Pros/cons of Brent vs Maury?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A challenge at Brent is so many families start peeling off that the kid your child becomes friends with may not be there for 4th (and repeat for 5th).

It happens at Maury as well - but not to the same extent.

Data does not support this claim. Both had 11 move to BASIS.

Can you share the data source that supports this? Mostly curious to see the trends in 5th and 6th grader movements from Maury. As a mom to an ECE kid I am trying to wrap my mind around what ppl do beyond elementary.

https://dme.dc.gov/page/download-data

It requires some logic and noodling to put it together. For instance, there are 24 kids at Tyler who are IB for Brent. One assumes those kids are in PS3 and PK4 and didn't start at Brent and leave in upper ES. There are 11 kids at SWS who are IB for Maury. One assumes those kids didn't depart Maury for SWS in upper grades. BASIS is easier since the only overlapping year is 5th so we know with certainty that the kids moved there in 5th.

Interesting info, thanks for sharing. So does this mean in 2021 no one from Maury nor Brent went to Latin in 5th??

No. The reporting threshold is 10. There were 27 kids at Latin IB for Jefferson MS, 29 IB for EH MS and 42 from SH. No way of knowing what ES catchments those numbers came from.

One thing you can be sure of though is that 100% had sibling preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but I am bumping this up for additional LT and Brent comparisons. In at one and just got an offer for the other for K. Housing and transit are not an issue as commute would be about the same for us.

I think the schools are more similar than different at this point... But when we had to make this choice last year, we stuck with LT. I talked to a lot of families we knew at both schools and the overall sense I got was that Brent was richer, whiter and a bit more insular. Although the schools have similar IB rates now (63 v 68), LT has a recent history of an OOB majority whereas Brent has actually seen its IB decrease recently, so LT seemed a bit more welcoming/we're lucky to have you towards OOB families vs a little resentful, if that makes sense. (LT classes also max out at 22 kids and there are only 2 classes over 20, so there is also not a sense that OOB families are making classes too full, which may help too. I'm not sure.) Also because our kids are also young, the facilities situatio weighed for me as well. Brent's building is in really bad shape (terrible air quality numbers during COVID, overcrowded) and then they will be in swing space in 2 years and it could take 2 years until they get what should then be a really beautiful building back, and by that time my kids will be pratically out the door. Also, the differences between the two schools' outdoor facilities are pretty noticeable, but Brent has Garfield park right there, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Because we stayed at LT, I have way more familiarity with it. But we've had a really great experience. My kids' teachers are very good and truly amazing. The specials teachers are great. The after school clubs and aftercare are particularly incredible -- really unmatched anywhere on the Hill. The community events are really well done. Of course, we know families that are incredibly happy at Brent, so I don't think you can go wrong.

No hate toward LT. I am sure it is fine. Just noting for context that, if you read the threads on this board, there is obviously a post (or group of posters?) who spend their time talking up LT. I am not sure if it is PTA moms trying to build up their school or people who invested in housing in that zone hoping to get more appreciation. Still, it's notable, and you should view their comments in that light. For most people on the Hill, Brent and Maury are generally regarded as the top performers, which is why the LT posters also try to force themselves into discussions about those two schools or to favorably compare LT to those two schools. I have only limited experience with LT, so don't mean to bash it. However, I will say that the LT posting pops out as quite coordinated or purposerful.

I mean the PP literally asked for a comparison of Brent and Ludlow, so I'm curious how your take is that Ludlow was forcing itself into that discussion?

The title of the thread is "Pros/cons of Brent vs Maury" and it only turned to LT because the LT brigade showed up.

Actually it turned to LT because a poster bumped a nearly 3 week old thread to ask for a comparison of Brent and LT... Unless you think that benign question is a secret squirrel plant by the LT PTA and/or real estate folks too? (Previously LT was mentioned in like 3 replies of 50 and more about the neighborhood being good than the school specifically.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but I am bumping this up for additional LT and Brent comparisons. In at one and just got an offer for the other for K. Housing and transit are not an issue as commute would be about the same for us.

