Reply to Question for those who are doing the DCPS lotteries-- why did you choose to live where you live?

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Reply to "Question for those who are doing the DCPS lotteries-- why did you choose to live where you live?"

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[quote=Anonymous]So, I'll be honest.

We moved to Ward 5 because it's close to my husband's hospital (he's a surgical resident), close to where I teach (a local university), and because we wanted a house with a yard.  We were tired of the hassle of living in NW (we lived in a house in Georgetown for five years before moving across town), and we settled on Brookland for its established neighborhood feel, exciting recent development, large lots, and number of families.  I have 2 tiny kids and 2 dogs, and I freaking love all of this space.  Love it.  I love that my husband and I don't commute an hour to go 4 miles to work, and that we get to spend that precious too-little time with our kids instead.  I love that we have block parties with our neighbors.  I love that I can still walk to the metro.  And while I may not love my in-bounds school, I am very pleased with some other neighborhood DCPS schools, and VERY pleased with the charter options nearby in Ward 5.

We also always knew we'd be playing the lottery for charters no matter what, and luckily many of those charters are close to our chosen neighborhood.  I have always guessed that we'd be happier at a charter than at an in-bounds DCPS.  Private school isn't really an option for us financially, not for at least another 5 years at least.  No, I don't have any idea of whether we'll be 'successful.' So I'm playing the odds like anyone else.  Right now, I'm doing the lottery for DCPS, yes, BUT I am also choosing all schools that are within "proximity," although not necessarily our in-bounds--not a single NW choice on there.  I'm applying to every charter that is a reasonable option for us.  We'll keep doing the lottery until we're happy, and if we hit kindergarden or 1st and are still unhappy with our spot, we'll consider other options.  However, that's two years from now, and much can change before then.

Whether we end up in PCS or DCPS, our kids will go to school in the neighborhood where we live.  You have to realize that some families who are doing the OOB lottery aren't just focusing on schools on the Hill or in NW--just better neighborhood choices.

I'm an involved, educated, and practical parent.  Yes, I chose a larger house in an up-and-coming neighborhood instead of staying in our "safe" choice in NW.  And we have never been happier.  I wouldn't want to raise my kids in the neighborhoods with "good" in-bounds schools for a host of reasons.[/quote]

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