New Hampshire Estates ES - not sure what to think

[Anonymous]

We're zoned for this elementary school, but it's really far from our house. Turns out the zoning dates back to efforts to diversify the school. The stats show that the school is 93% minority and 80% FARMS, and some not so great test scores. I just can't get comfortable with the idea of putting my little child on a bus to go to a different neighborhood with a school whose numbers just aren't inspiring confidence when there's an award-winning school just a few blocks (walking distance) from our home. Now I'm trying to figure out what to do - DC is still several years out from starting school. Should we move? We like our neighborhood. Should we go private? And if we go private, how do we do that without becoming overwhelmed with what appears to be a fairly competitive mentality to admissions in this area? I would appreciate input from anyone who knows the area and schools or who has faced a similar dilemma. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should move. Or go private if you just love your neighborhood.

My SIL teaches at this school, and I post every time someone asks the question you ask. ( I guess I have 'insider information' shared over a beer and episodes of "Lost," if you will. )

Please do a Search for New Hampshire Estates.

[Anonymous]

Is the school you are walking distance from Highland View? If so, the schools are like night and day. Plus, unlike NH Estates, Highland View is k-5. That makes a difference if you have more than one child. With split elementary schools, families with mor ethan one child sometimes find that their kids are never in the same school together. It might sound crazy, but could you move a few streets away for the better school? Maybe rent in Indian Spring, and rent out your house?

[Anonymous]

I visited the school and the surrounding area terrified me. Broken bottles out front, abandoned shopping carts. We didn't move, but did pursue other schools instead. The principal couldn't recommend the after care either.