Question about middle schools - particularly on the Hill

[Anonymous]

Hi. My son will be starting preschool at watkins this fall and we have started looking for houses on the hill. We have been so concerned about looking only in areas with good elementary schools, that I had not thought about middle schools. now I know we have lots of time, but wondering about other moms' experiences with middle schools in dc. There are several on the hill, but mostly i hear that stuart-hobson is the one to attend. Is it the only good one? And if you are not inboundary for it, is it hard to get in? Is there a lottery and wait-list etc? All of this can feel very overwhelming. I would love any advice you have!

[Anonymous]

Are you on the Mothers on the Hill list? That would be a good place to ask. You have to find someone already on it who would ask for you to be included. Do you know other parents on the Hill you could ask to invite you?

I don't know much about Stuart-Hobson unfortunately. My dc attended Hardy out of boundary. It was a few years back but we did apply oob to S-H and didn't get in. (that was okay, we were happy with Hardy) I'm guessing it might be the same situation now.

But as you noted, it's a little early to be worrying about middle school. The outlook on schools in the Hill has changed enormously in the last few years. It appears that many middle class families have decided to stay in the neighborhood instead of moving to the suburbs when they have children so we are seeing a lot of interest in elementary schools that didn't use to draw middle-class kids. I think by the time your son is looking at middle schools, it will be a very different picture.

But if you can get on the MoTh list, you will find lots of folks who can give you better information than I and I think you will find it reassuring to find out what other people are doing about this. It is a very good group.

[Anonymous]

As a former Watkins parent, I would start worrying about your elementary choice, before I would worry about Middle School. Watkins is not a nice place for children.

[Anonymous]

My DC has been in the "cluster" for a couple of years now, and we live on the hill. The first year was great and we were very happy to be fortunate enough to receive that in a public setting. However, this year proved to be very different. Once your child attends one of the cluster schools they automatically roll into the next school at the appropriate grade. I am so not interested in sending my child to Watkins as I have personally seen and heard both the good and the bad. Unfortunately, the bad outweighs the good. If I were you... I would be more concerned with the elementary level at this point, since that is where you child is currently engaged. You have plenty of time to worry about the middle school issues. My 2 cents, for what it's worth, since your in, do your year at Watkins and start the private school process this fall. DCPS even the "cluster" has a long way to go. Good luck where ever you end up.

[Anonymous]

I hate to say it, but I agree w/the last 2 PP's. I'm on the Hill as well, & we've chosen private school. I see the potential at some of the schools, but it's a ways away. If you're trying to stay on the Hill, check out Capitol Hill Day School (private). If not, find a comprehensive list of private schools in the area, & really do some research, & attend open houses. DCUM is good for finding out about some of the different schools in the area, but don't get caught up in the hype about certain schools. Look at all of them, & decide what best fits your family. Good luck..

[Anonymous]

This is the first poster that questioned the Watkins choice.

To be clear, my DC is still in DCPS, though we'll probably go charter for middle school.

There are good DCPS options out there, but understand that the leadership at the Cluster is very poor. I would look into Brent and Maury. If fact, if I had a Pre-K student, I would send them to either of those schools.

Watkins has a strong PTA and I'm sure some of them will be here soon to defend their school. Sadly, the PTA doesn't do much to improve some of the systemic problems with Watkins.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Two Rivers is a good charter with a good reputation and it's convenient to the hill. I'd look there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two Rivers is a good charter with a good reputation and it's convenient to the hill. I'd look there.

It is a good charter, but nearly impossible to get in, as any of the good charter schools. Thus, almost forcing one to go private.