BENEFITS

HOMES 

SCHOOLS 

DINING

ARTS & CULTURE 

EVENTS

RECREATION & OUTDOORS 

WELCOME

WHITE OAK WORK LIFE
2 

3 WHITE OAK WORK LIFE 

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BENEFITS

7 HOMES 

11 SCHOOLS 

48 

 

 

 

DINING 

52 ARTS & CULTURE 

55 EVENTS 

58 RECREATION & OUTDOORS 

We are proud to introduce you to the Center for Drug 

Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the U.S. Food and 

Drug Administration. We have compiled this informative 

guide to acquaint you with the benefits of working at CDER, 

as well as the benefits of living in the Washington DC 

Metropolitan Area. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. 
3 

WHITE OAK WORK LIFE

WORK LIFE PROGRAMS

Programs and sponsored projects managed by the Work Life Branch provide employees 

the opportunities to strike a balance between personal and professional lives. The Work 

Life Branch focuses on providing a positive work experience by offering programs such 

as the Employee Assistance Program, Nursing Mother's Program, Childcare and more. 

Projects such as Bring Your Child to Work Day, the White Oak Classic and others enhance the quality of work life of FDA employees.

Credit Union on White Oak Campus

FedFinancial FCU was founded in 1935 under the name Public Health Service Federal 

Credit Union, serving a subset of employees of what is now the U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services. Today our charter allows us to serve all U.S. civilian government employees, retirees, their family members and housemates throughout the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD metropolitan areas. We are a full-service financial institution offering savings, checking, credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, home equity 

lines of credit, auto loans and more.

Hours of Operation: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 

(Except every fourth Wednesday monthly: 12:30 pm - 3 pm)

Website: https://fedfinancial.org/

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Confidential no-cost services are available to employees and/or their dependents and 

household members on-site at the White Oak Office. Counselors are also available at 

various sites in the DC area and throughout the country. For an appointment located at 

White Oak, you can call the National Service Center EAP number at 1-800-222-0364 

(available 24/7).

Services Include:

• Telephone Counseling and Crisis Assistance 24/7

• Assessment, Referral, & Case Management

• Health and Wellness Presentations

• Short-term Individual Counseling (up to 6 sessions)
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White Oak Campus Shower Facility 

The FDA White Oak Campus has 13 shower facilities at the following locations available 

for use by our employees.

Building 22

Men’s - Room G-4A

Women’s - Room G-4B

Building 32

Men’s - Room G1C43

Women’s - Room G1C41

Building 51

Men’s - Room G1C11

Women’s - Room G1C13

Building 62

Men’s - Room G202

Women’s - Room G204

Building 64

Unisex Bathroom – Located directly off the tunnel entrance to the building (no posted 

room number).

Building 66

Men’s - Room G6C05

Women’s - Room G6C07

Building 75

Men’s - Room G5C12

Women’s - Room G5C11

White Oak Winners Child Care Center (WOW)

Hours of Operation: Monday thru Friday 6:30 am to 6:00 pm

Child Care Provider: Executive Childcare Development Center (ECDC)

Center Director: Carol Reynolds

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years old

Center Phone Number: (240) 402-9691

For Waitlist information contact the center directly.

FDA Employee Recreation Association

The FDA Employee Recreation Association sponsors a Farmer's Market, Discounted 

Tickets, Bargain Travel and Clubs. The Farmer’s Market provides employees the opportunity to sample local produce in Bldg 32/51 Courtyard each Tuesday from 11:00 am to 

2:00 pm between the months of May and October. The Clubs include: Weight Watchers, 

Golf Club, Toastmasters Club, Volleyball and Softball. Additional clubs are being added. 

Website: http://recgov.org/fda/
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Fitness Center

FDA and the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) have partnered together and are prepared to help you with your fitness needs at the White Oak Fitness Center. FOH staff will 

help you identify your fitness goals, provide exercise instruction and keep you motivated 

while you work toward a healthier you. The Fitness Center is equipped with the latest 

LifeFitness brand equipment, with a full line of cardiovascular, strength training and freeweight equipment. Various classes are offered including: Strength Training, Zumba, Body 

Pump, CX Works, Boot Camp, Yoga, Abs & Lower Back and more! Get started today and 

enjoy the benefits of a healthy body and a healthy heart!

