Best public schools - budget of around 700k

[Anonymous]

We currently live in poorly performing school district in Fairfax county. The kids are 3 and a few months so we are not in a terrible rush to move but are starting to explore our possibilities and map out options for our next move. For the longest time I was set on Burke, West Springfield, Springfield VA because the schools have good results and house values are within out budget. However, recently I discovered that Bethesda, MD or even Chevy Chase (with perhaps upping the budget a bit) might be an option too, perhaps a better one. My main concern with Burke area is that it is quite far from DC and it seems a bit isolated, with many parents being quite religious and with military background (I have nothing against that of course but it is not my profile so I worry we might not fit it). I work in DC so the commute is a concern, but more so, I worry that when the kids start growing up they will be bored in the Burke. I have never lived in Maryland and don't know anything about the schools there. I am seeking views on living in Bethesda area, the public schools, overall quality of life vs. something like Burke. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Where in DC?

[Anonymous]

The schools don't perform, the students do. You could take the entire staff of a "high performing" school in Fairfax or Bethesda and trade them with the entire staff at a "poor performing" school in DC and the academic results would likely be about the same because it's all about the students.

[Anonymous]

OP. I work in NW DC, near Farragut West.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The schools don't perform, the students do. You could take the entire staff of a "high performing" school in Fairfax or Bethesda and trade them with the entire staff at a "poor performing" school in DC and the academic results would likely be about the same because it's all about the students.

OP. I fully agree that students and their backgrounds are very important, that is assumed in my question.

[Anonymous]

Bethesda is good for the red line to Farragut North.

[Anonymous]

Burke is "quite religious." That's news to me.

[Anonymous]

Falls Church City.

Easy commute to NW DC to boot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The schools don't perform, the students do. You could take the entire staff of a "high performing" school in Fairfax or Bethesda and trade them with the entire staff at a "poor performing" school in DC and the academic results would likely be about the same because it's all about the students.

OP. I fully agree that students and their backgrounds are very important, that is assumed in my question.

Ok, but my point is the school and the staff and the curriculum could be great even though the school appears to be "low performing" by test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The schools don't perform, the students do. You could take the entire staff of a "high performing" school in Fairfax or Bethesda and trade them with the entire staff at a "poor performing" school in DC and the academic results would likely be about the same because it's all about the students.

OP. I fully agree that students and their backgrounds are very important, that is assumed in my question.

Ok, but my point is the school and the staff and the curriculum could be great even though the school appears to be "low performing" by test scores.

I taught in mid performing and low performing schools (very low Title I). I would put the faculties of these schools against any high performing school--like the one my kids attended. It is the kids that make the difference in the scores--but, it also affects the atmosphere and activities. As I told the parents of one higher performing kid in my Title I class--"I can provide a challenge for your daughter. I cannot provide competition."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Falls Church City.

Easy commute to NW DC to boot.

I think FCC could work quite well for you, but $700K is pretty low for a SFH. There are some smallish townhouses that tend to run in the $600s and the occasional SFH come up. The SFHs will be small and unrenovated, but still pretty livable. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Falls Church City.

Easy commute to NW DC to boot.

I think FCC could work quite well for you, but $700K is pretty low for a SFH. There are some smallish townhouses that tend to run in the $600s and the occasional SFH come up. The SFHs will be small and unrenovated, but still pretty livable. Good luck!

FCC has great test scores! Here's a house in your price range: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/423-Sherrow-Ave_Falls-Church_VA_22046_M64334-97612

[Anonymous]

I live in Burke. None of the families on my culdesac are military, and only 1/10 are outwardly religious. Not sure where that generalization came from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Burke is "quite religious." That's news to me.

I think OP needs to stay in MD.

She doesn't sound like she would fit in a welcoming open minded place like Burke.

[Anonymous]

OP, look near NIH: Wyngate or Mapewood neighborhoods. Zips of 20814 or 20817.