I just put the Blair's address into the school locator and it says that it is now zoned for SSIMS for 2014. Does anyone know anything about this? As you said I can't go wrong with either school but this is confusing...

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes there are condos that rent out in Parkside Plaza.

I've lived in Parkside for many years and its lovely and waking distance to the school ad quite safe (24 hour desk service). You could get 2bed 2 bath for $2k including utilities. I've moved to a house but my landlady is renting it out now and I know of other condos for rent there. Check out Craigslist or actually just drive there and ask the front desk person to show you te board with the ads for renters.
Lots of young families there now.
Its at 9039 Sligo creek parkway.

My son is an 8th grader in the regular (non-magnet) program at TPMS and I agree completely with the PP--it's a great school all around. The school is full of smart, high-achieving kids, not just in the magnet. Over 75% of the student body made honor roll last quarter, very few schools match that number.

http://connectedcommunities.us/forumdisplay.php?f=153

And I also agree that the Blairs is nicer than Silver Spring Towers, and is probably the apartment community in downtown Silver Spring with the biggest population of kids.

We know lots of families at SSIMS, and they are happy as well. You won't go wrong either way for middle school

But If you think you might still be in the apartmentwhen your child reaches high school, you should definitely consider the Blairs, because that makes Montgomery Blair HS your home school, and that is important.

Thanks so much! I am going to visit both schools and then we'll decide. It's just great to get opinions from parents who have experience with these schools. It feels so much better to know the non-magnet is a good option there.

We are in TPMS magnet, but know MANY families in the regular program. School is great overall. Definitely won't go wrong moving to Blairs and going to TPMS.

That's a much better building than Silver Spring Towers.

PP, I am very impressed with TPMS but am interested in the magnet program. I was told it was too late to test for it as the test was in December. Can you speak to the quality of the program if my child is not in the magnet program? I may post this as a question separately on the forum as well.

Thanks for the info on the Blair's I have seen the website and it looks great.

Well if you're not familiar with the local schools, you should know that being in the Takoma Park MS zone is hardly a poor option. It's one of the better schools in the county. Given that, you really should check out the Blairs. Though I never lived there, my mother did for a few years after my dad died, so I was there a lot. Lots of amenities, unbeatable convenience, and a lot of kids too. I'm pretty confident you could find what you're looking for in your price range--utilities included. Good luck and welcome to town!

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it! I am moving from another state. The apartment search from afar is pretty difficult...

I will take a look at the school locator. It seems the boundaries have changed recently.

You would naturally think the apartments on Easley would be in the SSIMS zone, because it's just a few blocks away. But, no. The boundary line literally runs down the middle of Easley Street. So the apartment building (Silver Spring Towers, I think) and all the homes on that side of Easley are the very outer edge of the TPMS zone.

Try the apartments on Thayer and Easley streets, and Manchester.

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who lived temporarily at the Blairs. I don't recall her saying anything negative about it. It is centrally located and close to grocery store, restaurants, etc.

The Blairs is not zoned for SSIMS.

If for some reason being in the SSIMs zone is important to you, be careful about the Blairs and other neighboring buildings. A school boundary divide bisects downtown Silver Spring, and part of the area, including at least a portion of the Blairs community, is in the Takoma Park Middle School/Blair HS zone.

If you're considering an apartment in Silver Spring, and want to check the school assignment, there's a feature on the MoCo Schools website that lets you do that. Good luck!!

I know someone who lived temporarily at the Blairs. I don't recall her saying anything negative about it. It is centrally located and close to grocery store, restaurants, etc.

Sometimes there are condos that rent out in Parkside Plaza.

Hello everyone,

Looks like I need to move soon. I am going to move into the Silver Spring International Middle school zone. I would like to live in the area for a minimum of a year before buying. Since there are a lot of apartment complexes in the downtown Silver Spring area, I was wondering if people could recommend apartment complexes to live in that they love and also any to stay away from.

If it helps, I am looking for a two bedroom / two bathroom apartment in the $2000 per month range. Safety is a concern as I am a single mom.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!