Wow. This is what $1m gets you in AU Park

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've seen worse. One may have to put some money into the yard and kitchen though.

Stricly speaking this is North Cleveland Park, not AU Park, in'it?

The key part is Janney.

If it's "North Cleveland Park" (one of those contrived realtor names), then it is east of Wisconsin Ave. and very much at risk of being zoned out of Janney. Caveat emptor indeed.

The legal subdivision for this house is AU Park.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:#1 rule in real estate = location. yep, that's why we're staying in our dinky $1M house in AU Park when something in N Potomac or somewhere else suburbia would be lots bigger and nicer. Love, love, love being able to WALK to multiple metros, parks, restaurants, CVS, Whole Foods, library, shopping, etc. Location!

What MULTIPLE metros, restaurantS and Whole Foods are you walking to from AU? How long IS that walk? Aren't you exaggerating a little?

That's why we chose Clarendon over AU park. Those things are just 1-2 blocks and 50restaurants/Metro,closer to downtown too. I did not find AU park to be as urban and I liked the public schools better over here.

I do think AU park is prettier though. I love driving through there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

[Anonymous]

Also, the school has essentially ZERO attrition at any grade. Despite having a parent body who could and would pull their kids out for private if they weren't completely satisfied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:#1 rule in real estate = location. yep, that's why we're staying in our dinky $1M house in AU Park when something in N Potomac or somewhere else suburbia would be lots bigger and nicer. Love, love, love being able to WALK to multiple metros, parks, restaurants, CVS, Whole Foods, library, shopping, etc. Location!

What MULTIPLE metros, restaurantS and Whole Foods are you walking to from AU? How long IS that walk? Aren't you exaggerating a little?

That's why we chose Clarendon over AU park. Those things are just 1-2 blocks and 50restaurants/Metro,closer to downtown too. I did not find AU park to be as urban and I liked the public schools better over here.

I do think AU park is prettier though. I love driving through there.

How can you compare a condo in clarendon to a house in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

Then why are your friends still at the school? I don't understand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

Then why are your friends still at the school? I don't understand.

They cannot afford private and their mortgage. The belief that everyone is fabulously wealthy in AU Park and Chevy Chase is fantasy. The majority of people I know cannot afford private AND their mortgage without a significant downshift in lifestyle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

Then why are your friends still at the school? I don't understand.

They cannot afford private and their mortgage. The belief that everyone is fabulously wealthy in AU Park and Chevy Chase is fantasy. The majority of people I know cannot afford private AND their mortgage without a significant downshift in lifestyle.

But the schools all offer financial aide. I know people who get it despite living in upper NW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

Then why are your friends still at the school? I don't understand.

They cannot afford private and their mortgage. The belief that everyone is fabulously wealthy in AU Park and Chevy Chase is fantasy. The majority of people I know cannot afford private AND their mortgage without a significant downshift in lifestyle.

But the schools all offer financial aide. I know people who get it despite living in upper NW.

Please tell us more details about the negatives of Janney. And what it is that you observed that you were not impressed with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:#1 rule in real estate = location. yep, that's why we're staying in our dinky $1M house in AU Park when something in N Potomac or somewhere else suburbia would be lots bigger and nicer. Love, love, love being able to WALK to multiple metros, parks, restaurants, CVS, Whole Foods, library, shopping, etc. Location!

What MULTIPLE metros, restaurantS and Whole Foods are you walking to from AU? How long IS that walk? Aren't you exaggerating a little?

That's why we chose Clarendon over AU park. Those things are just 1-2 blocks and 50restaurants/Metro,closer to downtown too. I did not find AU park to be as urban and I liked the public schools better over here.

I do think AU park is prettier though. I love driving through there.

How can you compare a condo in clarendon to a house in DC?

If I did not have kids, I would have chosen Clarendon, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just spent the afternoon in meetings in AU Park and I fail to see the appeal.

I understand this reaction. The appeal is in the community.

