Don't move here. We are trying to move out to better schools in VA or MC. Kids are constantly tested starting in 2nd grade and no parents protest the test, they just go along.
New curriculums every year depending on the whims of those in charge. Teachers are super, super stressed and under supported, ask them. The "good" schools are like name brands, full of hot air, overall kids only do better in them because there is more parent involvement. Chancellor is more supportive of charters than public and it's a huge rat race you want nothing to do with. Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the replies! We're looking at homes in the 350s and commute to DC for work.

What was the IB districting that was mentioned for DC? Is there an IB public that's not chartered you can buy in?

350s???

I assume you dont live here. If your budget is $350 and you want to commute to DC and have good schools, for the love of christ do not move here.

The pp giving you the links for the school assignment locators is right - that's where you'll find the test scores and demographics for various schools. At your price point, frankly, a lot of the standard DCUM reccomendations are going to be unobtainable unless you are willing to live in a condo. So first, look at the areas/neighborhoods your budget will buy in. Pick the ones you like the best and that provide a tolerable commute. When you see a house you like, go to the website for the school district and look up the school assignment for that address. Do this ALOT so you get familiar with how the schools present the data. In addition to test scores, you should also consider FARMS and ESOL percentages, because in your price range, the schools are likely going to have large numbers of low-income and possibly English as a second language students. You want to watch out when either of those numbers gets too high (>80%) - in that case, you are really going to want to do due diligence on the school by talking to parents, etc., before just assuming that the school will be OK. Also, at least in MoCo, the school data sheet lists any special programs that are at the school (e.g., language immersion, magnet programs) and you can find more information about them on the school district website. I wish I had better understood the various special programs in MoCo, because I now realize that the schools for my neighborhood may have inflated test scores due to the magnet programs that are housed there. You can also google the school's name. You'll probably get a lot of hits for the same data that is on the district's website, but you might also get some news articles that can provide a glimpse of life at the school. For the high schools, maybe you can find a school newspaper site.

Anonymous wrote:No, oob slots are filled by lottery. Crap shoot.

What's OOB?

350 does buy a 3 bedroom home in the Fairfax part of Alexandria. Are you all under the impression that homes cost a minimum of half a mil?

350 will get you a th in bounds for west Springfield high school or lake Braddock in west Springfield, va;

if you are in redfin you can search by school...

As for Northern Virginia, you might get a TH in your range in some parts, but you ain't getting much in the way of SFHs.

350k ain't getting you shit other than a 1BR condo (or a TH in an area that isn't even safe yet) in DC. If you want a city, live in Frederick and take the MARC.

As for suburbs -- Bowie is in your range and has decent schools K-12. Howard County has some choices, as do parts of Montgomery County.

Whitman, Walter Johnson, Wooten, Winston Churchill.... all Winners ; )

No, oob slots are filled by lottery. Crap shoot.

OP here - thanks for the replies! We're looking at homes in the 350s and commute to DC for work.

What was the IB districting that was mentioned for DC? Is there an IB public that's not chartered you can buy in?

If you want to stay in VA, you have 2 counties and a couple of city school systems I think. Go to the websites and look up "school assignement locator" for Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church City, Arlington County, Alexandria City. That should help you figure out what addresses go to what schools.

In MoCounty. You do the "school Assignment locator:
http://gis.mcpsmd.org/schoolAssignmentTool/faces/Index.jsp

Then you go to "schools at a glance" and check what you find about the school with demographics and test scores.
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/

I'm sure every city and county has similar information. but obviously you are going to find a house or neighborhood you like then research the schools.

The OP is looking in VA or MD.

Is this your forever home? How old are your children? Are you set on buying instead of renting to see how things work?

If it is your forever home, start with the end, what High Schools are you comfortable as choices for your children? If you live in DC and if you are only considering public for HS, you need to live IB for Wilson as your safe plan. There are application and charter based High Schools - but this is a generally accepted trueism across DCUM.