Anonymous wrote:The problem with the southern Murch boundary is that there are only 5 streets south of the school in boundary. Regardless of what school those kids would be rezoned to (probably Hearst) there aren't enough kids on those 5 blocks to resolve the overcrowding problem. Now if they moved the boundary to include the houses east of Connecticut, that would make a difference, but those kids are nowhere near walkable to Hearst. Hopefully the school will add capacity during the renovation.

By my count there are actually 8 streets south of Murch which are in boundary. The original DME rezone proposal included more of these blocks to be rezoned to Hearst than the second proposal in June which only goes up to Albemarle I believe. Maybe they will add capacity to Murch during the renovation or maybe they won't. IMHO regardless of that it is logical to move the Hearst boundary north a bit in order to more evenly distribute neighborhood kids across two very close-together schools one of which currently has a relatively large geographic boundary and the other of which currenlty has a relatively small geographic boundary. It just seems logical to me. But of course logic and DCPS don't always go together

Streets which are south of Murch and InBoundary for Murch

Davenport
Cumberland
Chesapeake
Brandywine
Appleton
Albemarle
Alton
Yuma (north side east of 38th is Murch)

OP again--thanks for the good info on Hearst and neighborhood. Will definitely take into account!

The problem with the southern Murch boundary is that there are only 5 streets south of the school in boundary. Regardless of what school those kids would be rezoned to (probably Hearst) there aren't enough kids on those 5 blocks to resolve the overcrowding problem. Now if they moved the boundary to include the houses east of Connecticut, that would make a difference, but those kids are nowhere near walkable to Hearst. Hopefully the school will add capacity during the renovation.

Writing as someone who lives right near where you must be looking, but on the current Hearst side, I'll just say that we love it here. Great neighborhood--walkable to lots of things (including elementary, middle, and high schools!), lots of trees, great friends nearby (for our kids and us), etc.

And Hearst is great! Much smaller than the surrounding schools, which we like. Brand new renovation happening now (perfect timing for your daughter), small classes, friendly and open community, great new principal, and fantastic teachers.

So basically, don't worry too much about the potential boundary switch; it will be great either way!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the info. My daughter is 4--attending a charter this coming year for pre-K but we're looking to move somewhere in boundary for K onward. And yes, I am asking about whether there's a chance she will be going to Hearst rather than Murch. I'm not saying Hearst is any kind of deal breaker but since we're moving for the sole reason of getting her into a better school district I would like to know what district I'm in!

Hi there OP - totally makes sense. We have been at Hearst for the last two years, DD just finished K. We've been very happy. We also live very close to the existing boundary line with Murch so likely are familiar with the general neighborhood you are considering. We have appreciated the experience our child has walking to school with a small (300 kids, 2 classes per grade and generally 20 or fewer kids/ class) environment as well as with a whole range of friends - girls who live right down the street as well as kids from other neighborhoods - it's been great.

The incoming PreK class lottery was a nice mix of neighborhood and OOB kids - about 60/ 40. If you're interested in speaking more directly about Hearst with one or more current parents of young kids) you could post something to the Hearst listserv (yahoo list serv) and I'll respond off list with contact info.

good luck with your house search and generally I think you can't go wrong with the neighborhood you're considering. Murch and Hearst are both great schools and the walkability to metro, parks, etc. can't be beat!

OP here. Thanks for the info. My daughter is 4--attending a charter this coming year for pre-K but we're looking to move somewhere in boundary for K onward. And yes, I am asking about whether there's a chance she will be going to Hearst rather than Murch. I'm not saying Hearst is any kind of deal breaker but since we're moving for the sole reason of getting her into a better school district I would like to know what district I'm in!

Hearst is very well liked by the families that attend!

Anonymous wrote:Significant chance that Murch boundaries will strink even more. Due to space constraints on the lot there isn't a chance to increase the capacity. I really think they are going to move the southern boundary north again.

Two things-- how old is your child? Currently enrolled children won't be moved to a different school. But also Hearst is a completely acceptable school!

Um, thanks? It is more than "acceptable" but really I don't know why I bother fighting this battle.

Significant chance that Murch boundaries will strink even more. Due to space constraints on the lot there isn't a chance to increase the capacity. I really think they are going to move the southern boundary north again.

Two things-- how old is your child? Currently enrolled children won't be moved to a different school. But also Hearst is a completely acceptable school!

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if any existing proposals would affect current Murch boundaries? Looking at buying a house in-bounds for Murch (but close to the edge). Thanks in advance!

If you are close to the edge of the current boundary, then you wouldn't have that far to travel to the new school.

And let's be real. You are obviously concerned about it being Hearst, since no one frets over going to Lafayette or Janney when buying a house.

So I will once again reassure you. Hearst is a wonderful school. It will have brand new facilities soon, and it is not nor will it ever be overcrowded anytime in the near future. It has great teachers and an involved PTA and a wonderful parent community.

But really, if you can't imagine going to Hearst, then you shouldn't buy this house.

OH NO!!! NOT THIS TOPIC AGAIN!!!!

Anonymous wrote:Depending on which edge you want to buy on, I would not trust that the boundary won't move again in a few years. The school is way overcrowded, and these moves probably won't be enough. The proposal has built in it a provision to come back and review certain schools' boundaries again soon. Murch is among those. So think before you buy. Boundaries can be redrawn.

But note that it's not as if you'll be shipping across town. You may get moved, but only to any of the adjacent schools, which are also very good.

Depending on which edge you want to buy on, I would not trust that the boundary won't move again in a few years. The school is way overcrowded, and these moves probably won't be enough. The proposal has built in it a provision to come back and review certain schools' boundaries again soon. Murch is among those. So think before you buy. Boundaries can be redrawn.

Yes, a bit- look at the latest redistricting info.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/proposed-school-zones/

Does anyone know if any existing proposals would affect current Murch boundaries? Looking at buying a house in-bounds for Murch (but close to the edge). Thanks in advance!