Fairfax City zoned for Daniels Run ES -- the school isn't small, but class sizes are reasonable (Title I). Lots of ordinary, middle class people, friendly, with a non-DC vibe. Our neighbors tend to be military, law enforcement agents, teachers and school social workers, federal government analysts, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although I love the West Springfield area, I do find that many of the military parents are clique-ish. (or there shared background causes them to hang out together, to be nice about it).

Interesting observation. I guess it all depends on your perspective. We are a military family and I have felt that it is sometimes hard to be accepted by the civilian friendship groups, where they have all been together since preschool. Kids have even told my kids that their parents said to avoid making friends with the military kids because they'll just leave. I think it just comes down to individuals and how open they are to meeting new people.

PP, I can't believe there are people who will do such things to kids! We've been friends with a lot of military and foreign service families. Yes, they leave, but hey, if you keep in touch and their kids love to visit, it's always great together at some fun locations For example, my DD's best friend relocated to Hawaii last summer with her parents. Guess where DD is going for spring break?))

Hard to believe, but I once had to deal with a crying seven year old because of a kid saying this. I've mentioned it to other military parents over the years and many have told me they have had the same experience. It partially explains why some might seek out other military families when they move to a new area. And it really is difficult to be the new family when the other families in your neighborhood have been doing things like preschool and swim team together since the kids were three years old.

It really comes down to the individuals: some people are more open and more comfortable meeting new people than others. In general, military people tend to be pretty open to meeting new people because they do it all the time and they have a lot of experiences to draw on.

Love Franklin Sherman. It's the smallest school in the Langley or McLean area with only about 400 students.

Anonymous wrote:Ditto on ft hunt and waynewood.

There are some nice ppl here, but yes (times 1,000) re cliques. There are also some moms who are downright mean and raising their children in a similar manner.

Anonymous wrote:I am tired of all the pretentious parents in my area, and we are looking to move (still in Fairfax county.) Are there any schools where the people are generally nice, class sizes aren't outrageous (may be a lot to ask,) parents are friendly, and staff just loves the kids? Maybe I am holding onto an ideal that doesn't exist in this region...

Clifton and Vienna are nice communities. They are smaller, not snotty and people tend to know each other. Clifton falls into the Centreville Pyramid and I'm not sure if all Vienna, but some falls into the Oakton Pyramid. I've heard great things about both schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although I love the West Springfield area, I do find that many of the military parents are clique-ish. (or there shared background causes them to hang out together, to be nice about it).

Interesting observation. I guess it all depends on your perspective. We are a military family and I have felt that it is sometimes hard to be accepted by the civilian friendship groups, where they have all been together since preschool. Kids have even told my kids that their parents said to avoid making friends with the military kids because they'll just leave. I think it just comes down to individuals and how open they are to meeting new people.

PP, I can't believe there are people who will do such things to kids! We've been friends with a lot of military and foreign service families. Yes, they leave, but hey, if you keep in touch and their kids love to visit, it's always great together at some fun locations For example, my DD's best friend relocated to Hawaii last summer with her parents. Guess where DD is going for spring break?))

Anonymous wrote:Although I love the West Springfield area, I do find that many of the military parents are clique-ish. (or there shared background causes them to hang out together, to be nice about it).

Interesting observation. I guess it all depends on your perspective. We are a military family and I have felt that it is sometimes hard to be accepted by the civilian friendship groups, where they have all been together since preschool. Kids have even told my kids that their parents said to avoid making friends with the military kids because they'll just leave. I think it just comes down to individuals and how open they are to meeting new people.

We love it at Freedom Hill. Small school, very involved Principal and absolutely none cliqueish PTA.

We love Mosby Woods. We live in Vienna (near Oakton HS) and this is our base and AAP school. Parents are awesome. Kids are great, too.