If HS, I would try for an application school. I had a friend come stay with me in July (will be here a year)and her DD was able to get into Ellington as Sophomore. She had/has an excellent academic record (4.0GPA) and is a talented writer. She also was able to get into Walls and Banneker, but decided on Ellington.

So although the lottery is officially over, it doesn't mean student has to go to IB HS. Good Luck!

I'd try the Brookland MS too! The Principal is coming from a successful elementary (granted in a wealthier neck of the woods) but she's bringing a great admin team with her and hopes run high.

Is he entering 8th or 9th grade this fall? If 8th, I would give the new Brookland MS a shot.

For 9th grade, HS, it's a tough call. Lottery season is over, so there really aren't any public options other than your IB school.

Brookland Middle would be the assigned middle school. It opens this coming fall, so there is no proven track record yet, but the incoming principal is reported to be excellent. Dunbar is the assigned public high school. I don't know much about it, but I understand it can be a rough crowd, despite the beautiful renovations. St. Anselm's Abby, St. Anthony's and St. Jerome's (in nearby Hyattsville) are all very good private schools that are in or convenient to Brookland.

So thinking of purchasing home in Brookland. My sister may be staying with me for about a year and her 13yr old son. What private/public/charter schools would folks recommend.