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[quote=Anonymous]OP, check out this interesting 2014 WP article that discusses the Del Ray elementary school:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/sometimes-the-school-down-the-block-makes-you-nervous/2014/08/15/e8098c54-24d7-11e4-958c-268a320a60ce_story.html?utm_term=.6c89dcdc3835

The article concludes with this list:

Twelve Things to Look For in a School

1. A Good Principal. Spend at least 30 minutes with the principal. Talk to parents and teachers as well. Five or more years experience at the school is a good sign. If the school has had more than two principals in the past five years, that’s a bad sign. Be particularly cautious if the principal doesn’t have 30 minutes to see you.

2. What It Feels Like. Don’t discount the mood and the atmosphere. Are the walls gaily decorated? Are the teachers friendly? Do the children seem happy?

3. Active Parents. Never put your child in a school without speaking to at least two parents already there, including at least one PTA officer. If you can’t find such a person, or if there’s no active PTA or equivalent organization, beware.

4. Good Teachers. If average scores are in the 70th percentile, or are rising year to year, that’s a good sign. But more important is the quality of the teachers your child will likely get. Ask experienced parents about them.

5. Long-Term Superintendent. Most urban systems, including the District, average little more than three years per superintendent, and yet have many good schools. But a suburban system with rapid superintendent turnover is less common and a matter for concern.

6. A Well-Stocked and Well-Used Library.Are there enough books and computer terminals? And how many students are using them? A library full of kids is a sign of health.

7. Using Every Minute. Are there before-school classes for students with special needs? Is there tutoring available at lunch or after school? Are there Saturday sessions? An active summer school?

8. High Expectations. Are there accelerated classes? Gifted student services? Are these available for all students who want them, not just for those who have high grades? Look for signs of enrichment outside the classroom -- -student musicals, publications and athletic contests.

9. Connections to Adults. Some schools have set up systems to ensure that at least one school employee -- a teacher, a counselor, an aide, a coach -- knows each child and his or her family well. Such schools are rare gems.

10. Safety. This is less likely to be a problem than the headlines would suggest. If you are comfortable living in your community, then the neighborhood school will almost certainly be safe enough for you. If you are looking at a school far from home, talk to parents who send their children to that school.

11. Challenges Ahead. Does the high school your child is headed for have Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses? Does it provide dual enrollment in local college courses? Are such programs open to any student who wants them?

12. Listen to Your Heart. The school may pass all these tests, and yet you’re still not sure. If there’s another school you like better, even if it doesn’t look as good on paper, go there.
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