Hours of Operation: Monday thru Friday 5:30 am to 8:00 pm

Membership: Open to all badged FDA, GSA and AEDC personnel

Prices: $20 per month 

Phone Number: 301-796-2334

FDA Nursing Mother’s Program

The Food and Drug Administration Auxiliary Programs Management Branch continues to 

strive to improve the balance of work and personal life for the employees of FDA. In doing 

so a Nursing Mother’s Program has been implemented for employees who choose to 

breast feed their babies. The program was developed to provide FDA’s nursing mothers 

with a private, sanitary, onsite location to continue the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and child without adding stress to their already busy life. There are seven locations 

on the White Oak campus. 

Telework Program

Telework provides eligible managers and employees a flexibility that may help balance 

work/life while reducing commuting costs, pollution and decreasing the agency’s space 

footprint. The Office of Personnel Management defines telework as “work arrangements 

in which an employee regularly performs officially assigned duties at home or other 

worksites geographically convenient to the residence of the employee”. Telework (or 

flexi-place) is simply a way of getting work done from a different location. The Center for 

Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) currently has 2,933 active civilian and commissioned corps officer Telework participants, the second highest in Telework participation 

within the FDA.

WORK LIFE PROJECTS

Bring Your Child to Work Day (BYCTWD)

The BYCTWD event encourages children to think about their future careers and get a 

glimpse of their parent’s work life. Children, ages 8 and up, and their parents will be able 

to choose from more than 20 seminars, activities, games, and tours on a first-come, firstserved basis. This annual event occurs each April and volunteers are always welcome.
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RETIREMENT 

Federal Government Retirement System (FERS)

FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan, which includes Social Security 

Benefits, the Basic Benefit Plan, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). As a 

CDER employee, you pay full Social Security taxes and a small contribution to the Basic Benefit Plan. In addition, CDER puts an amount equal 

to 1% of your basic pay each pay period into your TSP account. You are 

able to make tax-deferred contributions to the TSP, which are matched 

by the Government. If you are being rehired and worked in the federal 

government prior to December 31, 1983, you may be covered by the 

Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or CSRS Offset. If this is the 

case, you should consult a benefits specialist. 

Social Security Benefits 

Social Security is a national system of benefit payments to those who 

qualify under the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) 

programs of the Social Security Act. During working years, all working 

persons pay Social Security taxes. When their earnings stop, or are reduced due to retirement, disability, or death, monthly cash benefits are 

paid to replace part of the earnings the employee and the family have 

lost. 

Basic Benefit Plan 

The Basic Benefit Plan is a monthly annuity benefit, which is calculated 

as: the value of 1% of the average of your highest basic pay over three 

years (“high-3 average pay”), multiplied by your years of federal service. 

The plan includes survivor and disability benefits. Basic benefits can apply under the following conditions: immediately after retirement, postponed after retirement, early retirement, and deferred retirement. All conditions are subject to age and years of service qualifications. That is, if 

you retire before meeting age and years of service qualifications, your
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benefits will be reduced. To receive any benefits from the Basic Benefit Plan 

upon retirement, you must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service. 

Survivor and disability benefits are available after 18 months of service. Your 

contribution to the Basic Benefit Plan is equal to the difference between 7% of 

your basic pay and Social Security’s OASDI tax rate (0.80%). You can be 

refunded for your contributions if you leave Federal employment, however, you 

will no longer be eligible for benefits and you cannot redeposit your refund. 

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

TSP is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan that resembles the private 

sector’s 401(k) plans. There are three types of contributions to TSP: an 

automatic 1% agency contribution, employee contributions, and agency 

matching contributions. Your contributions to TSP are under your control and 

are optional. However, they are a major component of the retirement system. It 

should be noted that TSP contributions are made before Federal and most 

state income taxes are calculated, and that you are not taxed on earnings from 

TSP. 

INSURANCE PROGRAMS 

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) The FEHB program is a 

voluntary health insurance program offered to permanent Federal employees 

and employees with appointments of more than one year. The program offers 

coverage under fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organizations 

(HMO) plans, as well as consumer-driven and high deductible plans. Coverage 

is extended to retirees and dependents. 

