There are very few spaces available in first grade (like 2) as opposed to the many slots available for kindergarten. It is much harder to get in for first grade than second. This year, the two people I know who got spaces for first grade also live in the neighborhood. The wait list numbers in the hundreds, so it isn't something you should count on. If your son knows French, he could potentially test in for 2nd grade. It is easier to get in at that point because knowledge of the language is required.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. We'll be moving to Bethesda/Chevy Chase; I understand that we would therefore be eligible for Sligo.

An additional question: it looks like we won't be able to apply for the 2013-2014 year (my son's K year) as our move date will be too late. We would then try for the 2014-15 year (my son's 1st grade). If we make sure our son continues practicing French (he is going to French preschool now), from a logistical point of view, is it harder to get into 1s grade than in K (or preK for that matter)? Are there just few openings after K (or preK)? My guess is that, on the one hand, many preK or K kids continue in the program, thus leaving relatively few spots, but, on the other hand, because French knowledge would be expected in 1st grade or above, an applicant to these later years with good French knowledge would actually hae a greater likelihood of being selected. Is this so?

You can try via lottery for first grade (by submitting the application during your son's kindergarten year) but no French knowledge is required for first-graders. I believe that up to about January of first grade, no French language is required, whereas after that, any applicants have to pass a French-language test (mostly spoken I think).

Thanks. We'll be moving to Bethesda/Chevy Chase; I understand that we would therefore be eligible for Sligo.

An additional question: it looks like we won't be able to apply for the 2013-2014 year (my son's K year) as our move date will be too late. We would then try for the 2014-15 year (my son's 1st grade). If we make sure our son continues practicing French (he is going to French preschool now), from a logistical point of view, is it harder to get into 1s grade than in K (or preK for that matter)? Are there just few openings after K (or preK)? My guess is that, on the one hand, many preK or K kids continue in the program, thus leaving relatively few spots, but, on the other hand, because French knowledge would be expected in 1st grade or above, an applicant to these later years with good French knowledge would actually hae a greater likelihood of being selected. Is this so?

For this year's lottery, applications are accepted beginning in February and are all due in April. Yes, you would need to be a resident of the right attendance area when you apply. Also, FYI that more northern parts of the county go to the French immersion program at Maryvale, so the program you apply to would depend on where in MoCo you move.

We are contemplating moving to MoCo in the summer of 2013 (sometime in June-August). We would like to try the lottery for Sligo Creek French immersion so that our son goes starting fall of 2013 . I am not sure when the lottery is held. Can we try the lottery even though it is likely it will be held before we move to MoCo? Or do you need a MoCo address before filling out the application? Thanks