Experience with Mann for kindergarten and 3rd grade

[Anonymous]

We are number 2 on K wait list and hopeful we might have a chance. If so, would it be worth commuting 35 min to Mann every morning from Navy Yard area? Any experience with this grade and school? Sibling is in third grade with a speech needs/adhd. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Personally I would never in a million years commute that far for school twice a day.
If you google map it by time of day for tomorrow it's 45-50 minutes there at 7:30am/8am and 50/55 minutes back at 3:30pm. Let's say you leave school at 4:30pm because your kids have an after school event. The commute estimate is now 1 hour.

[Anonymous]

What is the PTA donation fee at Mann? $1000?

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is completely worth it. Your options in Navy Yard by comparison I would say make it a no brainer. Are you military and this is only for a few years?
Mann is one of the top elementary schools. I did not love the social climate and there are other schools I liked better for that (basically any other of the JKLM)--but if that's where you got the numbers, GO, put on a smiley face and work extra hard on the social dimension. Go to the parent cocktail, pay your class funds, pay some of the PTA ask (whatever you can afford), go to all the fairs and stuff. The before and after care (independent paid service that coordinates closely with the school) was outstanding if it's still there, and will be a boon to you. Also, look at carpooling and other creative solutions.

[Anonymous]

Where are you now? If you are at Brent, I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are at van ness and not established just yet for upper grades, I think you do Mann but that commute would be terrible.

[Anonymous]

Be sure to factor in the care costs. In that neck of the woods DCPS provides nothing, so it is all private pay and can really add up fast.

[Anonymous]

I would reach out to the school and ask what your chances are for K - and if K gets in will they make a spot for the older child. DO NOT mention that the child has and IEP or a 504.

Next, I would get in my car next Tuesday and do the drive for both drop off and pick up.

Unfortunately- AU is done so you will not get the best sample for traffic but you will get a sense of what the drive really feels like.

[Anonymous]

The school is really nice - the Speech therapist is wonderful - BUT - that commute is really hard. Do you own or rent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it is completely worth it. Your options in Navy Yard by comparison I would say make it a no brainer. Are you military and this is only for a few years?
Mann is one of the top elementary schools. I did not love the social climate and there are other schools I liked better for that (basically any other of the JKLM)--but if that's where you got the numbers, GO, put on a smiley face and work extra hard on the social dimension. Go to the parent cocktail, pay your class funds, pay some of the PTA ask (whatever you can afford), go to all the fairs and stuff. The before and after care (independent paid service that coordinates closely with the school) was outstanding if it's still there, and will be a boon to you. Also, look at carpooling and other creative solutions.

If you are inbound for Van Ness, I would choose Van Ness over Mann. The staff at Van Ness is incredible and the school is on the same level as Mann.

[Anonymous]

Aftercare at Mann is incredibly expensive- like double most places. Check that out before deciding to commit.

[Anonymous]

The only way I see that commute making sense is if you or your spouse works near Mann or in the general vicinity. I’ve done that drive in the morning and it has taken 45 minutes to an hour.

[Anonymous]

The school is fantastic, but that's quite a commute--it's going to be more than 35 minutes most days.

[Anonymous]

Holy Smokes-- Mann's aftercare is $669 a month!!!! With before care it's $743!!!!

[Anonymous]

Not the booster but Van Ness is a great school. That commute will add years to your life.

[Anonymous]

I forgot - what is the middle school for Van Ness?