A summary of available plans and brochures from which you may choose are 

available on OPM’s Federal Employees Health Benefits Program page. Times 

to enroll in FEHB include: within 60 calendar days of your appointment, during 

Federal Benefits Open Season in November- December, or when you 

experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Marriage or birth of a child are two 

examples of QLEs. Retirement is not a QLE. Further details on life events are 

available on OPM’s website at http://www.opm.gov/insure/lifeevents/index.asp.
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Premium Conversion is a “pre-tax” arrangement under which the part of your 

salary that pays for health insurance premiums will be non-taxable. If you 

enroll in health insurance, you will be automatically enrolled in premium 

conversion, although you may waive this option. You can also use your 

Health Care Flexible Spending Account or Limited Expense Health Care 

Flexible Spending Account with FEHB. Premiums for enrollment are shared 

with the FDA or your retirement system. 

Federal Employees’ Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) 

FEDVIP is a voluntary program that provides you with supplemental dental 

and/or vision insurance coverage if your FEHB plan does not already 

include dental or vision insurance. Although separate from FEHB, FEDVIP is 

similar to FEHB in that it is subject to the same enrollment times, employees 

eligible for FEHB are eligible for FEDVIP, you can use a Flexible Spending 

Account, and FEDVIP extends to most dependents. FEDVIP is always 

secondary to FEHB, and coordination of benefits with FEHB is required. 

Unlike FEHB, there is no Government contribution to FEDVIP—you pay the 

entire premium. 

Federal Flexible Spending Accounts Program (FSAFEDS)

The Federal Flexible Spending Accounts Program (FSAFEDS) allows you to 

pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars, 

incur eligible expenses, and get reimbursed. You may choose to make a 

voluntary allotment from your salary to your FSAFEDS account. FSAFEDS 

is subject to Federal Benefits Open Season, but unlike FEHB and FEDVIP, 

enrollment is not continuous—you need to re-enroll every year. If you do not 

incur eligible expenses or file timely claims, you will lose your contribution to 

the account. All three FSAs have a minimum election of $250 and a 

maximum election of $5,000. 

A Health Care FSA (HCFSA) allows pre-tax reimbursement of eligible 

medical costs not covered or reimbursed by insurance, such as copayments and over-the-counter medicines. Federal employees eligible for 

FEHB may enroll in the HCFSA. However, if you are enrolled in a High 

Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account, you cannot enroll 

in a HCFSA. You have the option of electing a LEX HCFSA. 

B Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA) is used in place of 

HCFSA if you are enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health 

Savings Account. LEX HCFSA allows you to submit eligible dental and 

vision expenses only. LEX HCSFA can be used in addition to the HCFSA. 

C Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) allows pre-tax reimbursement for 

eligible dependent care expenses that are necessary to allow you or your 

spouse to work, look for work, or attend school full-time. 
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Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) 

The FEGLI program is a voluntary term life insurance program offered to 

permanent employees and employees with appointments of more than one 

year. The program offers Basic life insurance, Standard (Option A), 

Additional (Option B) and Family (Option C). It is not part of Federal 

Benefits Open Season. As a new employee, you are automatically covered 

for Basic life insurance, and the appropriate cost for this coverage will be 

deducted from your pay beginning with your first paycheck unless you to 

waive coverage. If you wish to waive coverage, you must do so before the 

end of your first pay period. You must have basic coverage if you wish to 

elect optional coverage. The Government pays one third of the cost of basic 

coverage, but none of the cost of optional coverage. 

A Basic life insurance is equal to the value of your annual salary 

rounded up to the nearest $1,000, plus $2,000. 

B Standard is $10,000 of insurance. 

C Additional is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times your annual rate of basic pay 

rounded up to the nearest $1,000. 

D Family is coverage for your spouse and all dependent children, with 

1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 multiples. Each multiple is equal to $5,000 for your spouse 

and $2,500 for each dependent child. 

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides longterm care services such as home care, adult day care, and facility care. 