I think the schools are more similar than different at this point... But when we had to make this choice last year, we stuck with LT. I talked to a lot of families we knew at both schools and the overall sense I got was that Brent was richer, whiter and a bit more insular. Although the schools have similar IB rates now (63 v 68), LT has a recent history of an OOB majority whereas Brent has actually seen its IB decrease recently, so LT seemed a bit more welcoming/we're lucky to have you towards OOB families vs a little resentful, if that makes sense. (LT classes also max out at 22 kids and there are only 2 classes over 20, so there is also not a sense that OOB families are making classes too full, which may help too. I'm not sure.) Also because our kids are also young, the facilities situatio weighed for me as well. Brent's building is in really bad shape (terrible air quality numbers during COVID, overcrowded) and then they will be in swing space in 2 years and it could take 2 years until they get what should then be a really beautiful building back, and by that time my kids will be pratically out the door. Also, the differences between the two schools' outdoor facilities are pretty noticeable, but Brent has Garfield park right there, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Because we stayed at LT, I have way more familiarity with it. But we've had a really great experience. My kids' teachers are very good and truly amazing. The specials teachers are great. The after school clubs and aftercare are particularly incredible -- really unmatched anywhere on the Hill. The community events are really well done. Of course, we know families that are incredibly happy at Brent, so I don't think you can go wrong.

No hate toward LT. I am sure it is fine. Just noting for context that, if you read the threads on this board, there is obviously a post (or group of posters?) who spend their time talking up LT. I am not sure if it is PTA moms trying to build up their school or people who invested in housing in that zone hoping to get more appreciation. Still, it's notable, and you should view their comments in that light. For most people on the Hill, Brent and Maury are generally regarded as the top performers, which is why the LT posters also try to force themselves into discussions about those two schools or to favorably compare LT to those two schools. I have only limited experience with LT, so don't mean to bash it. However, I will say that the LT posting pops out as quite coordinated or purposerful.

Wow, and this really reads like a Bitter Betty that your school’s club has gotten less exclusive. You don’t think it could be a group of families that are happy at LT? That’s less likely than real estate speculators? Really?

I think the PP was pretty open that Brent was more gentrified/richer than LT. Is that what you mean by a top performer? Last year’s PARCC scores split between the two schools and lean to LT if you account for demographics. What performance are you talking about, specifically?

My personal take is that Brent posters are bitter that Maury has clearly eclipsed them as the best regarded school on the Hill. Or perhaps it’s an orchestrated effort by real estate investors!

Ok, but when was the last time you saw Brent or Maury parents inserting themselves into threads about LT? I actually don't have kids at Brent or Maury either. I am just an observer from the neighborhood who finds boosterism tiresome. Now, I will grant you that LT seems like a fine place. I would not have a problem sending my kids there, but we are elsewhere. I responded only to provide some additional color and context to the person asking.

I mean, here's a recent one: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1050046.page#23635541. I searched the forum for 60 seconds. I don't really think it's surprising that threads talking about Hill ESes often end up talking about other ESes. I really don't think it's a conspiracy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but I am bumping this up for additional LT and Brent comparisons. In at one and just got an offer for the other for K. Housing and transit are not an issue as commute would be about the same for us.

I think the schools are more similar than different at this point... But when we had to make this choice last year, we stuck with LT. I talked to a lot of families we knew at both schools and the overall sense I got was that Brent was richer, whiter and a bit more insular. Although the schools have similar IB rates now (63 v 68), LT has a recent history of an OOB majority whereas Brent has actually seen its IB decrease recently, so LT seemed a bit more welcoming/we're lucky to have you towards OOB families vs a little resentful, if that makes sense. (LT classes also max out at 22 kids and there are only 2 classes over 20, so there is also not a sense that OOB families are making classes too full, which may help too. I'm not sure.) Also because our kids are also young, the facilities situatio weighed for me as well. Brent's building is in really bad shape (terrible air quality numbers during COVID, overcrowded) and then they will be in swing space in 2 years and it could take 2 years until they get what should then be a really beautiful building back, and by that time my kids will be pratically out the door. Also, the differences between the two schools' outdoor facilities are pretty noticeable, but Brent has Garfield park right there, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Because we stayed at LT, I have way more familiarity with it. But we've had a really great experience. My kids' teachers are very good and truly amazing. The specials teachers are great. The after school clubs and aftercare are particularly incredible -- really unmatched anywhere on the Hill. The community events are really well done. Of course, we know families that are incredibly happy at Brent, so I don't think you can go wrong.

No hate toward LT. I am sure it is fine. Just noting for context that, if you read the threads on this board, there is obviously a post (or group of posters?) who spend their time talking up LT. I am not sure if it is PTA moms trying to build up their school or people who invested in housing in that zone hoping to get more appreciation. Still, it's notable, and you should view their comments in that light. For most people on the Hill, Brent and Maury are generally regarded as the top performers, which is why the LT posters also try to force themselves into discussions about those two schools or to favorably compare LT to those two schools. I have only limited experience with LT, so don't mean to bash it. However, I will say that the LT posting pops out as quite coordinated or purposerful.

Wow, and this really reads like a Bitter Betty that your school’s club has gotten less exclusive. You don’t think it could be a group of families that are happy at LT? That’s less likely than real estate speculators? Really?

