Optimal time to move from NWDC elementary to MCPS in Bethesda/Chevy Chase

[Anonymous]

My son is in second grade in a very good elementary school (one of the JKLMS). Although we love our current house, we are planning to eventually move to MoCo (as early as in one year). When is the optimal time to do it? Two options: 1) Move when he finishes 3rd grade (Pro: he makes new friends beginning 4th grade; we buy when rates are still low; Con: we leave a house and commute we love). 2) Move when he finishes 5th grade (Pro: we get to enjoy our current house and commute; Con: he might a somewhat more difficult time to adjust starting in MoCo middle school).

These options are predicated on the notion that a JKLMS school is of comparable quality to, say, Somerset elementary or Bethesda elementary. Is this a reasonable assumption?

[Anonymous]

For your kid, I'd say the sooner you move the better. Its a little easier to adapt in 3rd grade than in 6th although you do have the advantage of lots of new kids at middle school in 6th.

[Anonymous]

As a kid i had to switch schools in 7th grade and it was horrible (at the time). As a parent, I would move sooner rather than later so that your child has more time to establish friendships before middle school.

[Anonymous]

I would move asap so your child can make new friends. I assume you are at either Mann, Key, or Stoddert from your list because I think Deal is just as good as the middle school option in MCPS. I think Mann especialy is better than what you will get in MCPS, and DCPS overall he smaller class sizes. (MCPS is 26 in K; our old DCPS was 20 in K.)

[Anonymous]

Earlier the better. If you move to NCES or CCES at the end of second grade all the kids will be starting at a new school.

[Anonymous]

If you like your house, commute, and school now, don't change. When he's in 5th grade, you might decide that Deal is a good fit for you and then you don't need to leave the house/commute/friends that you love. If you do decide to move, you'll move with full information about what the schools are like at the time you need them and more information about what your son needs in a middle school.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks. I should have said our MS is not Deal.

[Anonymous]

Tough call, but I would say the sooner the better for your DC's sake.

[Anonymous]

When it happens. When it comes together. If you want it, work now to make it happen because you never know what circumstances will be beyond your control. Stop trying to maximize every decision.

[Anonymous]

I assume your MS is Hardy. Here is the deal - for the last few years fewer BASIS was an option for just about any child who wanted it. It no longer is. Children from Key, Stoddert, Eaton, Hyde and Mann are now attending Hardy. It is shifting the % OOB and in 2 years it will be mostly IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I assume your MS is Hardy. Here is the deal - for the last few years fewer BASIS was an option for just about any child who wanted it. It no longer is. Children from Key, Stoddert, Eaton, Hyde and Mann are now attending Hardy. It is shifting the % OOB and in 2 years it will be mostly IB.

Not OP. It's your use of the word "mostly" that would make me nervous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume your MS is Hardy. Here is the deal - for the last few years fewer BASIS was an option for just about any child who wanted it. It no longer is. Children from Key, Stoddert, Eaton, Hyde and Mann are now attending Hardy. It is shifting the % OOB and in 2 years it will be mostly IB.

Not OP. It's your use of the word "mostly" that would make me nervous.

A few (or even many) OOB families, especially when those families are the most dedicated to their children's education, is not going to destroy a school.

OP, my advice (I'm 9:24) still stands. Do what works for you now, which seems like your current house/commute/school, and when those things stop working for you, decide what the better option would be.

[Anonymous]

Prices in DC are going up much faster than MOCO, so it would make sense to stay in DC as long as possible (financially at least).

[Anonymous]

I would consider not moving at all. Hardy MS is moving in the right direction.

[Anonymous]

If you know you want to move, then sooner rather than later.

If you are still on the fence, then clearly, stay put and see how you feel in a couple of years.

There's more to where you live than schools & commute. Things like pool membership, activities, etc often are determined by where you live. So there might be more adjustments than just new school when you move. Something to consider.