Silver Spring public elementary schools -- thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Hi -- I am the same person who posted a question re Sligo Creek. Generally I would really appreciate thoughts on the public elementary schools in Silver Spring that are in the neighborhoods close in to the SS metro. I think that is just Woodlin and Sligo Creek Elementary, but there may be others. We are looking at moving to that area, and trying to find out some more about the schools. At this point, I know what the testing data shows, but not much more. If there are good, not insanely expensive private school options in that area (I know that's very unlikely) that would be great to know too. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Can you define "not insanely expensive"?

[Anonymous]

In response to the question, what is not "insanely expensive" for private school tuition in Silver Spring, I would be curious to know the range of tuition generally. Although we definitely would prefer to go the public school route, as long as the school is solid. Thanks again for any info you may have.

[Anonymous]

Depending on what you mean by not insanely expensive, we have been very pleased with Grace Episcopal. The lower campus (through K) is at 16th and Georgia in Silver Spring. The upper campus (1-7 (and 8 in 2009) is in Kensington, on Connecticut Avenue near the Beltway. Tuition for a full time program is $18k+, which is certainly less than many places (but definitely is a big chunk out of our budget). We think it's worth it for the small classes, the diversity, and the academic enrichment. We were also looking for a school that taught (and modeled) the values that we are trying to teach our kids, so that is a plus also.

[Anonymous]

18K for a preK-elementary school it is insane and not realistic for middle class families.

[Anonymous]

While it may be out of reach for many families, 18K is not "insane" for elementary school tuition in this area. How do expect to pay teacher and keep up facilities and provide good art, music, and sports programs? Education is not cheap. And niether is the DC Metropolitan area. Given that we pay almost 30K for our 6th grader, 18K sounds pretty good to us.

[Anonymous]

Area Catholic schools are in the $6000 range for elementary school. Area Catholic high schools (Holy Cross, Good Counsel) are $15k. Oakland Terrace Elementary is on the Silver Spring/Kensington border (and graduates go on to Sligo Middle School). To give you a better snapshot of the schools, check out the socioeconomic and demographic data in addition to the test scores. Check out how many students receive FARMS (free and reduced meals) or if the school has been designated for Title 1 funding (meaning that the majority of students come from very low-income families). Also check out the suspension rates. The curriculum in Mont. Co. elementary schools is uniform throughout the county -- ie: same curriculum in Potomac and Wheaton. And teachers throughout the county are top-notch and dedicated regardless of the demographics at the schools (particularly in Silver Spring which has become significantly more diverse in the past 10 years -- and many of the teachers pre-date the diversity boom).