Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:56     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:All of these schools will lose kids in 5th to charters - that's just the way of it.

OP, I have an above grade level kid at Seaton and have been happy; they'll be in a swing space on Bryant Street the next couple years which will be even closer to you. I don't love the amount of screens they use but my guess is that screen use is pretty consistent across the DCPSs as they all use the same curriculum. I would guess our experience would be pretty similar to Garrison and John Lewis (I know both have great teachers and admin).


OP here - thank you! I didn't see this before I posted. I've actually been surprised on tours about the variation of screen usage even within DCPS, though everyone gave me basically the same party line at EdFest. Thomson, for example, stood out - basically every single kid I saw who was not in PK was either on a laptop or watching a movie. It was so bad. While John Lewis and Ross had much, much less.

How are you feeling about the swing space? We actually live in between the permanent site and the swing space so both would be fine for our commute. Do you think you'll lose a lot of kids next year? I know Tubman saw a HUGE drop in enrollment when they moved to their swing space.


I do actually think there’s more variation in screen time than some folks think just based on my experience at 2 difference DCPSes (including with multiple principals at one). That said, you should make sure there isn’t an explanation for the differential based on when you were there. My kids are at a different school that is not on your list, but our admin messed up the scheduling of our first open house and it ended up on the day before the holiday break. I certainly hope the touring parents aren’t under the impression that every day at our school involves elaborate class parties, copious amounts of hot chocolate and at least one holiday movie (though those are usually after lunch, so the may have actually witnessed zero screens because that was coming later). Anyway, the point is just that if you saw a truly unusual amount, it’s probably worth confirming there’s not an explanation.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:23     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
I would also like to know which schools are low-screen. can previous posters please name them?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 15:54     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
You could probably get into Brent next year since it's in a swing space near you. But would you want to do the commute after that, and would you do middle school at Jefferson? It would not be my top choice for you but it might be worth one of your 12 spots
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 15:01     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
^ As its anon, would you mind mentioning which school almost never uses screens in your experience?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:52     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:All of these schools will lose kids in 5th to charters - that's just the way of it.

OP, I have an above grade level kid at Seaton and have been happy; they'll be in a swing space on Bryant Street the next couple years which will be even closer to you. I don't love the amount of screens they use but my guess is that screen use is pretty consistent across the DCPSs as they all use the same curriculum. I would guess our experience would be pretty similar to Garrison and John Lewis (I know both have great teachers and admin).


OP here - thank you! I didn't see this before I posted. I've actually been surprised on tours about the variation of screen usage even within DCPS, though everyone gave me basically the same party line at EdFest. Thomson, for example, stood out - basically every single kid I saw who was not in PK was either on a laptop or watching a movie. It was so bad. While John Lewis and Ross had much, much less.

How are you feeling about the swing space? We actually live in between the permanent site and the swing space so both would be fine for our commute. Do you think you'll lose a lot of kids next year? I know Tubman saw a HUGE drop in enrollment when they moved to their swing space.


John Lewis relies heavily on screens. I had kids there and they used screens for everything. Indoor recess, brain breaks, read alouds, iready lessons in class. It was pretty constant. I have a kid at another school now and they almost never use screens except for testing.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:34     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have friends(bilingual) at EL Haynes who probably could have sent their kids(k, 2nd) anywhere in the area, but specifically chose EL Haynes and they rave about it.

Toured Francis recently and would probably only consider it at K and above.

The facility indoors and out is fantastic, seems to have a strong PTA, TONS of afterschool groups and options. Didnt notice much tech use, though students are testign currently, which evidently is done in laptops.

A potential passive issue there is the cramped parking for faculty, which could lead to some latent frustrations on their end.. its an odd arrangement.

Also toured ITS and thought it was interesting. Seems completely adequate if not slightly more than, regarding atmosphere, education, classroom leadership. The issues imo are the grounds, both indoor and out as well as their approach (and certain other schools as well).. to conflict resolution... The ground are fine but its an older facility thats seems to be kept in just ok condition. In some classrooms its fairly dark for whatever reason. And the field and track, connect to the local rec, which is fine.. but it also allows for the community to use the grounds the same time school kids would be out there.. which i wasnt crazy about, but understand the neccessity of use by the school.