I think the PP was pretty open that Brent was more gentrified/richer than LT. Is that what you mean by a top performer? Last year’s PARCC scores split between the two schools and lean to LT if you account for demographics. What performance are you talking about, specifically?

My personal take is that Brent posters are bitter that Maury has clearly eclipsed them as the best regarded school on the Hill. Or perhaps it’s an orchestrated effort by real estate investors!

Ok, but when was the last time you saw Brent or Maury parents inserting themselves into threads about LT? I actually don't have kids at Brent or Maury either. I am just an observer from the neighborhood who finds boosterism tiresome. Now, I will grant you that LT seems like a fine place. I would not have a problem sending my kids there, but we are elsewhere. I responded only to provide some additional color and context to the person asking.

I mean, here's a recent one: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1050046.page#23635541. I searched the forum for 60 seconds. I don't really think it's surprising that threads talking about Hill ESes often end up talking about other ESes. I really don't think it's a conspiracy.

A recent one from seven months ago where the reference to other schools appears to have been written by an LT parent? Ok, chief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but I am bumping this up for additional LT and Brent comparisons. In at one and just got an offer for the other for K. Housing and transit are not an issue as commute would be about the same for us.

I think the schools are more similar than different at this point... But when we had to make this choice last year, we stuck with LT. I talked to a lot of families we knew at both schools and the overall sense I got was that Brent was richer, whiter and a bit more insular. Although the schools have similar IB rates now (63 v 68), LT has a recent history of an OOB majority whereas Brent has actually seen its IB decrease recently, so LT seemed a bit more welcoming/we're lucky to have you towards OOB families vs a little resentful, if that makes sense. (LT classes also max out at 22 kids and there are only 2 classes over 20, so there is also not a sense that OOB families are making classes too full, which may help too. I'm not sure.) Also because our kids are also young, the facilities situatio weighed for me as well. Brent's building is in really bad shape (terrible air quality numbers during COVID, overcrowded) and then they will be in swing space in 2 years and it could take 2 years until they get what should then be a really beautiful building back, and by that time my kids will be pratically out the door. Also, the differences between the two schools' outdoor facilities are pretty noticeable, but Brent has Garfield park right there, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Because we stayed at LT, I have way more familiarity with it. But we've had a really great experience. My kids' teachers are very good and truly amazing. The specials teachers are great. The after school clubs and aftercare are particularly incredible -- really unmatched anywhere on the Hill. The community events are really well done. Of course, we know families that are incredibly happy at Brent, so I don't think you can go wrong.

No hate toward LT. I am sure it is fine. Just noting for context that, if you read the threads on this board, there is obviously a post (or group of posters?) who spend their time talking up LT. I am not sure if it is PTA moms trying to build up their school or people who invested in housing in that zone hoping to get more appreciation. Still, it's notable, and you should view their comments in that light. For most people on the Hill, Brent and Maury are generally regarded as the top performers, which is why the LT posters also try to force themselves into discussions about those two schools or to favorably compare LT to those two schools. I have only limited experience with LT, so don't mean to bash it. However, I will say that the LT posting pops out as quite coordinated or purposerful.

Wow, and this really reads like a Bitter Betty that your school’s club has gotten less exclusive. You don’t think it could be a group of families that are happy at LT? That’s less likely than real estate speculators? Really?

I think the PP was pretty open that Brent was more gentrified/richer than LT. Is that what you mean by a top performer? Last year’s PARCC scores split between the two schools and lean to LT if you account for demographics. What performance are you talking about, specifically?

My personal take is that Brent posters are bitter that Maury has clearly eclipsed them as the best regarded school on the Hill. Or perhaps it’s an orchestrated effort by real estate investors!

Ok, but when was the last time you saw Brent or Maury parents inserting themselves into threads about LT? I actually don't have kids at Brent or Maury either. I am just an observer from the neighborhood who finds boosterism tiresome. Now, I will grant you that LT seems like a fine place. I would not have a problem sending my kids there, but we are elsewhere. I responded only to provide some additional color and context to the person asking.

I mean, here's a recent one: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1050046.page#23635541. I searched the forum for 60 seconds. I don't really think it's surprising that threads talking about Hill ESes often end up talking about other ESes. I really don't think it's a conspiracy.

A recent one from seven months ago where the reference to other schools appears to have been written by an LT parent? Ok, chief.

I searched for "LT", "Brent" and "Maury" and this was the very first thread with LT in the title, which seemed to be a requirement of your challenge. The post I'm talking about is from a self-described Maury parent. The point was not that this was weird, but the opposite. A school's neighbors often come up in discussions about a school, it's not a conspiracy.