FLTCIP is not subject to Federal Benefits Open Season, and an application 

is required to enroll. New employees can have an abbreviated application 

within 60 days of their appointment date, while applications at other times 

require a longer application with a review of medical information. FLTCIP 

extends to spouses and family members. You pay your premiums, and can 

keep your FLTCIP coverage if you are no longer in an eligible group.
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LEAVE 

Annual Leave 

Annual leave is available for vacations or personal time. New employees earn 4 

hours of annual leave bi-weekly for a total of 13 days per year. Annual leave 

accrual increases to 6 hours bi-weekly after 3 years of Federal service, and 8 

hours bi-weekly after 15 years of Federal service. Part time employees earn 

annual leave on a pro-rated basis. In addition, there are 10 paid holidays per year. 

Employees who are members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) earn 8 hours 

per pay period regardless of years of Federal service. 

Sick Leave 

Sick leave is available for personal medical needs, care of a family member, and 

adoption-related purposes. Federal employees earn 4 hours of sick leave biweekly for a total of 13 days per year. Part time employees earn sick leave on a 

pro-rated basis. 

Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP)

One of the many work and family/life services available to CDER employees is 

the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP). It allows participating Federal 

employees to share their accrued annual leave with other employees who are 

faced with economic hardship because of insufficient leave to cover a medical or 

family medical emergency.
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The area surrounding CDER boasts some of the finest 

neighborhoods and best addresses in the country. As the 

Nation’s capitol, the Washington DC Metropolitan area is a 

unique and vibrant city with a variety of appealing options. 

The following is merely an introduction to some of DC’s 

neighborhoods. Whether you are looking for a suburban 

home where you can walk your kids to premier schools, or 

an urban apartment in the heart of the city, the Washington 

DC area has it all. 
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NEIGHBORHOODS 

42 miles Northwest of White Oak

32 miles East 

of White Oak
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MARYLAND

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SILVER SPRING

15 COLUMBIA

16 ELLICOTT CITY

17 OLNEY

18 BETHESDA

19 CHEVY CHASE

20 ROCKVILLE

21 POTOMAC

22 CABIN JOHN/GLEN ECHO

23 GAITHERSBURG

24 NORTH POTOMAC/DARNESTOWN

25 GERMANTOWN

26 FREDERICK

27 LAUREL
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

SILVER SPRING

Population 71,452

Median age 33.8

Median annual household income $72,954

Silver Spring is in Montgomery County and is the second largest 

city in Maryland. Silver Spring contains both urban and 

suburban areas and is located right outside Washington, DC. 

Silver Spring was named by Francis Preston Blair, who found a 

Mica flecked sparkling spring in the immediate Silver Spring 

area. Blair, who came to Maryland from Kentucky to publish a 

newspaper in support of President Andrew Jackson, found the 

spring while horseback riding in 1842. Enchanted with the spot, 

he built his summer home, also called "Silver Spring." Although 

the spring no longer exists, it is now commemorated in Acorn 

Park at 8060 Newell St. 

Since 2000, Silver Spring’s downtown community has enjoyed an 

expansive redevelopment with popular attractions, entertainment, 

art, and restaurants .

Image source: silverspringcenter.com
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HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND

COLUMBIA

Population 99,615

Median age 37.6

Median annual household income $98,529

Columbia is a planned community comprising 10 self-contained 

villages, located in Howard County, Maryland—the second 

wealthiest county in the United States, according to 2013 U.S. 

Census Bureau figures. It began with the idea that a city could 

enhance its residents' quality of life. Creator and developer 

James W. Rouse saw the new community in terms of human 

values, rather than merely economics and engineering. Opened 

in 1967, Columbia was intended to not only eliminate the 

inconveniences of then-current subdivision design, but also 

eliminate racial, religious, and class segregation.

Columbia proper consists only of that territory governed by the 

Columbia Association, but larger areas are included under its 

name by the U.S. Postal Service and the Census Bureau. These 

include several other communities which predate Columbia, 

including Simpsonville, Atholton, and in the case of the census, 

part of Clarksville. 

