I've also only heard good things about Columbia. You may want to consider joining Forest Hollow pool next year. Lots of Columbia ES families go there and your child could make some new friends before school starts.

PS - Just because your house is zoned for Annandale now doesn't mean it will be by the time your child gets to high school.

Save the money for private high school if you need it.

I've only heard good things about this school.

OP here - I am new to the area and haven't met any parents of current students yet. DC doesn't start until next fall so there hasn't been any type of open house yet for 2014 students. The great schools rating is ok but the school is in the Annadale pyramid which typically doesn't get much love on this board. If we were to consider going private I would need to start looking now and it would be a big stretch for us financially. I was just curious to see if there were other Columbia ES parents here and hear how they felt about their experiences so far.

Oh lord. Have you visited? Talked with friends who currently have kids there? Met with the principal?

First child is supposed to start there next year and I'm having second thoughts....