Seaton would be a cut above the others imo, if not the swing space which is in a not great area



Fair review-- ITDS is very adequate, which is no small thing if you've experienced inadequate!

FYI, ITDS does not own the field or the red playground. It's a DPR field and playground that ITDS has certain use of, but does not control or maintain and cannot keep people off of. I will say it's nice to have the rec center available to the school sometimes and as an after school hangout, and also for parents to work out after dropoff.

Some of the teachers do prefer dim lighting, which I think is weird, but they do all have functional lights if they choose to turn them on.


Previous poster here - Yes, its both a benefit and not imo, regarding Edgewood being connected.

I think I do lean on the side of it being a benefit, due to the recs fantastic playground, solid field and overall polish to that building.

I think ITDS is an overall good school that could be phenomenal with some tweaks and updates. The infrastructure is there.
Superiorwitt
Post 01/16/2026 14:28     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Francis may end up one of the best schools in the city at some point.. I think they are trending upwards and their leadership seems aligned. There isnt much that they dont seem to do well from what ive seen.

Seaton would be highly sought after if not for their high school feeder. They are moving to a swing space for a few years starting in the fall.

From these areas, curious why Takoma ele, Height, Whittier, Barnard arent considered as well?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:07     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Parent of a current 2nd grader at John Lewis, been at the school since K, and have been really happy with the core educational experience as well as the school community, level of parent and staff involvement in extracurriculars, and the fact that there are more than the minimum number of required specials so things rotate throughout the year.

If you care about foreign language, you should know that there is no language as a special. The school play is incredible but is not a guarantee you child can be in it except for PK students who are all in the show (otherwise, it's an audition process).


OP here - thank you for this! We loved the tour and were really impressed.

Do you think you'll stay at least through 4th? Do you get the feeling most of your child's friends will stick through 4th? (I know 5th is always a bit of a wildcard everywhere).


Yes, we plan to stay through at least 4th and it seems like many of the current grade will as well, but hard to predict. Some families in-boundary at JLES seem boundaried to feed to Deal, which likely helps with retention, and some neighborhood families in Petworth have been speaking more vocally and positively about their MacFarland experiences that may also be inspiring retention.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:38     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:I have friends(bilingual) at EL Haynes who probably could have sent their kids(k, 2nd) anywhere in the area, but specifically chose EL Haynes and they rave about it.

Toured Francis recently and would probably only consider it at K and above.

The facility indoors and out is fantastic, seems to have a strong PTA, TONS of afterschool groups and options. Didnt notice much tech use, though students are testign currently, which evidently is done in laptops.

A potential passive issue there is the cramped parking for faculty, which could lead to some latent frustrations on their end.. its an odd arrangement.

Also toured ITS and thought it was interesting. Seems completely adequate if not slightly more than, regarding atmosphere, education, classroom leadership. The issues imo are the grounds, both indoor and out as well as their approach (and certain other schools as well).. to conflict resolution... The ground are fine but its an older facility thats seems to be kept in just ok condition. In some classrooms its fairly dark for whatever reason. And the field and track, connect to the local rec, which is fine.. but it also allows for the community to use the grounds the same time school kids would be out there.. which i wasnt crazy about, but understand the neccessity of use by the school.

Seaton would be a cut above the others imo, if not the swing space which is in a not great area



Fair review-- ITDS is very adequate, which is no small thing if you've experienced inadequate!

FYI, ITDS does not own the field or the red playground. It's a DPR field and playground that ITDS has certain use of, but does not control or maintain and cannot keep people off of. I will say it's nice to have the rec center available to the school sometimes and as an after school hangout, and also for parents to work out after dropoff.

Some of the teachers do prefer dim lighting, which I think is weird, but they do all have functional lights if they choose to turn them on.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:30     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
I have friends(bilingual) at EL Haynes who probably could have sent their kids(k, 2nd) anywhere in the area, but specifically chose EL Haynes and they rave about it.

Toured Francis recently and would probably only consider it at K and above.

The facility indoors and out is fantastic, seems to have a strong PTA, TONS of afterschool groups and options. Didnt notice much tech use, though students are testign currently, which evidently is done in laptops.

