First off, I want to just say that this forum is awesome! I've been reading the MMM blog for awhile now, but I've only recently started following these forum postings, and I always feel like I'm learning something new and useful. Such a knowledgeable/honest bunch of folks here!
So here's the situation: sometime this year I may have the opportunity to move down to the DC metro area (currently in NJ). Even though there's nothing definite yet, being a planner, I've started doing some research on possible housing options, taking into account schools, commute (need easy metro access to orange/red lines), and of course prices (although anytime you put good schools + metro access, it doesn't seem to make a huge difference in prices). I'm looking to rent for the first year or two before buying.
My biggest concern (I'm such a worrier) is that my very introverted 4-year old son be able to get a good education while also being able to relatively painlessly make solid friends. With his personality, I'm not too worried about his ability to keep up academically...but more worried about him not feeling comfortable with privileged, cliquey kids in an overly cut-throat environment, which seem to comprise a lot of the good school district areas?
I know which areas (Fairfax, Arlington, Montgomery, etc) rank high in terms of academics, but I'm not sure I can trust just the rankings based on numbers alone. Also, there seem to be a zillion schools in these areas with such dense populations so it can get a bit overwhelming. I'd like to get some real-life experience stories on how specific schools are if possible. Falls Church is high on my list right now, based on some reviews I've read and the fact that the schools are relatively small compared to the other regional schools (Falls Church High is ranked lower but it seems to have good reviews). Also, although I lived in DC during grad school before I got married, obviously I wasn't looking at schools then, so while I'm generally familiar with locations, I have no clue which schools are good, especially since it seems there are lots of differences even within the same "region". It'd be nice to hear some of your experiences in specific schools (doesn't matter if it's elementary, middle or high) so I can try to narrow down my choices.
I know all schools can have cliques, but again, it'd be nice to just hear some stories about your own experiences (what you/your kids like/dislike and your perception of other parents/teachers, anti-bullying policies, or anything else you think of, etc). Or, am I just overthinking this, and as long as I choose a decently rated school district, they're all pretty similar and my son will just have to find kids he's comfortable around? Thanks in advance!