Advice sought please: Rock Creek Forest, Takoma Park, Woodlin & SS pre-schools?

[dcsatsangi]

Hello! I was a long time DC and Silver spring resident before moving to live and work in the Middle East 9 years ago. I had my two daughters overseas (I'm american, husband is Egyptian so our girls are bi-cultural) and I'll be moving back this summer to the area (husband staying to work) with the girls. I flew 14 hours back to DC last week, and did a whirlwind tour - seeing 12 schools (elementary and pre-schools) in MD and DC. Despite being busy, all schools I contacted except Rosemary Hills gave me tours and talked with me outside of their usual tour dates/times, for which I am really grateful and impressed. Here are my overall impressions below, would love to hear from anyone who has any advice, insight or other options I may not have thought of. Additionally and as a side note, I'm looking to rent so if you know anyone who wants a nice family for an august 1 move in, let me know!

My oldest daughter will be 6 (first grade) and youngest turns 5 in early September so still Pre-K.

1) Woodlin: Principal seemed very nice and was generous with her time. Met PTA parents on the way out- seemed very cool, happy and involved. Kids seemed happy in class and teachers were happy to talk to me if the kids were elsewhere and they had time. My biggest concern here was class size and the trailer space, but she mentioned they try to keep it low in the lower grades. Overall seems like a great community school and family crowd. I think I can afford the area.

Rock Creek Forest: Took a tour with Principal, who was also very nice and welcoming, despite clearly being busy. I found her knowledgeable and professional, and stated her commitment to both the English and Spanish programs being good, but that unity and "one school" was the goal and the reality. The new school looked very nice, and walking through the halls and in the library, the kids seemed very happy. Think I can afford this area as well and love its proximity to downtown SS.

Takoma Park ES: Again, thought highly of the principal who seemed very capable, as well as honest and balanced about the school's strengths and challenges. Kids and teachers looked pretty happy here, but it's apparent that they are bursting at the seams, and I think they are losing another extra room (computer lab?) to make room for another classroom. One seeming plus here is that they have an outsourced pre-K in the actual building (although it would appear they need the room for themselves!) so I could get both my girls there. Does anyone have experience with this at this school?

Silver Spring Day School: This lovely little pre-school up on Colesville road and University blvd just blew me away. I loved the director, staff and their philosophy. The kids seemed really happy, and I believe in the co-op model. Any insight appreciated.

Evergreen Montessori: Wow, this school seemed excellent and loved the director and head of admissions. I am even considering taking a much cheaper and smaller apartment to send both my girls there for the year transition, but obviously that would entail moving them. Just can't afford this one for the long term...


I have a pretty good view of all of these as you can tell, but haven't been able to talk to any parents yet and even only just found out about this forum recently. We are also looking at Mann and Eaton in DC, so have a lot of important choices.

Thanks for any input/advice!

[Anonymous]

I think these are all great options and I know people happy with all of them. I would focus on neighborhoods/ houses that you like within any of these school zones.

[Anonymous]

Great schools! You can't go wrong with RCF, TP or Woodlin Elementary!

[Anonymous]

Takoma is K-2, so after the big move, it may be a lot for your older daughter to transition again. (If you will still be in the area)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think these are all great options and I know people happy with all of them. I would focus on neighborhoods/ houses that you like within any of these school zones.

I agree, and OP, I think your research and observations are spot-on.

You could also consider Silver Spring Childcare Center - everyone we know has been very pleased with it.

http://www.silverspringccc.org/

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, thanks for sharing your research! We are a very happy Evergreen family... did you talk to the director about financial aid?

[Anonymous]

This is our family's 5th year at Silver Spring Day School and it is a lovely and welcoming community.

[Anonymous]

We loved Silver Spring Day School. It is an awesome pre-school.

[Anonymous]

Woodlin community is really nice and people are happy with their school. Cute neighborhood close to DTSS.

[Anonymous]

+1000
all those options are great. My kids are at Woodlin and SSDS, both are happy.

[Anonymous]

We are very happy at Takoma Park elementary (I have a 2nd grader and K). Also, living in TP your girls will know a lot of other bicultural kids and kids that have lived overseas. There are a lot of international ngo, foreign service and USAID families here.