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Elementary school friends?
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Anonymous
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We live in DC and will need to move next year if we don't get into a good OOB DC spot or private school. However, we are also considering moving as we live in a section of the city that is not very child-friendly and/or friendly. We know our neighbors, there are a few kids- but nothing social. All of our "baby" friends have moved on...
So my thought is, even if we get in to a private school will the kids form enough of a community of friends? I"m thinking if the student body is drawn from a wide geographic area, and many parents work late, it will be difficult for "playdates" in the evenings. I suppose I could enroll the kids in aftercare, but I would prefer they not spend 12 hours at school when they are so young. Likewise, as OOB DCPS kids will likely be closer, but not close enough for a playdate. How do other people handle this? Will Chevy Chase/Bethesda/Friendship Heights area provide the homebased community we are looking for- regardless of where the kids go to school? Do your kids play with neighborhood kids after school? Do they do activities? Do they meet other kids through religious school/sports/activities more than through school? Would you move- not just for a better school- but for a better social community for your children? We need to sketch out our gameplan, as we need to sell our house before buying another... so I appreciate anyone's thoughts! |
Anonymous
| Your child should be able to find plenty of friends in Chevy Chase/Friendship Heights/Bethesda. Playdates can be challenging with some families, but not all families. If your child goes to private school just expect to drive a little farther for some playdates and birthday parties. Lots of kids do after school activities. Yes, it was important to us to live in a community with lots of families who have children. |
Anonymous
Fully agree |
Anonymous
| Our Bethesda neighborhood has turned around and there are may children now. During the school year, we really don't see many of them as my kids are at a parochial school and others are in privates or publics. We pretty much are busy with school friends as those are the ones who are also on our sports teams and scout groups. We see the neighborhood kids all summer at the pool though! |
Anonymous
| For the experience it seems like you are looking for I'd move in bounds for Janney, Lafayette or Murch. All big neighborhood schools with lots of spontaneous "walking home" playdates. If your kids are in private or OOB and there is no neighborhood organizing pool like the Bethesda poster mentioned, there may be kids but your kids will have no way to meet them. It sounds like you may really enjoy neighborhood school. It makes the whole social aspect so much easier (we did OOB then moved). It's really fun to run into school families when out and about in your neighborhood. I know that all the DC schools are having tours in Jan, go take a look and see what you think. Janney is about to start a major rennovation, Lafayette has an "open" layout, and Murch has a great new playground and soccer field. Good luck with your choice. |
Anonymous
| My child in a Bethesda public K has at least one playdate a week. My friend with a child in OOB K has never had a playdate. It's just too hard when so many of the families live in different parts of the city. |
Anonymous
| OP, what neighborhood do you currently live in? |
Anonymous
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Why are you worrying?
Young children still don't know who their good friends are from one day to the next. Once they figure it out and become involved in activities, they'll surround themselves with like-minded individuals. Don't make friends FOR your kids. Allow them to make friends themselves. Friendships occur naturally. Those that are forced don't last. |