Eaton was fully renovated in the early 80s, not fifty years ago.

Anonymous wrote:OP here- thanks for the feedback.
We belong to Eaton, but you can only get in by lottery
at age 4. So, i am wondering what the chances are.
We live closer to both Stoddert and H. Mann, so that's one concern. I heard good things about the program itself, but Stoddert and Mann seem to have better and more modern infrastructure. Also, from what I saw on the DCPS website, Eaton has a higher ratio of out of boundary kids, so i would also prefer the other two schools for this reason.

OP, you need to go visit the school. I would take Eaton over Stoddert, if I were you anyhow. Eaton is a great school and don't let the OOB numbers scare you off. You'll notice the number of Farms kids is 15%, Stoddert is 14%- most of the OOB kids are coming from middle class families in the city.

OP here- thanks for the feedback.
We belong to Eaton, but you can only get in by lottery
at age 4. So, i am wondering what the chances are.
We live closer to both Stoddert and H. Mann, so that's one concern. I heard good things about the program itself, but Stoddert and Mann seem to have better and more modern infrastructure. Also, from what I saw on the DCPS website, Eaton has a higher ratio of out of boundary kids, so i would also prefer the other two schools for this reason.

Eaton could use a renovation but my children loved it there for ten years. Small school with loving staff.

We like Eaton but the school really could use a renovation. When I see some of the new facilities at other elem schools I want to cry. The building isn't dangerous or anything but the last major update was about 50 years ago. There's no need to expand student capacity and with the constrained site it would be hard to do anyway. But additional separate space for some of the activities that all use the multipurpose room would be a godsend (space could be added with a cut-and-cover expansion under the high side of the playground). Maybe the Duke Ellington renovation could spare some loose change?

What are the facilities like at Stoddert? Eaton seemed very cramped and outdated when I toured. Just one factor.

Anonymous wrote:Neither goes to Deal so not a big difference.

Yes, and that sucks. Eaton losing Deal is a step backwards in middle school quality, unfortunately. It was DC politics pure and simple that screwed Eaton.

We love Eaton. Top-notch staff, engaging enrichment, excellent music, and warm and inviting community. Go to the school and see for yourself. If not, good luck with the lottery. Plenty of people would love your spot.

Neither goes to Deal so not a big difference.

I would agree with some others. Both Eaton and Stoddert are great schools. I think you should visit Eaton, meet people (both staff and parents), and get a general sense of the school before you think about the lottery.

They are both good schools, not sure why you would want to so the lottery. What are your concerns about Eaton?

Anonymous wrote:We have been redistricted from Stoddert to Eaton. We were quite upset, but do not feel like moving because of this. Will try for lottery for next year ( kid will
turn 4 years old in the summer). I am seeking feedback on Eaton. Also, on experience on lottery; how does it work and what are the chances of getting in.
Thanks!

Sounds like you lucked out. Eaton is the better school of the two.

We love Eaton and DC has been there since 1st grade and is now in 5th. Extremely warm and nurturing. Some of the things I've really liked: (1) the enrichment coordinators (funded by the HSA) who plan field trips throughout the school year tailored to the curriculum. DC goes to the theater more than I do. Air & Space, Building Museum---they really take advantage of the museum's educational offerings; (2) great specials---the addition of the Marimba choir over the last year in particular. Go check it out. There are many, many happy Eaton families.

Love eaton!

We have been redistricted from Stoddert to Eaton. We were quite upset, but do not feel like moving because of this. Will try for lottery for next year ( kid will
turn 4 years old in the summer). I am seeking feedback on Eaton. Also, on experience on lottery; how does it work and what are the chances of getting in.
Thanks!