Considering a move to DC - Stoddert v. Eaton v. Hearst

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of moving to DC from the close-in burbs. We have one DD who is in 2nd grade. No plans for another child. We'd rent in a WOTP neighborhood zoned for one of the schools listed in the subject line. If we move to DC, we would do so with the intention of staying through high school, but some of the things I'm reading about Wilson on here are making me nervous about that prospect (I guess there's always SWW?). Anyway, I think the elementary options I'm considering are all good ones, but I'd be thankful for any insight you can provide as we contemplate this move.

[Anonymous]

Don't believe everything on DCUM. Wilson will be fine if your kid wants a big high school, especially by the time your kid is old enough for 9th grade.

The biggest difference between those schools are the homes. I'd find a house you like and know that you're ok no matter what.

Re there's always Walls, that's not a guarantee for anyone. But there are other application high schools that would be suitable.

[Anonymous]

Hearst feeds to Deal and you can still walk to red line.

[Anonymous]

I'd choose Hearst (or Murch, though I know it isn't on your list). Best location for access to red line and easy driving routes. Eaton is about to go under construction, which the other two were just finished.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd choose Hearst (or Murch, though I know it isn't on your list). Best location for access to red line and easy driving routes. Eaton is about to go under construction, which the other two were just finished.

What about Hyde Addison? Renovation was just completed there, too.

[Anonymous]

All great choices. Stoddert will be a little cheaper (not on red line).

Middle schools do differ - Hardy (for Stoddert & Eaton) vs Deal (for Hearst). Deal is about 3x the size of Hardy; with the associated pluses and minuses.

Personally, if you don't need daily metro access (there are tons of buses up and down Wisconsin), I'd vote Stoddert. If you need it, I'd vote Murch.

Also, keep in mind walking vs driving school drop-offs. See if you can get a home/apt that is walking distance to the school. This can be a game changer. (We walk to our WOTP elementary and middle schools). This is easy for people close to Stoddert/Hyde/Murch/Janney - as they are all near Deal/Hardy. And for Janney/Murch - you'll be next to Wilson too. Though, with all the buses on Wisconsin, it shouldn't really matter for teenagers.

And don't worry about Wilson. It will be fine, most of the stuff on DCUM seems to be sound and fury in the Shakespearean sense. And there is Ellington/SWW/Etc. Also, keep in mind all good DC area zoned high schools seems to be "overcrowded".

[Anonymous]

Wilson's fine. I'd pick the neighborhood that you like the best/is the most convenient, because those are all good schools. Eaton is about to begin a renovation, so that would move it to the bottom of the list for me, since your kid is already in second grade and won't be there long enough to enjoy the new facility.

[Anonymous]

Stoddert is extremely overcrowded and will also be undergoing a renovation in a few years.

[Anonymous]

Don't move. The schools are all too crowded! There are too many kids around in NW and DCPS can't handle it. There should be 2 new ES, 2 new MS and 1 HS WOTP to handle all the kids.

[Anonymous]

Eaton will be at UDC for a bit, as they do a gut job on the old building. Stoddert will get an addition in 3-4 years - but that may not require a move.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for all your responses! I understand overcrowding is an issue, but it’s an issue at just about every single close-in school we’ve considered. We’re also looking at Arlington for commute and schools, and there’s overcrowding there, too. Can’t seem to escape it. Arlington would be good for us as well, as both of us work in Arlington, but we’re trying to make DC work for us, as we like the city.

[Anonymous]

Wow, I thought overcrowding was just happening in the burbs.

Boy have times changed.

[Anonymous]

Post renovation, Murch seem to be right sized (hate to jinx it though!)

[Anonymous]

Rent IB for Murch. Renovation is done. Historically very stable strong school.

Re Hyde - it historically was not a neighborhood school as most families that were IB sent their kids to private. I lived IB prior to my kids being school aged and all the neighbors went somewhere else. It definitely has changed (recently) but not enough to have a track record as a strong neighborhood school

[Anonymous]

All good schools. Why not Mann? Doesn't seem overcrowded yet. I'd visit them all. Think of aftercare and other offerings. I don't even know a good rental where people have been happy. Since you are going to rent, you can always move IB to Hardy or Deal. Lots of new kids in middle school, so it's not like your kid is the only new kid.