A potential passive issue there is the cramped parking for faculty, which could lead to some latent frustrations on their end.. its an odd arrangement.

Also toured ITS and thought it was interesting. Seems completely adequate if not slightly more than, regarding atmosphere, education, classroom leadership. The issues imo are the grounds, both indoor and out as well as their approach (and certain other schools as well).. to conflict resolution... The ground are fine but its an older facility thats seems to be kept in just ok condition. In some classrooms its fairly dark for whatever reason. And the field and track, connect to the local rec, which is fine.. but it also allows for the community to use the grounds the same time school kids would be out there.. which i wasnt crazy about, but understand the neccessity of use by the school.

Seaton would be a cut above the others imo, if not the swing space which is in a not great area

Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 12:50     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Garrison has huge class sizes, prek (where dc sets the limit) and first grade aside. It's a major problem for some kids.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 12:26     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Some insight into retention can be gleaned here https://edscape.dc.gov/page/student-enrollment-pathways

Or if you really want to, look at OSSE enrollment audit data for the past few years.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 12:22     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Seaton parent here. Since you asked specifically about higher grade retention, here are the number of classrooms for grade right now - 5th (2), 4th (2), 3rd (3), 2nd (3), 1st (3), K (3), PK4 (3), PK(3). Someone can check me on this, but I believe that last year, 3rd grade only had 2 classrooms. The year before, 3rd and 2nd each only had two classrooms. With the announcement of the new middle school, Seaton has a lot more retention of the grades that will benefit from it (this year's 3rd grade class and lower). This is probably also true of Garrison - though you're not going to get into Garrison out of bounds for PK. And because of the Title I budget, class sizes are smaller than other schools on your list - more like 16 kids in a classroom in K-3 as compared to in the 20s in other schools. The swing space will be a temporary pain, but if it's conveniently located, you're going to get the benefit of a brand new, state-of-the-art building in 2 years that may be much harder to lottery in to. I think the PTO is pretty in top of the swing space.

Can't say enough good things about the community. It really is warm. People are fun and welcoming. Even if you're not on the PTO, you feel included. And the PK teachers have all been around for a decade plus.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 11:13     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Anonymous wrote:Not OP.

I am on the Hill with a rising K and PK3.

Just visited Lee and ITDS in the last two weeks. I came away liking Lee more - nice, well-lit classrooms, peaceful location back in a neighborhood, and seemed well-run. My kids were in Montessori daycare and seem to thrive in that model.

ITDS facilities seemed a bit grubby. Vibes weren’t as good in my opinion. Way less chance of getting into ITDS, but also seems like it would be a good option into higher grades than Lee.

This thread caused me to take a closer look at their school report cards and, at the end of the day, I’m probably swapping them so that Lee is my #6 and ITDS my #5 because of those troubling test scores and belief that Montessori is great for young children but probably can’t take you the distance the way ITDS could.


ITDS lottery admissions tend to vary, if you look at recent years. It's really just how many kids leave and kids leave for all kinds of random reasons, and then whether people ahead of you on the waitlist say yes. I've been at ITDS 8 years now and don't see a lot of rhyme or reason to it.

It's really nice to have the middle school option. Even if you aren't that enthusiastic about ITDS middle, for a lot of people it's still better than their IB. I was not that enthused about it but now that I'm experiencing it, I like it pretty well.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 11:07     Subject: Recent Experiences (K-5): Garrison, ITS, John Francis, Lee, John Lewis, Haynes, Seaton
Not OP.

I am on the Hill with a rising K and PK3.

Just visited Lee and ITDS in the last two weeks. I came away liking Lee more - nice, well-lit classrooms, peaceful location back in a neighborhood, and seemed well-run. My kids were in Montessori daycare and seem to thrive in that model.

ITDS facilities seemed a bit grubby. Vibes weren’t as good in my opinion. Way less chance of getting into ITDS, but also seems like it would be a good option into higher grades than Lee.

This thread caused me to take a closer look at their school report cards and, at the end of the day, I’m probably swapping them so that Lee is my #6 and ITDS my #5 because of those troubling test scores and belief that Montessori is great for young children but probably can’t take you the distance the way ITDS could.