The neighborhood is moderately charming. The lots are small and the houses are not particularly attractive. The plus side is that you're in close proximity to your neighbors, and in some neighborhoods (like AU Park) that breeds familiarity not contempt.
The commercial areas are good enough. Wisconsin lacks the charm of Connecticut, but it has what you need. Development is still way farther behind where I thought it would be by now. Mattress discounters and dry cleaners, seriously? One block from the metro?
The schools are wonderful and well-utilized. This cannot be stated strongly enough.
There are plenty of other amenities, as well: Wilson Aquatic Center. Turtle Park. Proximity to other fun places, like Glen Echo Park. Proximity to other children's parks: Palisades, Beauvoir, Newark St.
The commute is (by DC standards) excellent. Under 20 minutes into town and about 25 minutes from town. During rush hour. Off-peak, about 12 minutes to Dupont Circle.
Oh, yeah, metro. Walkable.

For AU Park, it's the combination of all these things. Some of the neighborhoods nearby are much prettier (Spring Valley, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have better commercial (Bethesda, for one). Some of the neighborhoods nearby have an equally strong school community (CCDC, for one). Some nearby neighborhoods are equally accessible (Woodley or Cleveland Parks, for example). But nowhere else provides this package. That's what you're paying for with AU Park. While the homes, lots and commercial may be underwhelming (as is Turtle Park, frankly, until it gets renovated next year), the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Please note: there are plenty in the neighborhood who do not send their kids to Janney. I toured it and was unsure why people feel it is so great. Yes, you can have a bunch of friends who all attend a mediocre (at best) school. Remember Janney is still DCPS.

Huh? And you got all this from a 10 minute tour?
Janney is an outstanding school by any measure. Class sizes are small, teachers are excellent, facilities are great, there are a ton of "specials" classes and extracurriculars, test schools are the best in the city. It's really a private education at a public price (free). The vast majority of the neighborhood uses the school. The only families I know who go private 1) wanted to ensure early placement because they want private middle/high school 2) want the private school "scene" 3) have some misconception that the class sizes are huge at Janney. I hear this one all the time "the classes are too big!, we had to go private".
Janney is filled with hundreds of bright children with very high achieving, high income, super involved parents that deem it an outstanding school. Most of us pinch ourselves daily that we get it all for free. Many of us, myself included attended private school ourselves all through childhood.

I toured the school. I also listen to my friends complain to me about the many short comings of Janney. If you think it is on par with a private school you are very wrong.

What shortcomings? Honestly curious.

I have 3 kids at the school and know hundreds of families and don't know anyone who is dissatisfied. Most of us have the resources to go elsewhere but we're completely happy at Janney and very happy to save the money.
I really don't have or ever hear of any complaints despite spending almost every day at the playground, talking to dozens of parents before and after school. You must travel in a high maintenance crowd or are only friends with complainers.

No, I think there is an element of boosterism with Janney (and Lafayette too) and it is verboten to say anything negative about these schools. My close friends have been honest with me because, clearly they can't be honest with other school parents since you automatically labelled them as "high maintenance" or "complainers." My friends have expressed having problems with teachers, class offerings, and general discipline/over-sight of the children. If you are happy at Janney, great. But your experience is not universal. I have a teaching background and was not impressed with what I observed. My post is only to provide another assessment of the schools for readers.

My DS went to an Upper NW elementary school that is not even JKLM group, and I agree There is an incredible amount of boosterism about the schools, and public criticism of any aspect of the school and even DCPS management in general is really frowned upon. I don't know whether it is to cover up the occasional misgivings and second guesses that most of us parents have from time to time about the choices we make for our kids, to perhaps to justify not going the private school route when many others are. Mind you, we were pretty satisfied with the education our child got, but it sure wasn't perfect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, the school has essentially ZERO attrition at any grade. Despite having a parent body who could and would pull their kids out for private if they weren't completely satisfied.

What is your source on zero attrition, other than anecdotes?

My WB boss moved her very bright 10-year old from Janney to NCS last summer. And no, there is no subsidy. Just because you don't know these people doesn't mean they don't exist.