I’ll correct one point: Kensington is actually divided between three clusters: WJ, BCC, and Einstein. I’d have to look at the numbers but Einstein may actually encompass the largest number of kids who live in Kensington, as it is actually located there. There are many presumptions of race and social class in saying “Kensington is divided into two high schools” and not include Einstein. That said, you will probably get detailed advice here on BCC vs WJ.

Woodward's notable alumni when it was open include:

Scott Cook (professional soccer player)
Michael Davis (producer, writer, director)
Michael Mayer (director)
Lisa Caputo Nowak (astronaut)
Daniel Synder (owner of the Washington Redskins)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Woodward_High_School#cite_note-RodgersB-1

BCC has more NMSF than WJ so BCC is better school.

I would purchase a home based off on your budget and if you are happy with the home. WJ is an excellent choice as is BCC. Some of the WJ population is likely to be resectioned to Woodward because of the overcrowding. Woodward was very much a "W" school when it was open, so your child will be fine. Woodward only closed because at the time the MoCo student population wasn't booming and in full swing.

I won't pretend to discern the differences between the two schools, but there has been a lot of angst on this board about redistricting. You can find several threads that might apply-- I would take a look...

I think NCC has more children of color than KP but KP actually has quite a contingent of mixed-race families of a variety of backgrounds. I agree there are not a lot of clear differences between the clusters. Kids in Kensington in the B-CC cluster have longer bus rides to school in ES and go to RH for K-2 and NCC for 3-5 whereas KP is K-5 if that matters to you one way or the other. Silver Creek is new and right in Kensington whereas North Bethesda is old (with a new addition) and not walking distance from Kensington. Depending on the age of your kids, the Woodward thing is more likely to significantly affect WJ than B-CC.

Anonymous wrote:BCC has a snobby attitude, WJ is more well-rounded, BCC is better regarded and has a rich history. I like BCC better as a school but I'd prefer to send my kids to WJ. More rich kids at BCC, more transplants and UMC families in WJ. Both are great schools.

PP here, if you care about diversity I would definitely go with WJ. Not that it is more diverse, but it definitely has less racial tensions.

BCC has a snobby attitude, WJ is more well-rounded, BCC is better regarded and has a rich history. I like BCC better as a school but I'd prefer to send my kids to WJ. More rich kids at BCC, more transplants and UMC families in WJ. Both are great schools.

WJ, no question.

What’s your budget?

BCC is a better school.

They're pretty similar and depending on your kids' ages they'll possibly end up at Woodward anyway.

I agree that they're largely pretty similar. One point in BCC's favor is that it was just expanded. WJ is overcrowded and will stay that way until they re-open Woodward.

One thing to consider is that BCC offers students an IB option in high school.

Otherwise I would suggest you pick a neighborhood you like because the school clusters are really not that different

Also I suggest you find out what you can about the possible redistricting plans. Anyone who tells you they know exactly what will happen is not to be relied upon but I am going to guess that the closer you are to a high school the lower the likelihood you might be redistricting unexpectedly. Of course WJ is super close to Woodward so that might not be a good guess on my part.

My family is looking to move to Kensington, which is divided between the WJ and BCC clusters. I’ve looked at the MCPS reports online re: demographics, size, and achievement, but I can’t discern an appreciable difference. Our kids are elementary school age, so I’m looking at the entire cluster from ES to MS to HS. Our family is racially mixed and values academic achievement, diversity, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. I’m looking for any insight into these clusters based on first-hand experience, not stereotypes. It may well come down to happenstance and the home we love the most, but all things being equal, is there a reason to choose one cluster over the other? Appreciate any insight you all can offer.