Seaton vs. Langley

[Anonymous]

Hello,

We just moved to town 2 weeks ago with our soon to be K and PK3 students. We're zoned for Langley and have been feeling fine about going there. It is so so close to our house and I like what I hear about the SEL program - I think my K kid especially would benefit from it if its being implemented effectively.

However we were just offered a K spot at Seaton. Which is on my way to work, so not terribly inconvenient but would present a lot more logistics with pickup and drop off than just walking 2 blocks. My husband and I both currently bike to work and love doing so

So my question is, is Seaton enough better to make it worth the extra effort with the commute? And how do I factor in my PK kids chance of getting a seat at either?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Welcome, neighbor! You're going to love it here. How long are you planning to stay in the area?

I think it's uncertain that your PK3 student would get in to Seaton. He/she would definitely get in for PK4 though. If you look at the initial lottery data here: https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/61 you can see that all of the 19 in-boundary kids received an offer for PK3, as did some kids with a sibling attending. Seven kids with a sibling attending and 6 kids whose sibling received an offer were nevertheless waitlisted in the initial lottery. I'm not sure how much those lists have moved since then. But if more in-boundary kids come on to the list, they would jump ahead of you. I would suggest you call the front desk of the school, because they will be able to give you a sense of your chances.

Langley is a less in-demand school, and you'd be in-boundary, so your chances of getting in for PK3 are close to 100%. You should be able to register for K and have your PK3 receive a waitlist number as a sibling, if you haven't done that already.

Personally, we chose Langley over Seaton for logistical reasons and because of the SEL and the larger building. I really like how there are two gyms so the kids seldom miss their active playtime even when it rains. They're really pretty similar-- both warm and friendly elementaries, on the smaller side by DC standards, active parent group. Seaton has stronger test scores right now but only grades 3-5 take the test, and I would think the academic performance of your children's cohorts would be similar at Langley and Seaton. You might want to look into the availability of aftercare and beforecare at Seaton if you need it.

I really, really love the SEL program at Langley and have made it a part of my own parenting. I truly think it's the way forward so that kids can be in the best state of mind for learning, and my child loves it too.

See you at the farmers market, playground, and pool!

[Anonymous]

I’d go with the easiest commute. Both are good schools with no MS/HS feeder so at the end of 5th you will need to make the same decisions.

[Anonymous]

The after care point is a good one. I'm not sure of the situation at Seaton this year. Last year they had free aftercare for all of the PK program, but there's generally not enough after care spots for all of the K and up. Langley has space for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d go with the easiest commute. Both are good schools with no MS/HS feeder so at the end of 5th you will need to make the same decisions.

+1. Personally I'm more hopeful for Langley's feeder McKinley Middle than I am for Seaton's middle school, whatever it ends up being. OP, I think Seaton is the stronger school for upper elementary (3rd-5th), but Langley may at least partially close that gap before your child reaches those grades. Or you may move on to somewhere else anyway-- people do leave Seaton if they get into a school with a stronger middle school. For lower elementary, I think it really isn't that different, so I'd encourage you to pick the shorter commute and embrace SEL. Langley's a little rougher around the edges but the PTA is working hard and retention is definitely improving. If commuting to Seaton would be tough for you (and do consider what you'd do in our many, many rainy afternoons), then definitely pick Langley. It's not very hard to get into Seaton post-preschool, so you can always switch over later if you want it that bad.

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

i don't think you can go wrong with either school. We are a Seaton family with a child entering K next year, and we are so, so happy with the school -- the teachers are really awesome, the community is peaceful and supportive, and the diversity is a strength (it's a "no majority" school with a balance of Latinox, Asian, AA, and white kids). This K cohort is also full of involved families, so that has been nice.

If you have some time to decide, we are having a "multicultural day" event on may 30th -- it's a good day to observe the community in action.

[Anonymous]

Langley is a great school! We're very happy there. Welcome to the community!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi there!

i don't think you can go wrong with either school. We are a Seaton family with a child entering K next year, and we are so, so happy with the school -- the teachers are really awesome, the community is peaceful and supportive, and the diversity is a strength (it's a "no majority" school with a balance of Latinox, Asian, AA, and white kids). This K cohort is also full of involved families, so that has been nice.

If you have some time to decide, we are having a "multicultural day" event on may 30th -- it's a good day to observe the community in action.

i'm this PP -- i just read your PK comment. That is a little iffy this year -- i did hear about an IB preK3 kid who is on the waitlist at Seaton! So i think it's not as certain as in past years.

[Anonymous]

Word on the street is Seaton is full for PK3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi there!

i don't think you can go wrong with either school. We are a Seaton family with a child entering K next year, and we are so, so happy with the school -- the teachers are really awesome, the community is peaceful and supportive, and the diversity is a strength (it's a "no majority" school with a balance of Latinox, Asian, AA, and white kids). This K cohort is also full of involved families, so that has been nice.

If you have some time to decide, we are having a "multicultural day" event on may 30th -- it's a good day to observe the community in action.

i'm this PP -- i just read your PK comment. That is a little iffy this year -- i did hear about an IB preK3 kid who is on the waitlist at Seaton! So i think it's not as certain as in past years.

Must have been a post-lottery addition because all IB applicants got in to Seaton in the lottery.

Seaton always fills up, the question is whether OP's kid can get in as a sibling, ahead of kids with no preference. I'd say "probably", so if OP is cool with the chance of biking by Langley for one drop and then to Seaton for another, that's fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Word on the street is Seaton is full for PK3.

I think Seaton and Langley are both full for PreK, but I think there is talk about Langley opening up another class (I'm not in the know, maybe someone who is can chime in), though it sounds like OP already matched at Langley--right?

I think either school is a great option, so I would go for the school with the better commute, especially if there is a chance your kids won't be at the same school. There was a really informative thread a few months ago comparing Langley and Seaton and Garrison and Cleveland, you may want to look through: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/776495.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Word on the street is Seaton is full for PK3.

I think Seaton and Langley are both full for PreK, but I think there is talk about Langley opening up another class (I'm not in the know, maybe someone who is can chime in), though it sounds like OP already matched at Langley--right?

I think either school is a great option, so I would go for the school with the better commute, especially if there is a chance your kids won't be at the same school. There was a really informative thread a few months ago comparing Langley and Seaton and Garrison and Cleveland, you may want to look through: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/776495.page

OP has an IB K for Langley but unclear if the PK3 has received an offer yet.

I am not sure about the extra classroom, but there is always a lot of waitlist movement in early August and the first few weeks of school so should not be a problem for a sibling to get in to Langley. It may be full now but spots open up as people get offers elsewhere.