I think the best way to research school options is to a) figure out where you want to live/what commute is acceptable and what your budget is b) look at test scores (an incomplete picture, but informative)/demographics/student teacher ratio and all this info is accessible on greatschools.com. Then you decide whether you can handle the uncertainty of magnets and charters that comes with urban schools, or if you would rather have less choice but a very solid option, which impacts where you buy a house as well.

If you are considering privates, you can look on greatschools.com, although obviously test scores won't be there. Then you can look at the comments on greatschools/DCUM (take those with a grain of salt). You can also look at the city-data forum for some of the same general impressions. You can look at US news and world report for high schools and see how it ranks (again, sometimes informative, like how many students take APs, but no the full picture). Once you have a general idea of what you are looking for, you can skim the schools websites and get a sense of what the curriculum is like. You can also talk to neighbors/friends and, most importantly visit the schools. Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:OP started this thread back in September and another poster decided to revive it this week. It's not clear the OP is still looking or reading.

thanks for mentioning this. hate when that happens and I don't notice!

OP started this thread back in September and another poster decided to revive it this week. It's not clear the OP is still looking or reading.

We bought a townhouse in Gaithersburg -Montgomery County that was within your budget. We are in the Quince Orchard H.S. cluster which is well regarded even though it isn't one of the W schools. With your budget you probably cannot find anything in the W school areas - we tried and it was a no go. (W - Walter Johnson, Whitman, Wootton, Winston Churchill). It is also possible you could find something in the Richard Montgomery HS cluster which is also well regarded (this is in Rockville)

Look in Fairfax, Arlington or MOntgomery Counties. PG schools are terrible. As the previous posters mentioned, you won't get much for $350K, but if schools are really important, you could look for a condo in a strong school district. You likely won't find anything in say the Langley or McLean school districts, but perhaps look in Vienna or Oakton or the area near Woodson HS. Another option, live in a less desirable school district where the homes are cheaper and look into private school financial aid. I am totally out of my depth here, but perhaps post a query on the private school board about likelihood of financial aid based on your household income. If your kids are really bright and hardworking, maybe you could get in to a private with aid.

Housing in this area is outrageous. I share your frustration.

Anonymous wrote: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.

People usually try to afford a SFH starting at about $800k+ "close in" - that is, closer to D.C. than not), TH or condo (starting at about $300k for a 2 BR "close in") in either Fairfax County, VA or Montgomery County, MD. *AND* it is *VERY* like the D.C. area (this includes Northern Virginia and parts of MD) to *not* be straightforward/helpful with information. They would rather try to act like you are, somehow, in the problem. It really is puzzling the first 1,000 times or so. It is really like no where else in that regard. But most "benefits" you could easily find elsewhere. GL, whatever you decide, OP. Whatever decision you make has to be for yourself, not anyone else!

Oob = out of boundary