[Anonymous]

My 3rd grader’s Brent number just dropped 10 spots since yesterday! (1st grader’s number only moved a few if anyone’s tracking that grade.) We’re pretty close to the top of the list, so would expect an offer. Not much movement yet at any of the other Hill ESes mentioned in this thread or SWS yet. I assume their admins haven’t begun processing yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but I am bumping this up for additional LT and Brent comparisons. In at one and just got an offer for the other for K. Housing and transit are not an issue as commute would be about the same for us.

I think the schools are more similar than different at this point... But when we had to make this choice last year, we stuck with LT. I talked to a lot of families we knew at both schools and the overall sense I got was that Brent was richer, whiter and a bit more insular. Although the schools have similar IB rates now (63 v 68), LT has a recent history of an OOB majority whereas Brent has actually seen its IB decrease recently, so LT seemed a bit more welcoming/we're lucky to have you towards OOB families vs a little resentful, if that makes sense. (LT classes also max out at 22 kids and there are only 2 classes over 20, so there is also not a sense that OOB families are making classes too full, which may help too. I'm not sure.) Also because our kids are also young, the facilities situatio weighed for me as well. Brent's building is in really bad shape (terrible air quality numbers during COVID, overcrowded) and then they will be in swing space in 2 years and it could take 2 years until they get what should then be a really beautiful building back, and by that time my kids will be pratically out the door. Also, the differences between the two schools' outdoor facilities are pretty noticeable, but Brent has Garfield park right there, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Because we stayed at LT, I have way more familiarity with it. But we've had a really great experience. My kids' teachers are very good and truly amazing. The specials teachers are great. The after school clubs and aftercare are particularly incredible -- really unmatched anywhere on the Hill. The community events are really well done. Of course, we know families that are incredibly happy at Brent, so I don't think you can go wrong.

No hate toward LT. I am sure it is fine. Just noting for context that, if you read the threads on this board, there is obviously a post (or group of posters?) who spend their time talking up LT. I am not sure if it is PTA moms trying to build up their school or people who invested in housing in that zone hoping to get more appreciation. Still, it's notable, and you should view their comments in that light. For most people on the Hill, Brent and Maury are generally regarded as the top performers, which is why the LT posters also try to force themselves into discussions about those two schools or to favorably compare LT to those two schools. I have only limited experience with LT, so don't mean to bash it. However, I will say that the LT posting pops out as quite coordinated or purposerful.

I mean the PP literally asked for a comparison of Brent and Ludlow, so I'm curious how your take is that Ludlow was forcing itself into that discussion?

The title of the thread is "Pros/cons of Brent vs Maury" and it only turned to LT because the LT brigade showed up.

No, it turned to LT because I have a need to know more about it as these two schools are my current options.

[Anonymous]

We have friends at all 3 schools! Third grade I would be optimizing for middle school. We are increasingly seeing people opt for Stuart Hobson (LT) but not Eliot Hine or Jefferson. Many friends leaving for Charters in Middle School too though. If you end up doing Brent or Maury, would suggest renting until you have middle school figured out and then buying as I would anticipate that maybe you would go to Jefferson or Eliot Hine and then try to leave, or immediately go to a Charter. If you buy or rent inbound for LT and end up at Stuart Hobson, I think more likely you would stay. Personally I would live in the LT neighborhood over either Brent or Maury, Maury too suburban and far away from core Hill and Brent the housing stock is very cute but slightly smaller than LT. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I don't have any direct experience at Brent, but my kids are thriving at LT.

I have no doubt that there are parents at LT "boosting" LT on DCUM, but I think it's because they're really happy at the school and the DC lottery creates this weird mindset that you should always be trying to get into somewhere marginally more popular/with marginally better test scores/with a marginally richer PTA. That can have a negative effect on a school and especially one that's gotten true neighborhood/IB buy-in more recently.

I am somewhat guilty of having this mindset too. My kid moved from another Hill ES to LT and while I don't regret the move at all, I'm not sure I did it for entirely the right reasons.

So if you're choosing between LT and Brent and your kid already goes to one, I would stay there unless to have an actual reason to move. Similarly, if one is your IB, I'd go there... being immediately in the neighborhood has advantages even if both are close. If neither of those is true, all I can say is that I've had a great experience at LT. I'd particularly point to the teachers as mostly excellent and a culture where they have really good communication with parents/you feel like you're on the same team. (For instance, I have had the phone numbers of all my kid's teachers and felt totally comfortable texting them about important and not important things and have always received helpful replies pretty quickly.) Also everyone talks about the afterschool enrichments, but they're so good! Your kids have like 10 different choices every day and different ones on different days and they're of such high quality. It's also a genius way to get aides to stay by giving them an additional income stream so they make a liveable wage (though I'm sure other schools do that too).