Rockville HS cluster versus Richard Montgomery cluster

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in the Rockville cluster (Flower Valley Elementary, Wood Middle) and we are really happy. I think the main difference is, as others have said, Rockville is much smaller and the areas that feed into it are a bit more suburban in feel. This is what I wanted but I don't commute downtown and don't really care about an urban feel/walkability--if I did, I would probably prefer one of the RM cluster schools closer to the Metro. I also like being closer to the ICC as my family lives in closer to Baltimore so it's convenient for me. Rockville HS only has one feeder middle school (Wood) so your kids will be with the same kids for many years. I really like this aspect but others may not.

In general, you will get more house for your money in the Rockville cluster--it just won't necessarily be as easy to get to the metro/downtown so that's something to consider if that is a key factor for you.

Thank you!! I wish there was a way to private message because I would love to hear more about FV as an elementary school!

NP. When we were looking, I really loved the FV area as well...LOVE the homes (remind me of where I grew up). Our only hesitation was that we wanted easy access to metro, as DH commutes downtown. We felt that the West End neighborhood (Beall ES) would shave off at least 10 mins from his door-to-door commute, because there would be no traffic (no having to drive down Norbeck, etc) to get to the metro. While I do love the look historic homes near us, we're not in one of those (we're in a 60's home) and I do prefer the FV homes. But very happy with Beall and RM cluster, and our proximity to metro, town square, Rockville Pike, 270, and shopping at Falls Grove and Rio Washingtonian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in the Rockville cluster (Flower Valley Elementary, Wood Middle) and we are really happy. I think the main difference is, as others have said, Rockville is much smaller and the areas that feed into it are a bit more suburban in feel. This is what I wanted but I don't commute downtown and don't really care about an urban feel/walkability--if I did, I would probably prefer one of the RM cluster schools closer to the Metro. I also like being closer to the ICC as my family lives in closer to Baltimore so it's convenient for me. Rockville HS only has one feeder middle school (Wood) so your kids will be with the same kids for many years. I really like this aspect but others may not.

In general, you will get more house for your money in the Rockville cluster--it just won't necessarily be as easy to get to the metro/downtown so that's something to consider if that is a key factor for you.

Thank you!! I wish there was a way to private message because I would love to hear more about FV as an elementary school!

NP. When we were looking, I really loved the FV area as well...LOVE the homes (remind me of where I grew up). Our only hesitation was that we wanted easy access to metro, as DH commutes downtown. We felt that the West End neighborhood (Beall ES) would shave off at least 10 mins from his door-to-door commute, because there would be no traffic (no having to drive down Norbeck, etc) to get to the metro. While I do love the look historic homes near us, we're not in one of those (we're in a 60's home) and I do prefer the FV homes. But very happy with Beall and RM cluster, and our proximity to metro, town square, Rockville Pike, 270, and shopping at Falls Grove and Rio Washingtonian.

Thank you so much for sharing this! We def love the FV homes as well from what weve seen so far, but feel like we need to educate ourselves more on the clusters, neighborhoods and communities as a whole a little bit more before making a decision of where to go. This has definitely been a helpful post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in the Rockville cluster (Flower Valley Elementary, Wood Middle) and we are really happy. I think the main difference is, as others have said, Rockville is much smaller and the areas that feed into it are a bit more suburban in feel. This is what I wanted but I don't commute downtown and don't really care about an urban feel/walkability--if I did, I would probably prefer one of the RM cluster schools closer to the Metro. I also like being closer to the ICC as my family lives in closer to Baltimore so it's convenient for me. Rockville HS only has one feeder middle school (Wood) so your kids will be with the same kids for many years. I really like this aspect but others may not.

In general, you will get more house for your money in the Rockville cluster--it just won't necessarily be as easy to get to the metro/downtown so that's something to consider if that is a key factor for you.

Thank you!! I wish there was a way to private message because I would love to hear more about FV as an elementary school!

