Anonymous wrote:Some DC elementary schools are quite good. Maybe stay if you like your neighborhood elementary school, and don't mind the public, charter, or private school options later.

The Key / Science Focus attendance area is one of the most sought after in Arlington. The neighborhoods are beautiful but very expensive, not unlike most of upper NW DC.

The question is... how committed are you to DC? If you're not, then Arlington is a great option and the neighborhoods near Key are closer to downtown than most of upper NW.

We moved to N Arlington from Tenleytown years ago, and no regrets.

We are in Key District. Go to ASFS. Concession for leaving DC- was to live in area we could walk everywhere to shops, bars, metro, restaurants. also-kids have a small backyard now and we have a larger house. Also- just about every single house in the neighborhood has parents our age with 1-5 kids each. There are a ton of block parties, impromptu get togethers and a feeling of 'neighborhood'---kids walking to school together, playing on same school teams, etc. Not a bunch of kids from all over different areas like private school.

I do not regret not paying for private school. In fact- next year I am looking forward to writing my last check to preschool and not having to write a single check again for 19 years!!!!!!!!! I don't have extended day--so only a few weeks of camp each summer.

I do miss the beauty of my old neighborhood. I think there is the possibilty I will return at empty nest time. The services and responsiveness of Arlington Co. are so far superior to the District--I sure don't miss it from that aspect.

Live in Arlington and the schools are great. Our DC attends Claremont (the other immersion school in Arlington) and we couldn't be happier.

Moved from NW, with very good elementary, to ARL with zero regrets. Best decision, not just because of the schools, but that was a primary reason.

I live in Arlington and regret paying private school tuition for three years (we commuted into DC). My child is now in an APS school and we are all so happy.

What do you like and dislike about DC? A lot of the neighborhoods around Key are so walkable that you might not notice much of a difference, though it's probably easier to park than in DC. The commute should be a breeze. Could you rent for a year, then buy?

I lived in DC for years as a child-free person and moved to Arlington and loved it. Then I moved to Fairfax (near Vienna metro) and THAT move did not take at all. It was just too far out. I felt like I was suffocating. Now I'm back in Arlington (with a child) and couldn't be happier. I do work in DC, though, so I get my city fix 4-5 days a week.

Some DC elementary schools are quite good. Maybe stay if you like your neighborhood elementary school, and don't mind the public, charter, or private school options later.

The Key / Science Focus attendance area is one of the most sought after in Arlington. The neighborhoods are beautiful but very expensive, not unlike most of upper NW DC.

The question is... how committed are you to DC? If you're not, then Arlington is a great option and the neighborhoods near Key are closer to downtown than most of upper NW.

We moved to N Arlington from Tenleytown years ago, and no regrets.

Is there anyone out there who moved to Arlington from DC for the Arlington Schools, but now regret moving?
Is there anyone out there who moved to Arlington from DC for the Arlington Schools, but now are happy they made the decision to move?

Anyone with such experiences, I would love to hear from. We are considering moving to Arlington (Key Elementary) after living in DC for quite some time.

Thanks!