Using relative's address to get child into different school district in MCPS

[Anonymous]

At our W cluster there are a few families that let their maids or nannies claim the employer's address to send their kids. Everyone knows (they are easy to spot) between parents and the school more or less and during elementary it wasn't really an issue. During middle school the kids started to take notice and it got cruel form time to time. Which is kind of the point, I empathize with the parents wanting to send their kids to school with a more positive peer group but running the risk of the kids being called out for being frauds and being rejected by said peer group sort of negates the benefits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At our W cluster there are a few families that let their maids or nannies claim the employer's address to send their kids. Everyone knows (they are easy to spot) between parents and the school more or less and during elementary it wasn't really an issue. During middle school the kids started to take notice and it got cruel form time to time. Which is kind of the point, I empathize with the parents wanting to send their kids to school with a more positive peer group but running the risk of the kids being called out for being frauds and being rejected by said peer group sort of negates the benefits.

“They are easy to spot”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At our W cluster there are a few families that let their maids or nannies claim the employer's address to send their kids. Everyone knows (they are easy to spot) between parents and the school more or less and during elementary it wasn't really an issue. During middle school the kids started to take notice and it got cruel form time to time. Which is kind of the point, I empathize with the parents wanting to send their kids to school with a more positive peer group but running the risk of the kids being called out for being frauds and being rejected by said peer group sort of negates the benefits.

Not sure you can say that without knowing what the alternative. I doubt they were uniformly rejected by the entire student body even if they weren't popular. I say that as a Churchill graduate. And even if they were, the situation may still be better than attending a school with gang violence or other serious issue that would make any success precarious.

[Anonymous]

Fraud is fraud. if one thinks it is worth the risk they will take the ris, I guess. Count me out. Life throws your curves, deal with them...ethically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At our W cluster there are a few families that let their maids or nannies claim the employer's address to send their kids. Everyone knows (they are easy to spot) between parents and the school more or less and during elementary it wasn't really an issue. During middle school the kids started to take notice and it got cruel form time to time. Which is kind of the point, I empathize with the parents wanting to send their kids to school with a more positive peer group but running the risk of the kids being called out for being frauds and being rejected by said peer group sort of negates the benefits.

My kid’s preschool teacher did this for her two sons when she used to nanny.

Honestly, it didn’t work out all that great for them anyway. It was a tough fit for her sons, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the repercussions if MCPS finds out you've used a relative's address to get your child enrolled in a different MCPS school district? Does anyone have experience with this? And if so, what is the process that MCPS uses to discover and crack down on such situations?

You will be in trouble for doing this type of thing.

So very unlikely. I have 3 kids in MCPS and have been in the system for 10 years now. Each one of my kids has know families who live out of bounds and use ‘alternative addresses’. Not a single one has ever faced any consequences.

It’s even easier now than it was 5-7 years ago. Most communication is by email anyway. Not that much stuff comes in the mail. Report cards are online, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just personally think that it shows low moral character. There is a family that I generally like and I know that they do this and this definitely causes me to think less of them.

My child would be so upset about this she is honest as can be. I can imagine her walking into school on the first day and just blurting out I’m supposed to say that I live at 21 Main St. but I actually live at 34 Cherry St.!!!

No it shows you care about your kids education and it's not your fault you cant afford a $2M house in the zone you're trying to send your kid. Maybe if school districts made all the schools high quality instead of only the ones that serve the wealthier enclaves parents wouldn't be reduced to having the low moral character of trying to get high quality education for their children.

Yes, exactly, schools are "low quality" because school districts don't do enough, not because we tie school funding to property taxes and penalize schools for not being able to pass standardized tests that are really just a measure of SES as a means of keeping them hypersegregated and underfunded.

In Moco the funding is the same. The issue is concentrated poverty. Thee best way to alleviate concentrated poverty would be busing but rich parents basically bring out the pitchfoiand torches whenever that is suggested.

The magnets were created to bring strong programming to schools with minority populations so there would be enough students taking those classes to make them available to all. This works mostly by bringing the kids from wealthier areas to the less-wealthy schools because kids from less-affluent families have childcare and other obligations at home. Bussing would be more of a burden on them, so the burden is put on the students from more affluent areas.

Now, there's this big move to get rid of magnets. What do you think that will do to the schools with concentrated poverty? It will make it harder for able students at those schools to get access to advanced classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The pupil personnel worker may do a home visit if they can't verify residency.