NP. When we were looking, I really loved the FV area as well...LOVE the homes (remind me of where I grew up). Our only hesitation was that we wanted easy access to metro, as DH commutes downtown. We felt that the West End neighborhood (Beall ES) would shave off at least 10 mins from his door-to-door commute, because there would be no traffic (no having to drive down Norbeck, etc) to get to the metro. While I do love the look historic homes near us, we're not in one of those (we're in a 60's home) and I do prefer the FV homes. But very happy with Beall and RM cluster, and our proximity to metro, town square, Rockville Pike, 270, and shopping at Falls Grove and Rio Washingtonian.

Thank you so much for sharing this! We def love the FV homes as well from what weve seen so far, but feel like we need to educate ourselves more on the clusters, neighborhoods and communities as a whole a little bit more before making a decision of where to go. This has definitely been a helpful post.

FV poster here. I don't know much about the other neighborhoods but FV is definitely a very close-knit community with lots of weekend activities and very family-friendly. LOTS of kids. One thing to note is that there are a lot of kids who attend Catholic school on our street--not sure if that is a reflection on the public schools or if they are just very devout Catholics. But we are very happy with the public schools and, of course, our non-public neighbors are all very friendly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just for additional info...there is only one feeder MS for RM as well (Julius West), so technically kids are with the same group from middle school on as well. It's just a much bigger cluster. And then also, since RM has the magnet IB program, there are some additional kids from other clusters in that program at RM.

Great, thanks. So far it seems like the main difference is the size of the schools, one having more of a community feel and one being much larger with more students and the IB program. And also seems like RM cluster locations may be easier commute to downtown. All the feedback has been helpful in painting a clearer picture for me, so thanks everyone and please keep it coming if you have anything to share or add!

Exactly. There are about as many students at Julius West Middle as in all of Rockville High.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are at a Rockville HS feeder (Rock Creek Valley). We really like our elementary. It's small, diverse, and has a great sense of community. As others have said, I think the small size of the elementary and high school contribute to the sense of community. Demographically, our elementary is a good mix of professional families (plenty of doctors, phDs, etc) and more recent immigrants. People are really down to earth.

Our neighbors speak positively about Rockville High and Wood Middle. Some of the high schoolers I've talked to say that at times it feels too small (they've been with the same mix of kids since middle school) but I think I'd prefer that for my kids than some of the bigger county schools.

I don't know much about RM. If our housing budget had been higher, I could have seen us buying there (and agree that some of the neighborhoods are cuter on that side of town) but I'm really happy where we ended up. We love being near the Rock Creek trail, commute downtown isn't too bad, and we're pretty close to downtown Rockville.

Another Rock Creek Valley parent here and I agree with this. I also want to add that PTA activities are packed, and the principal is wonderful. My mom, a retired kindergarten teacher, visited during the science fair last year. She said she was impressed with how engaged the principal was with the children when talking about their projects with them, getting down on his knees so he could speak to the little ones at eye level while the kids were standing by their projects.

I also like the community, including the Manor Woods pool, the Healthy Kids running series at Wood Middle, and the restaurants at Rock Creek Village. The people here are very nice.

[Anonymous]

I think you would enjoy the Woodley Gardens neighborhood (some of it is zoned to Beall, and some on the other side of Nelson is zoned to College Gardens, both RM cluster. Woodley Gardens is a very friendly neighborhood with Halloween parade, neighborhood pool, parks, local pizza and custard shop (which is always supporting school events...very community-centered places). Take a drive around and stop off for your kid to play at Woodley Gardens park, get a feel for the neighborhood. And location is convenient to everything. SFH's are typically $550-650K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you would enjoy the Woodley Gardens neighborhood (some of it is zoned to Beall, and some on the other side of Nelson is zoned to College Gardens, both RM cluster. Woodley Gardens is a very friendly neighborhood with Halloween parade, neighborhood pool, parks, local pizza and custard shop (which is always supporting school events...very community-centered places). Take a drive around and stop off for your kid to play at Woodley Gardens park, get a feel for the neighborhood. And location is convenient to everything. SFH's are typically $550-650K.

