HSA and finding out when you can visit the school. There are also periodic community meetings you could attend. I attended an open house a couple of weeks ago and was impressed by the teachers that I got to talk to and by the commitment of the parents. The school is also in better shape than I expected, with the exception of the single playground, which is uber-urban and treeless. However, John Eaton has had some problems. They are on their third (interim) principal in 3 years, and in the past few years test scores have plunged, which suggests that raising them will be a major preoccupation in the near future. Everyone seems very positive about the new principal and more broadly, the new DC school administration, but it seems to me that the school is still in a work in progress. Roughly 50% of families are out-of-boundary, by the way, mostly from Mt Pleasant and I believe Crestwood (could be wrong about the latter). From talking to other parents, my sense is that the % of out-of-boundary families increases as the children get older. A fair number of local families seem to move their children to other schools around 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

Eaton is a one of the best schools that has out-of-boundary spots available so that's why I know about it. We never got in but know other out-of-boundary families who did and spoke highly of it. Hearst is also there, for grades 1-3. It's a step down in teacher quality. Many families jump ship from both of these schools as soon as they get into a good charter school.

[Anonymous]

What about Murch? How's that?

[Anonymous]

We have two kids at Murch and have been very happy with it. There are a lot of international families, and many of the teachers have been there a long time and are excellent, especially the kindergarten teachers. The principal is new, so we'll have to see how she does, but the parent body is a good mix of type-A and laid back. Murch was recently designated a Blue Ribbon School by the Dept. of Education -- the only DC elementary school to receive that designation.

[Anonymous]

One other thing about Eaton--if you are looking for a "neighborhood" school, it might be a disappointment. On our street, not a single child goes there--they all go to private school. Hence, the spaces for out-of-boundary families.

[Anonymous]

Murch is not really in Cleveland Park--unless you're a realtor.

[Anonymous]

According to www.greatschools.net, Eaton's test scores show 75% reading at a proficient level and 62% proficient in math. Murch's scores are 86% reading and 76% math. Take that for what it's worth. Anecdotally I have heard terrific things about Murch and Lafayette, another Chevy Chase school.

[Anonymous]

Key (Palisades), Janney (AU Park), and Mann (Wesley Heights) all have good reputations, if you want to go the public school route in DC.