Is Brent really paly based? I'm a Brent parent and although my kids absolutely LOVE school and they have lots of fun, I'm not sure I'd say it is play based. I got the impression that SWS is the best for play based. But I wonder how diffuclt it is to get into SWS. Maybe move into Brent area, but also try to get into SWS. Your odds are good (but not 100%) that you will get into Brent if you are in-boundry.

Is apple tree really play based?

I'm not sure if Logan takes non-montessori PK kids, it may only be PS3, but if they do we are very happy with their primary program. I think they went about 80 deep on their wait list this year and they are adding at least 2 more primary classes next year so I imagine the odds will be better than in the past.

Anonymous wrote:Peabody, Maury and Brent all have boundaries and are great for PreK and K. With luck, you might break into School Within a School via a lottery (with neighborhood proximity preference at their new building at Prospect Learning Center in 2014??).

The other first-rate options involve clearing the lottery bar, Logan Montessori and Appletree Lincoln Park. Two Rivers (charter) is decent and so is Tyler Spanish Immersion if you want Spanish (boundary but no guarantees for that program). Ludlow-Taylor will be better by 2014, after the school is renovated in summer 2013.

The building will be better. The demographics will not. Neither will be the comfort-level of the Hill families in the immediate area. Why do you think LT families all want preference to the new SWS?

Brent. You only have about a 50% chance of getting into Peabody in bounds for 3-y-o so while that's a great school, I wouldn't count on getting in. SWS has in boundary so you cOuld add it to your list but you should definitely live in bounds for Brent and then have SWS, Logan, Tyler Spanish, as other possibilities if you don't get in.

Anonymous wrote:We are moving to DC for 3-4 years with a toddler who will start PS3 in 2014. We will be renting so have a great deal of flexibility on where to live -- all we know is that we definitely want to be on the Hill. Which school district should we target so that we're in-bounds for the best preschool and Kindergarten (we plan to move out of state after K, so getting positioned for the upper years doesn't matter). Also, our kid would probably like a more play-based than academic curriculum. Thanks!

Brent, absolutely.

If I were doing the lottery this year I would include SWS, Brent, Maury, Tyler SI, Logan Montessori, & Peabody. The problem with these 6 schools is that unless you are in bounds you may not get a spot. And Logan & SWS have citywide lotteries.

If I felt strongly about entering my child in DCPS PS3, I would include a hill school such as Ludlow Taylor, JO Wilson, Miner, and Payne.

For Hill charters, i'd say Appletree & Two Rivers. And I'd add other charter options from other parts of the city.

Has the neighborhood rallied on SWS proximity? Is anyone speaking to DCPS about it? Personally, I don't see that one happening, but wish you the best.

Peabody, Maury and Brent all have boundaries and are great for PreK and K. With luck, you might break into School Within a School via a lottery (with neighborhood proximity preference at their new building at Prospect Learning Center in 2014??).

The other first-rate options involve clearing the lottery bar, Logan Montessori and Appletree Lincoln Park. Two Rivers (charter) is decent and so is Tyler Spanish Immersion if you want Spanish (boundary but no guarantees for that program). Ludlow-Taylor will be better by 2014, after the school is renovated in summer 2013.

School Within School

Appletree Lincoln Park. Oh, wait that's a charter. it is a GREAT school though.

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that you're not guaranteed a spot for pre school, even at your in bound school.

In fact, if you're not currently living there, you may likely not be able to apply. And if that's possible, then the hurdle will be that you can't prove residency within those boundaries come April. Still worth a bet, if you're not too far up in the waitlist, the residency proof will only need to delivered when you are offered a spot. Then again, that won't get you IB preference anywhere. Charters are your better option in that case.

Keep in mind that you're not guaranteed a spot for pre school, even at your in bound school.

You want Peabody, part of the Cap Hill Cluster schools. It goes through K and is play-based.

We are moving to DC for 3-4 years with a toddler who will start PS3 in 2014. We will be renting so have a great deal of flexibility on where to live -- all we know is that we definitely want to be on the Hill. Which school district should we target so that we're in-bounds for the best preschool and Kindergarten (we plan to move out of state after K, so getting positioned for the upper years doesn't matter). Also, our kid would probably like a more play-based than academic curriculum. Thanks!