Sounds great! We haven't looked there yet so thanks for letting me know!

[Anonymous]

The East Rockville neighborhood feeds into the Rockville cluster and is very walkable to the Metro and Town Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are at a Rockville HS feeder (Rock Creek Valley). We really like our elementary. It's small, diverse, and has a great sense of community. As others have said, I think the small size of the elementary and high school contribute to the sense of community. Demographically, our elementary is a good mix of professional families (plenty of doctors, phDs, etc) and more recent immigrants. People are really down to earth.

Our neighbors speak positively about Rockville High and Wood Middle. Some of the high schoolers I've talked to say that at times it feels too small (they've been with the same mix of kids since middle school) but I think I'd prefer that for my kids than some of the bigger county schools.

I don't know much about RM. If our housing budget had been higher, I could have seen us buying there (and agree that some of the neighborhoods are cuter on that side of town) but I'm really happy where we ended up. We love being near the Rock Creek trail, commute downtown isn't too bad, and we're pretty close to downtown Rockville.

Another Rock Creek Valley parent here and I agree with this. I also want to add that PTA activities are packed, and the principal is wonderful. My mom, a retired kindergarten teacher, visited during the science fair last year. She said she was impressed with how engaged the principal was with the children when talking about their projects with them, getting down on his knees so he could speak to the little ones at eye level while the kids were standing by their projects.

I also like the community, including the Manor Woods pool, the Healthy Kids running series at Wood Middle, and the restaurants at Rock Creek Village. The people here are very nice.

I have two kids at Barnsley and if you're looking in this area and can afford it, I'd choose Rock Creek Valley over Barnsley. We have many friends/neighbors at RCV and originally looked for a house in that area. Barnsley is huge and overcrowded (they're building an addition) and has some other challenges that come along with that. I also hear great things about FV, but feel like those houses can run more expensive than what feeds into Barnsley and RCV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you would enjoy the Woodley Gardens neighborhood (some of it is zoned to Beall, and some on the other side of Nelson is zoned to College Gardens, both RM cluster. Woodley Gardens is a very friendly neighborhood with Halloween parade, neighborhood pool, parks, local pizza and custard shop (which is always supporting school events...very community-centered places). Take a drive around and stop off for your kid to play at Woodley Gardens park, get a feel for the neighborhood. And location is convenient to everything. SFH's are typically $550-650K.

We chose CGES because of IB from ES up. Not sure if DS will do IB in HS after 11th, but at least it is a foundation. I really like our principal, we have had 2 terrific teachers and one so-so one so far. The only thing I would say thats negative is that according to my neighbor whose kids transferred from Lakewood, CGES is way behind in math instruction, but apparently English is way stronger. For me, math is easier to teach at home than language arts, so thats not a deal breaker. We are not in Woodley Gardens neighborhood though, we are on other side of 355. Our neighborhood backs to Rock Creek Park feeder park and my walk to Shady Grove is 20 min (5 min drive).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are at a Rockville HS feeder (Rock Creek Valley). We really like our elementary. It's small, diverse, and has a great sense of community. As others have said, I think the small size of the elementary and high school contribute to the sense of community. Demographically, our elementary is a good mix of professional families (plenty of doctors, phDs, etc) and more recent immigrants. People are really down to earth.

Our neighbors speak positively about Rockville High and Wood Middle. Some of the high schoolers I've talked to say that at times it feels too small (they've been with the same mix of kids since middle school) but I think I'd prefer that for my kids than some of the bigger county schools.

I don't know much about RM. If our housing budget had been higher, I could have seen us buying there (and agree that some of the neighborhoods are cuter on that side of town) but I'm really happy where we ended up. We love being near the Rock Creek trail, commute downtown isn't too bad, and we're pretty close to downtown Rockville.

Another Rock Creek Valley parent here and I agree with this. I also want to add that PTA activities are packed, and the principal is wonderful. My mom, a retired kindergarten teacher, visited during the science fair last year. She said she was impressed with how engaged the principal was with the children when talking about their projects with them, getting down on his knees so he could speak to the little ones at eye level while the kids were standing by their projects.