I have never heard of this happening.

Agree. It never happens.

We know of several families that did this. One used an aunt’s address. Two used a grandparents. One used another relative.

It has NEVER been an issue. The families are open and honest that they live elsewhere.

In some cultures, your extended family is basically ‘your family’, so they feel that any address is valid. I say this as a non-White person and because all the families who did this (used a relative’s address) were also non-White.

They are lying to MCPS even if they don't lie to friends about where they live. I don't think dishonesty is limited to non-white families. I also know white families that have done this. This isn't about race. It's about honesty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who do this, or who consider doing this, extreme measure, at the risk of getting caught, have their reasons. Some schools are truly abysmal (dangerous; indifferent or biased teachers or admin, the list goes on). Unfortunately there’s no charter school option right now.

I personally wouldn’t do this but it’s easy for me to say given my comfortable situation. Wouldn’t judge others so harshly. They’re trying to give their kids a decent chance given their probably more limited means. Illegal doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Many people pay property taxes yet don’t have school age kids or choose not to attend the public school, etc. Seems to even itself out.

Wow -- "Illegal doesn't mean it's wrong"? This sounds like the same reasoning teens use to justify vaping THC at school or drinking underage or ignoring driving with passenger restrictions.

The parents I know who do this aren't of limited means--it's entitled middle class and upper middle-class parents. Parents of limited means rely upon school buses to get their kids to school. They aren't able to pay for the gas or take off work to drive their kids to and from school every day.

This is Montgomery County! Lots of things are ‘illegal’ but not wrong in this county. It has become acceptable to ignore the laws as long as they benefit you and your family. (Like illegal/undocumented immigration or illegal/unlicensed housing rentals, etc)

You don't have to agree with the rules, but instead of ignoring them, work to change them. Those who ignore the rules shouldn't be surprised when their kids are caught cheating in school or driving without a license or doing other illegal things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fraud is fraud. if one thinks it is worth the risk they will take the ris, I guess. Count me out. Life throws your curves, deal with them...ethically.

+1 What goes around comes around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just personally think that it shows low moral character. There is a family that I generally like and I know that they do this and this definitely causes me to think less of them.

My child would be so upset about this she is honest as can be. I can imagine her walking into school on the first day and just blurting out I’m supposed to say that I live at 21 Main St. but I actually live at 34 Cherry St.!!!

No it shows you care about your kids education and it's not your fault you cant afford a $2M house in the zone you're trying to send your kid. Maybe if school districts made all the schools high quality instead of only the ones that serve the wealthier enclaves parents wouldn't be reduced to having the low moral character of trying to get high quality education for their children.

Yes, exactly, schools are "low quality" because school districts don't do enough, not because we tie school funding to property taxes and penalize schools for not being able to pass standardized tests that are really just a measure of SES as a means of keeping them hypersegregated and underfunded.

In Moco the funding is the same. The issue is concentrated poverty. Thee best way to alleviate concentrated poverty would be busing but rich parents basically bring out the pitchfoiand torches whenever that is suggested.

The only people suggesting "busing" (if we define this as busing children to different areas of the County - Bethesda to Silver Spring for example - involuntarily) are trolls on DCUM like you.[/quote}


There is already busing for magnets and immersion programs. The entire Downcounty Consortium allows families to pick their kids' HS based on programming. All of those programs attract families because of programming. We had kids in W schools, and they don't have as good programs as offered by DCC or magnet. Busing works when it's voluntary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just personally think that it shows low moral character. There is a family that I generally like and I know that they do this and this definitely causes me to think less of them.

My child would be so upset about this she is honest as can be. I can imagine her walking into school on the first day and just blurting out I’m supposed to say that I live at 21 Main St. but I actually live at 34 Cherry St.!!!

No it shows you care about your kids education and it's not your fault you cant afford a $2M house in the zone you're trying to send your kid. Maybe if school districts made all the schools high quality instead of only the ones that serve the wealthier enclaves parents wouldn't be reduced to having the low moral character of trying to get high quality education for their children.

Yes, exactly, schools are "low quality" because school districts don't do enough, not because we tie school funding to property taxes and penalize schools for not being able to pass standardized tests that are really just a measure of SES as a means of keeping them hypersegregated and underfunded.

In Moco the funding is the same. The issue is concentrated poverty. Thee best way to alleviate concentrated poverty would be busing but rich parents basically bring out the pitchfoiand torches whenever that is suggested.

