Anonymous
Post 04/25/2026 16:18     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
I would consider Green Acres. It has strong academics without being a pressure cooker. Kids ADORE the drama teacher, and she would get to participate in the middle school musical in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Middle school advisory classes support executive functioning like organization.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2026 07:54     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
From the Hill, try Maret, GDS, Burke, Field CHDS. Burgundy Farms and SSSA too. Cast a wide net, there are always more applications than spots at these schools.

Also don't dismiss Stuart Hobson if you strike out with privates. I know several families with girls who fit your daughter's profile who are happy there (these kids do the theater program, which seems to be the magic sauce).

Good luck OP!
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 18:04     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
Look at CHDS if you are on the hill.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 17:51     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
Friends Community School
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 16:14     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
I’d recommend SSSAS but I have zero sense of what the commute might be like. Having commuted from outside the Beltway to a NWDC school for 7-12th myself, a reasonable commute was definitely a factor for us!
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 15:57     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
Since you live on the hill, Burgundy Farm in Alexandria could also be a good fit. Strong emphasis on the arts. Strong academics as well at the MS level, but not a pressure cooker. There's a bus (funded by parents) to/from Capitol Hill.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 14:36     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
Maret is challenging to get into. Field also not a given. If a student is performing kind of average at DCPS, both are going to be a challenge.

Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:32     Subject: Best Fit for Average, Create, Outgoing Girl?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:She sounds fantastic but isn’t Maret for academically-inclined kids (in addition to the other traits)?


Yes, but a lot of kids don't seem "academically inclined" when they aren't in a school that is the right fit for them and then take off when they find their match. I would suggest OP takes a look with an open mind rather than let DCUM decide if her daughter is up to the level for the school. Of course Maret will also have their say in the evaluation process at admissions, and they have evaluated enough applications to know how to look beyond grades into the potential of a child.


Really agree with this. My kids have/had great DCPS elementary teachers and friends, but there's still a big emphasis on rules, tests, and just managing base level chaos. That environment is going to turn off some kids from school, and those same kids are ones who (I think) can most benefit from finding the right fit.