I also like the community, including the Manor Woods pool, the Healthy Kids running series at Wood Middle, and the restaurants at Rock Creek Village. The people here are very nice.

I have two kids at Barnsley and if you're looking in this area and can afford it, I'd choose Rock Creek Valley over Barnsley. We have many friends/neighbors at RCV and originally looked for a house in that area. Barnsley is huge and overcrowded (they're building an addition) and has some other challenges that come along with that. I also hear great things about FV, but feel like those houses can run more expensive than what feeds into Barnsley and RCV.

Would you mind sharing more about the challenges at Barnsley? Is there an estimate of when the construction may be complete? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you would enjoy the Woodley Gardens neighborhood (some of it is zoned to Beall, and some on the other side of Nelson is zoned to College Gardens, both RM cluster. Woodley Gardens is a very friendly neighborhood with Halloween parade, neighborhood pool, parks, local pizza and custard shop (which is always supporting school events...very community-centered places). Take a drive around and stop off for your kid to play at Woodley Gardens park, get a feel for the neighborhood. And location is convenient to everything. SFH's are typically $550-650K.

We chose CGES because of IB from ES up. Not sure if DS will do IB in HS after 11th, but at least it is a foundation. I really like our principal, we have had 2 terrific teachers and one so-so one so far. The only thing I would say thats negative is that according to my neighbor whose kids transferred from Lakewood, CGES is way behind in math instruction, but apparently English is way stronger. For me, math is easier to teach at home than language arts, so thats not a deal breaker. We are not in Woodley Gardens neighborhood though, we are on other side of 355. Our neighborhood backs to Rock Creek Park feeder park and my walk to Shady Grove is 20 min (5 min drive).

OP here, thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are at a Rockville HS feeder (Rock Creek Valley). We really like our elementary. It's small, diverse, and has a great sense of community. As others have said, I think the small size of the elementary and high school contribute to the sense of community. Demographically, our elementary is a good mix of professional families (plenty of doctors, phDs, etc) and more recent immigrants. People are really down to earth.

Our neighbors speak positively about Rockville High and Wood Middle. Some of the high schoolers I've talked to say that at times it feels too small (they've been with the same mix of kids since middle school) but I think I'd prefer that for my kids than some of the bigger county schools.

I don't know much about RM. If our housing budget had been higher, I could have seen us buying there (and agree that some of the neighborhoods are cuter on that side of town) but I'm really happy where we ended up. We love being near the Rock Creek trail, commute downtown isn't too bad, and we're pretty close to downtown Rockville.

Another Rock Creek Valley parent here and I agree with this. I also want to add that PTA activities are packed, and the principal is wonderful. My mom, a retired kindergarten teacher, visited during the science fair last year. She said she was impressed with how engaged the principal was with the children when talking about their projects with them, getting down on his knees so he could speak to the little ones at eye level while the kids were standing by their projects.

I also like the community, including the Manor Woods pool, the Healthy Kids running series at Wood Middle, and the restaurants at Rock Creek Village. The people here are very nice.

I have two kids at Barnsley and if you're looking in this area and can afford it, I'd choose Rock Creek Valley over Barnsley. We have many friends/neighbors at RCV and originally looked for a house in that area. Barnsley is huge and overcrowded (they're building an addition) and has some other challenges that come along with that. I also hear great things about FV, but feel like those houses can run more expensive than what feeds into Barnsley and RCV.

OP here- thank you!

[Anonymous]

OP, seriously, your price range can afford you a better school district in terms of rating and location. Ignore this if diversity is the absolute priority to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, seriously, your price range can afford you a better school district in terms of rating and location. Ignore this if diversity is the absolute priority to you.

Thanks for your input. Our priority is nice, family friendly/safe neighborhood and school community. My one son has some special needs so Im also researching school clusters that have good reputations for providing good resources for that, etc.