Is is possible to go to an elementary school not in your boundary?

[Anonymous]

New parent here trying to learn how the public school system works. DS is a few years away from school yet, but we're trying to decide if we should move into a different school district. Based on some parent feedback, I'd rather he attend the school in the next boundary over, but I don't know if that's even possible and if so, how hard you have to fight for it.

[Anonymous]

MCPS allows it in certain cases but it's very difficult. You basically have to "prove" why this arrangement is necessary. Look for MCPS web site for more info.

[Anonymous]

Which school?

[Anonymous]

Start here: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/transfers/

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for the link and info. This certainly isn't a hardship case, so seems like the chances are slim, short of moving.
To the other poster, we'd prefer to enroll in Garrett Park Elementary (I have several coworkers who love the teachers) and we love the neighborhood, but couldn't afford it 10 years ago when we bought our house. Seems like a huge hassle though to move just a few miles down the road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the link and info. This certainly isn't a hardship case, so seems like the chances are slim, short of moving.
To the other poster, we'd prefer to enroll in Garrett Park Elementary (I have several coworkers who love the teachers) and we love the neighborhood, but couldn't afford it 10 years ago when we bought our house. Seems like a huge hassle though to move just a few miles down the road.

OP, why do you think prices are higher in Garrett Park than where you live now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the link and info. This certainly isn't a hardship case, so seems like the chances are slim, short of moving.
To the other poster, we'd prefer to enroll in Garrett Park Elementary (I have several coworkers who love the teachers) and we love the neighborhood, but couldn't afford it 10 years ago when we bought our house. Seems like a huge hassle though to move just a few miles down the road.

Thanks for sharing, I was curious because I'm in a somewhat similar boat (zoned for Greencastle Elementary).

[Anonymous]

I was told nearly all COSAs are denied the first go around. If you appeal, you have a better chance of approvals. Also, don't just fill the form out, make sure to write a good explanation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the link and info. This certainly isn't a hardship case, so seems like the chances are slim, short of moving.
To the other poster, we'd prefer to enroll in Garrett Park Elementary (I have several coworkers who love the teachers) and we love the neighborhood, but couldn't afford it 10 years ago when we bought our house. Seems like a huge hassle though to move just a few miles down the road.

OP, why do you think prices are higher in Garrett Park than where you live now?

Because people who have more money than the OP (or me) bid up the prices.

[Anonymous]

we'd love to go to garrett park elem too LOL

[Anonymous]

Alot depends on the capacity of the school you would like your child ren to attend. If it is over capacity your chances are small. You need to have a very valid reason..not just we heard good things but couldn't afford it. A valid reason would be like you rely on grandparents for child care and the bus to their house is from the other school.

[Anonymous]

Correct me if I'm wrong but even if you get the school changed, you have to drive your DC to school, right? No bus service if I remember correctly.

[Anonymous]

Correct

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong but even if you get the school changed, you have to drive your DC to school, right? No bus service if I remember correctly.

OP - you need to think about this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alot depends on the capacity of the school you would like your child ren to attend. If it is over capacity your chances are small. You need to have a very valid reason..not just we heard good things but couldn't afford it. A valid reason would be like you rely on grandparents for child care and the bus to their house is from the other school.

This is the most often-used reason for approval, but PP is right you will get denied at first and then need to appeal. MCPS would rather have the situation be up front than play the residency games folks use in DC (e.g. change address of child to grandparents house so in-boundary anyway.)