The magnets were created to bring strong programming to schools with minority populations so there would be enough students taking those classes to make them available to all. This works mostly by bringing the kids from wealthier areas to the less-wealthy schools because kids from less-affluent families have childcare and other obligations at home. Bussing would be more of a burden on them, so the burden is put on the students from more affluent areas.

Now, there's this big move to get rid of magnets. What do you think that will do to the schools with concentrated poverty? It will make it harder for able students at those schools to get access to advanced classes.

Yes, back in 1990 Blair was only like 90% white so they added a magnet to stem white flight. The world has changed much these past 30 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the repercussions if MCPS finds out you've used a relative's address to get your child enrolled in a different MCPS school district? Does anyone have experience with this? And if so, what is the process that MCPS uses to discover and crack down on such situations?

You will be in trouble for doing this type of thing.

So very unlikely. I have 3 kids in MCPS and have been in the system for 10 years now. Each one of my kids has know families who live out of bounds and use ‘alternative addresses’. Not a single one has ever faced any consequences.

It’s even easier now than it was 5-7 years ago. Most communication is by email anyway. Not that much stuff comes in the mail. Report cards are online, etc.

I'd report them in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The pupil personnel worker may do a home visit if they can't verify residency.

I have never heard of this happening.

Agree. It never happens.

We know of several families that did this. One used an aunt’s address. Two used a grandparents. One used another relative.

It has NEVER been an issue. The families are open and honest that they live elsewhere.

In some cultures, your extended family is basically ‘your family’, so they feel that any address is valid. I say this as a non-White person and because all the families who did this (used a relative’s address) were also non-White.

They are lying to MCPS even if they don't lie to friends about where they live. I don't think dishonesty is limited to non-white families. I also know white families that have done this. This isn't about race. It's about honesty.

I always love these people like pp. Sitting high atop their little throne of judgement, staring down their crooked nose at others. Dishonesty is one thing. Judge not leet you be judged is another and one of which you are pitifully guilty. You have no idea what other people are doing or why or (I would wager) who is working within the rules and who isn't. I'm sure your information is based on hen cackling over the picket fence. Gossiping is another immoral, unethical sin so take a look in the mirror before you open your mouth. Minding your own business would do you a world of good.

As for the *one can ways tell* who's children are the *help* poster. You would be extraordinarily surprised to find out how little other people are fighting to get into *your* school. For most, school is an experience beyond education, including being around a community of pleasant people. Most would take a pass on raising their children around yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just personally think that it shows low moral character. There is a family that I generally like and I know that they do this and this definitely causes me to think less of them.

My child would be so upset about this she is honest as can be. I can imagine her walking into school on the first day and just blurting out I’m supposed to say that I live at 21 Main St. but I actually live at 34 Cherry St.!!!

No it shows you care about your kids education and it's not your fault you cant afford a $2M house in the zone you're trying to send your kid. Maybe if school districts made all the schools high quality instead of only the ones that serve the wealthier enclaves parents wouldn't be reduced to having the low moral character of trying to get high quality education for their children.

Yes, exactly, schools are "low quality" because school districts don't do enough, not because we tie school funding to property taxes and penalize schools for not being able to pass standardized tests that are really just a measure of SES as a means of keeping them hypersegregated and underfunded.

In Moco the funding is the same. The issue is concentrated poverty. Thee best way to alleviate concentrated poverty would be busing but rich parents basically bring out the pitchfoiand torches whenever that is suggested.

The magnets were created to bring strong programming to schools with minority populations so there would be enough students taking those classes to make them available to all. This works mostly by bringing the kids from wealthier areas to the less-wealthy schools because kids from less-affluent families have childcare and other obligations at home. Bussing would be more of a burden on them, so the burden is put on the students from more affluent areas.

Now, there's this big move to get rid of magnets. What do you think that will do to the schools with concentrated poverty? It will make it harder for able students at those schools to get access to advanced classes.

Yes, back in 1990 Blair was only like 90% white so they added a magnet to stem white flight. The world has changed much these past 30 years.

Blair was around 60% minority when the magnet started. The county was only about 75% white. Yes, the school once was nearly entirely white, probably in the 60's or 70's. The goal was to try to bring it closer to the county demographic. Maybe it wasn't perfect, but it wasn't started to stem white flight -- that ship had sailed by then.

https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/03/education/in-a-minority-district-in-maryland-a-magnet-school-that-reall-draws.html