My experience for urban schools is give yourself buffer. When MV was over at DuPont between one ways streets, stop lights, construction, it always took longer than expected (plus the narrow stairwell).

I had planned to drop off my 2 children at 2 different locations but it wound up not working so we did 2 adults each w 1 drop off.

First PP here. IT has a later starting time than many schools (9am) so I helps to be driving at end of rush hour. As far as walking your toddler to car, buckle etc, you're going to face that for any school you drive. My advice is that you try it with driving to Bridges as well as IT. When I did a test ride over Michigan, it was 8:30ish and it took me about 11 minutes from 16th/Harvard. Also, I wouldn't choose a long term school based having a 3 year old now. Once your kid gets 4-5, things get a whole lot easier (vanpool, buckling themselves, kiss and go etc).

The commute to and parking situation at IT's new location should be OK. But I would look into the cost of parking downtown in a garage (monthly) vs the cost of the bus 4 ways for 2 adults and evaluate whether you can justify the extra expense of parking to make your lives a lot easier. It probably depends which part of downtown you are in, but some of the garages are not too pricey if you shop around a little.

There is also a lot by Big Lots for commuters. You might check that out.

The parking at RI Avenue metro fills up by 8. You won't have a spot if you get there any later. I know, I used to live in that neighborhood.

Anonymous wrote:For me personally, proximity does not trump quality. In a head-to-head quality contest (or even a close match), I would pick proximity because I am not going to drive far for something not much better. But I would not pick a lower quality school just because its closer. For IT specifically, we are planning to drive and then park downtown in my office's garage. If that is not a financial option for you, you could also consider parking at a garage near the Brookland or Rhode Island metro (which would cost less per day - the Home Depot parking lot would be free, but I am not sure if they'd ticket you or something) and then metro downtown.

Yes, you will get ticketed in the Home Depot lot.

It's a problem, OP. No doubt about it.

If I was doing this, I think I would look into getting a rental parking space in one of the garages/lots near the Rhode Island metro. Then I'd park, take DC to school, and get on the train. I don't know that this would be faster every time, since it would involve some walking, but I have been in some pretty clusterfuck traffic in DC where walking would DEFINITELY be faster than driving.

Thanks, all. My instinct is to put some schools that I liked a lot and would offer a better commute before ITS, even though ITS was my favorite school. I liked Bridges a lot, so likely will list that one first. Probably will put our neighborhood schools after ITS. But, more feedback is welcome!

One other thing to keep in mind with the PK3 children, especially early on, is that the process of drop off takes a bit longer than with older students. (Maybe only 10 minutes longer or a little less, but when you are rushing to work after, every minute can count).

Mine are a bit older now, and as rushed as my commute after drop off felt, it was nice to go into their classroom every morning, say hello to the teachers, see the same students and parents, etc.

Also, for the little ones, it is almost a guarantee that at least once or twice a year you will get a call that your child has a fever or other illness. I am glad that when that has happened to us, one of us could get there quickly.

Location is a huge issue and your 3 yo is likely to be tired at the end of the day especially if going to aftercare. Can you try it to see how long it takes?

For me personally, proximity does not trump quality. In a head-to-head quality contest (or even a close match), I would pick proximity because I am not going to drive far for something not much better. But I would not pick a lower quality school just because its closer. For IT specifically, we are planning to drive and then park downtown in my office's garage. If that is not a financial option for you, you could also consider parking at a garage near the Brookland or Rhode Island metro (which would cost less per day - the Home Depot parking lot would be free, but I am not sure if they'd ticket you or something) and then metro downtown.

Anonymous wrote:I have tried the commute from Mt Pleasant area and took Michigan Ave to 1 block past North Capitol. It was not bad for us at all.

Op here, thanks! We may try it tomorrow. My thought is that this is what I would have to do:
- Walk to car w/toddler
- Buckle toddler in
- Drive - quick if no traffic, possibly longer if with traffic
- Look for parking--could be hard with 2 schools there with the same start time
- Drop off child
- Walk back to car, drive home, park, so that I can then get to work via public transporation

I can't imagine that I could count on this taking less than an hour in the morning. Am I probably wrong?

On the other hand, schools like Francis-Stevens are on my way into work, so I could take public transportation or walk with toddler (in the case of our neighborhood schools) and then head to work from there. If ITS were in current location, it would be a no brainer!

I have tried the commute from Mt Pleasant area and took Michigan Ave to 1 block past North Capitol. It was not bad for us at all.

I am trying to figure out how to rank inspired teaching. We loved the school, teachers, principal, parents. It could be our #1 choice except for (of course) the new location. We are in Adams-Morgan and are applying for PK3. I am wondering for those who have done this before if you can give some advice. We could drive there, but my husband and I both work downtown so it is in the opposite direction. I think that would mean driving there, parking, and walking with a three-year-old to the school, then driving home, parking, and taking the bus in. I'm concerned that this is going to get real old over time. If it were on our way into work and/or on the Metro, I would feel a lot better about it.

People have said there will almost certainly be a parent-run bus from Adams-Morgan. This sounds appealing, especially in the later grades, but I have two concerns. One is whether I can put a three-year-old on a bus every day. I don't know whether there will be other parents on board, or whether I could accompany my toddler on board on a semi-regular basis. The other is whether the bus will continue in future years.

So, I am in the position of wondering whether I should put some of our neighborhood schools or some of the schools in downtown, like Francis-Stevens, over IT. I would love any advice from others. People have told me that proxmity should not be under-valued.