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[quote=Anonymous]My initial strategy five years ago was to print out the large database of lottery results and then map out the schools with the highest wait list numbers.  Be glad you don't have to do that anymore.

When the central lottery became an option I used Google Maps to locate all the elementary schools near home, work and the path in between.  I started by looking at their DCPS school profile online and, if the school looked interesting, I would come to this forum and do a search.

Then I created a ranking of priorities - demographics, ease of commute, scores, before/after care, music program - I'm just making these up as an example, but you can decide for yourself what's important - created my own database of contenders with a point system based on those priorities.  That made it easier to discuss with my husband who told me that he hadn't even thought of what his priorities were until I mapped them out.  Together, we moved school choices up and down the list until we could agree on a lottery ranking.  Sometimes you'll surprise yourself and each other.

Now you can do all that with MySchoolDC.org and see all the scores, demographics, etc. in one place.  But I still like Google maps for planning commutes by car, bike, walking or public transit.  It's not 100% accurate, but it's much better than relying on people on this forum.

Only you know what's important to you and what you can handle.  Take everything else with a grain of salt and go see it with your own eyes.  I know lots of people happy with schools I would have summarily written off when back when I started out.   Intelligent people do not rely solely on this forum.  Good luck.

One last thing:  everyone says you'll eventually end up where you want to be, even if it takes a few years.  I didn't believe it, but we're very happy in our third year in the game.  [/quote]

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