OP Sligo has had a (near) 180 in last 4-5 years.

We live in Woodside Park which feeds to Sligo.
Been happy. My neighbors with kids who are now in college were not so happy with school.

Maybe rent for a bit.

Honestly, Sligo still has a bad reputation. You have to be careful which street and where in Sligo you buy so make sure to drive up and down the streets and look at the crime maps for the past 6 months. I'd suggest avoiding any houses that back up to parkland or open areas and have low income housing right behind you or down the street. Also be on the look out for houses with too many cars in the driveway, poorly maintained lawns and other signs that it is a rental with multiple families. Drive around at night and look for young adults hanging out or lots of coming and going from a house. There are drug houses in the area. Its far better to rent and get to know the area before buying. Prices are softening too so you'll probably do better.

Anonymous wrote:OP If you make a good income you'll find many people in your neighorbood will have opted for private.

Which neighborhood and how do you know that? I live in a neighborhood within walking distance to Sligo MS and see all the neighbor kids walking there every day on my way to work. The only parents I know who sent their kid to private for middle school did so years ago when Sligo had a bad rap.

Anonymous wrote:Sligo isn't any better or worse than Newport Mills, SSIM or TPMS (non-magnet). There are so many crazy boosters on this forum that it doesn't present a very accurate representation of the schools. Sligo and the others schools are high poverty schools with many failing students. There is a good amount of segregation between within the schools between the smaller number of higher performing, higher SES white kids and large number of low performing, low SES minority kids.

Westland is considered much more desirable and is an a different category from the others. There are far fewer low income kids and it isn't considered a high poverty school like the others.

What experience do you have personally with any of these schools? Why should someone listen to you, as opposed to parents whose children actually attend the schools?

Sligo isn't any better or worse than Newport Mills, SSIM or TPMS (non-magnet). There are so many crazy boosters on this forum that it doesn't present a very accurate representation of the schools. Sligo and the others schools are high poverty schools with many failing students. There is a good amount of segregation between within the schools between the smaller number of higher performing, higher SES white kids and large number of low performing, low SES minority kids.

Westland is considered much more desirable and is an a different category from the others. There are far fewer low income kids and it isn't considered a high poverty school like the others.

DD is finishing up 8th grade at Sligo. She had a good experience there but she did so by following a pretty distinct path. The school is very divided up into cliques (mostly based on race and/or SES). Is there a rough element? Sure. After multiple confrontations over her lunch table, my daughter rarely uses the lunchroom choosing instead to spend her lunches in the math teacher's classroom with her friends.

As long as your child is in all of the advanced classes - especially in Math, they should do just fine at Sligo. Orchestra is a great place to meet very nice kids as are activities such as Mathletes and Nature Club. In the end, the good students tend to become friends and overall, we've been happy with her experience at Sligo.

Most people are using the schools. I don’t know anyone going private after elementary and we’re at one of the feeder schools. I do know of one child going to parochial school but older sibling did too. People also happy with Einstein, it’s hard to get a spot there if it’s not your home school.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! Any other recent insights? Several of the feeder elementary schools are highly regarded and we are considering moving to the area. Are people from the elementary schools regularly using the middle school or are families moving away for schools or switching to private (basically are people avoiding the school). Any thoughts on the high school (Einstein)

We've been really happy at Einstein the past two years. Lots of really dedicated, great teachers. And so many talented students. Definitely check out the plays, musicals, and concerts. The longtime principal is retiring this month, so we're hoping for a top candidate to follow in his footsteps.

Thanks! Any other recent insights? Several of the feeder elementary schools are highly regarded and we are considering moving to the area. Are people from the elementary schools regularly using the middle school or are families moving away for schools or switching to private (basically are people avoiding the school). Any thoughts on the high school (Einstein)

Thanks! Any other recent insights? Several of the feeder elementary schools are highly regarded and we are considering moving to the area. Are people from the elementary schools regularly using the middle school or are families moving away for schools or switching to private (basically are people avoiding the school). Any thoughts on the high school (Einstein)

Sligo has only improved over the past 5 years! Our neighbors are happy there. It is a relatively small school which is also great.

Bump

Anonymous wrote:OP If you make a good income you'll find many people in your neighorbood will have opted for private.

If you make a good income just opt for Westland and BCC.

Kakamy wrote:Newport Mills is one of the Middle Schools, as well as Silver Spring International and Westland. It just really depends on what house is on the market 10 days from now, and if we feel comfortable enough to include Sligo Middle School in the mix.

Westland is the best! You will easily find a house in the Chevy Chase/ Bethesda area.

I didn't need anyone to sign me up for the listserv