Anonymous wrote:Ross--okay, Dupont Circle. I see. Where is SWWSX?

It is in the West End neighborhood but currently I know part of Adams Morgan and most of DuPont gets to choose between there and their other elementary school (Marie-Reed for A-M folks and Ross for DuPont folks). We really liked it when we saw it and met a bunch of parents who switched over from Ross.

I think you should consider renting in-bounds for Brent or Maury, then reassessing once DC is ready for middle school. You could try for the great charter middle schools and if nothing works out, that might be the time to buy (or move and continue renting) WOTP. I recommend this because I think you might be really happy living on the Hill. We are--very--though not IB for either of those schools. (Our kids are at SWS.) And more and more families seem to be staying on the Hill as their kids move into middle school, now that there are options.

I think you're probably right. Most of my childless friends seem to hate the Hill, and I was starting to fantasize about a big rambling house in Brookland or Mount Pleasant (I've actually been to Mount Pleasant and it is fantastic, but the school might not be right) or something, but... Hill sounds like a good neighborhood to get the lay of the land from.

Anonymous wrote:You guys are great with the questions, I really appreciate it.

So... would it be possible to get OOB for brent, maury or Watkins or Ludlow? Wondering about living in SW and getting into a Hill school. Not my first choice, but another option.

You have no chance of getting in OOB for Brent or Maury, even in the upper grades, in the second round of the lottery. You probably don't really have a shot at Watkins either. Ludlow Taylor may be a possibility, but you would very much be an only. I second the same advice you keep hearing that, if you want to be in a stronger Hill school, you need to move in bounds.

Anonymous wrote:Brent sounds like a good school, although I don't mind a little economic diversity. The small class size would be fantastic. I've noticed that seems common in dc schools--I think? Is it?

I'm pretty sure there is more economic diversity in Brent in the 3rd grade than there is for pre-K.

Anonymous wrote:What's the difference between Brent and Maury, in terms of programs? What about JO Wilson or Ludlow-Taylor? They both have some good (and some mixed) reviews here.

If I come down the week after spring break will I be able to do some informal tours?

I think you should consider renting in-bounds for Brent or Maury, then reassessing once DC is ready for middle school. You could try for the great charter middle schools and if nothing works out, that might be the time to buy (or move and continue renting) WOTP. I recommend this because I think you might be really happy living on the Hill. We are--very--though not IB for either of those schools. (Our kids are at SWS.) And more and more families seem to be staying on the Hill as their kids move into middle school, now that there are options.

Welcome to DC!

Brent sounds like a good school, although I don't mind a little economic diversity. The small class size would be fantastic. I've noticed that seems common in dc schools--I think? Is it?

Anonymous wrote:SES? Sorry, that's an acroynm I'm not recognizing.

I think it's Socio-Economic Status

You guys are great with the questions, I really appreciate it.

So... would it be possible to get OOB for brent, maury or Watkins or Ludlow? Wondering about living in SW and getting into a Hill school. Not my first choice, but another option.

Anonymous wrote:SES? Sorry, that's an acroynm I'm not recognizing.

socioeconomic status

SES? Sorry, that's an acroynm I'm not recognizing.

Anonymous wrote:How do you get downtown from Glover Park? Also... price...

Buses, buses, buses.

Anonymous wrote:What's the difference between Brent and Maury, in terms of programs? What about JO Wilson or Ludlow-Taylor? They both have some good (and some mixed) reviews here.

If I come down the week after spring break will I be able to do some informal tours?

Brent is predominantly an IB school with a high-SES population. The school will have three 3rd Grade classrooms next year, most likely with fewer than 20 students in each. Math curriculum is Investigations. ELA curriculum is Reader's Workshop. Dedicated science teacher who also works with advanced math learners. Chinese (Mandarin) language program through George Mason Univ./Confucius Institute. Excellent music/performing arts program. Subsidized before care from 8-8:30 subsidized by the PTA; fee-based aftercare provided through Springboard with options like Chess Club, Tae Kwan Do, CHAW (local arts organization), ice skating, and video game design until 6:30. PTA allocates up to $750 for professional development for each teacher annually and funded a math specialist to work more intensively with upper grade teachers this year. Community-based activities include active Little League, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts. Call Brent's Business Manager and I am pretty confident you can be accommodated for a visit.

http://insideschools.org/elementary/browse/school/585

That's our current school. The test scores last year reflect the new Common Core tests New York implemented... which were a mess. Still, 11 had the second-best scores in its district, and is considered to be good. From what I've read, its story is probably similar to a lot of DC schools... although possibly with more money. I know Clinton Hill and Bed Stuy (11 has tons OOB kids) have recently gentrified dramatically. I love this school. There's nothing I would change about it, and I'm really sad we're leaving. I guess my question is, where is this school's equiv in DC?

Make that Columbia Heights/Petworth

I suggest second round of lottery too! Look into Hearst Elementary (then you can live wherever you want while you rent). We live EOTP in the Columbian Heights/Petworth area and LOVE IT!