Tell me about Lafayette and Murch
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Anonymous
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My family is moving to DC this summer due to my husband's job change. We've narrowed down 2 rental options in 2 different neighborhoods recommended by our realtor and need to make a decision asap. We hear great things about both schools Murch and Lafayette. We have rising 2 & 4th grader boys and are trying to get the lay of the land. Is there a big difference in the DCPS schools and curriculum school by the school? My kids loved Lafayette's playground when they visited. Unfortunately, it is a challenging time to visit the inside of schools and classrooms.
If your kids go to either of these schools can you tell me what you love about your school? We're also curious if the home learning assuming it will happen in the Fall is similar throughout DCPS. Thank you. |
Anonymous
| Murch and Lafayette are more similar than different. The biggest difference is size - Lafayette is much bigger (900-1000) with more classes per grade. Murch is also a bit more diverse. But the education and communities are overall almost identical. |
Anonymous
Agree with this. Lafayette has the benefit of a large and grassy campus, Murch's campus is smaller. Both recently renovated (with Lafayette building out 4 more classrooms this summer.) Lafayette is indeed larger- but the classes themselves are no bigger. Pick the house/apt you like the best. You will be happy either way. |
Anonymous
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I think you'll be fine either way. As others have noted, Lafayette is huge, Murch is a little smaller. Murch is a bit more diverse, including economically, because the catchment includes a larger number of condo and apartment buildings.
Both are good schools, with more in common than different. |
Anonymous
| Given where we are with things - I would select Murch. I believe the smaller total size of the school will provide more flexibility next year. |
Anonymous
| Murch is terrific--lots of happy students and teachers. |
Anonymous
| op here. Thank you kindly- I was hoping to hear both are good choices and in my conversations with the admins they also identified the schools in this way. |
Anonymous
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I believe there is a virtual open house for Murch this week. Check: murchschool.org
Good luck! |
Anonymous
Agree! I know many families at both schools. The Murch families are just happier people. I would pick Murch. |
Anonymous
We're at Lafayette (have a rising 4th grader) and love it - but would be quite happy with Murch also, as people have noted. Pick the apartment you like better 
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Anonymous
| I was born and raised on the poor side of DC. I had my reservations about sending our child to Murch because we're black, and to be quite honest we didn't feel very comfortable in this predominately white, high SES part of town at first. Our experience at Murch has been nothing short of amazing every year. Everyone is approachable, we always feel welcome, and it is far more diverse than we expected. My child has gotten a great education these last five years, and I have nothing negative to say about the school. |
Anonymous
| You can’t go wrong. Pick the better house. - Lafayette Parent |
Anonymous
| Have you looked at Hearst? Lots of outdoor space but smaller than Lafatette. |
Anonymous
| I would RUN from Lafayette. It was once a wonderful school but many of the best teachers have left (some for other DCPS schools) due to serious issues with the administration. There are other issues as well but the loss of great teachers and the inability to attract good, experienced teachers is an issue that will impact all students eventually. |
Anonymous
+1 Lafayette has a great parent community but an administration that is terrible. It is such a big school too. |