Image source: visithowardcounty.com
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HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND

ELLICOTT CITY

Population 65,834

Median age 40.6

Median annual household income $114,769

Ellicott City is a five-block historic district in Howard 

County, Maryland that is nestled in the scenic hills above 

the Patapsco River. Founded in 1772, the town has an old 

world charm and offers unique shopping and dining 

destinations. Ellicott City is also home to the oldest railroad 

station in the U.S., the last operating grist mill in Maryland 

and the first federally funded highway. 

The historic town is located about 11 miles west of 

Downtown Baltimore and 30 miles northeast of Washington 

DC. 

Image source: citydata.com
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

OLNEY/SANDY SPRING/ 

BROOKEVILLE 

Population 33,844 

Median age 42

Median annual household income $124,891

Households with children 48% 

Olney, a census-designated place and an unincorporated area 

of Montgomery County, Maryland, is located in the north 

central part of the county, 20 miles (32 km) north of 

Washington, D.C. It was largely agricultural until the 1960s, 

when growth of the Washington suburbs led to its conversion 

into a mostly residential area. As generally defined, Olney had 

a total population of 31,438 in the 2000 U.S. Census. In July 

2007, Money magazine ranked Olney as 17 (the highest 

ranked town in Maryland) out of the top 100 in its "America's 

Best Places To Live" edition. In August 2013, Olney appeared 

again as #22 in Money magazine's "Top-earning towns" 

edition of "America's Best Places to Live."

Image source: olneymd.org
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

BETHESDA 

Population 60,858 

Median age 42.7

Median annual household income $141,817 

Bethesda is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is 

one of Washington D.C.’s most affluent suburbs. Bethesda is 

well known as a restaurant destination, but it also features 

the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and events such 

as the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Outside the downtown 

area, which features luxury condos, Bethesda real estate is 

characterized by older homes that are known to retain their 

value. 

Several major employers call Bethesda home: the National 

Institutes of Health, Walter Reed National Military Medical 

Center, as well as the corporate headquarters of Marriott 

International and Lockheed Martin. Getting to and from 

Bethesda is easy as the city is served by both the Bethesda 

and Medical Center stations on Metro’s red line. Bethesda 

residents are also some of the most highly educated people 

in the nation. Not surprisingly, a number of excellent public 

schools are located in Bethesda, making it ideal for families 

with school-age children. 

Image source: bethesdarow.com
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

CHEVY CHASE 

Population 9,545 

Median age 44.9 

Median annual household income $157,802 

Chevy Chase, Maryland lies within walking distance of 

Northwest Washington D.C. This community of nearly 

120,000 residents offers a quieter, more serene alternative 

to D.C. without sacrificing most of the amenities of its big 

city neighbor. Chevy Chase real estate sits among some of 

the best shopping and dining options in the greater D.C. 

region, as well as numerous hotels and cultural offerings to 

accommodate overflow from the nation’s capital. 

Three Metro stations on the red line service the largely 

residential area. Real estate in this affluent neighborhood 

includes Colonial style single family homes, Federal style 

townhouses, and remodeled ramblers. For many people 

looking to buy a home in Washington D.C., Chevy Chase 

real estate is a desirable option. Image source: chevychaseliving.com
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

ROCKVILLE 

Population 61,209 

Median age 39.9 

Median annual household income $97,667 

With its city center just 17 miles northwest of FDA’s 

main campus, Rockville is an ideal location for those 

who value a short commute by either car or Metro (the 

Washington area’s subway). Rockville is a mediumsized community that affords both the amenities of a 

cosmopolitan city while still being family-friendly. 

Rockville’s excellent public schools make it a perfect 

environment to raise children. Scientists and other 

professionals make up nearly 90 percent of Rockville’s 

workforce. 

Rockville is at the core of the Interstate 270 

Technology Corridor, which is home to numerous 

software and biotechnology companies, as well as 

several federal government institutions. The city also 

has several upscale regional shopping centers and is 

one of the major retail hubs in Montgomery County. 

Image source: terrain.org
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

POTOMAC 

Population 44,965 

Median age 46 

Median annual household income $173,289 

Potomac is located about 15 miles northwest of Washington, 

D.C. and is named for the river it borders. Potomac real 

estate, however, is not just for water lovers. Because of the 

area’s rolling hills and large lots, many Potomac real estate 

owners are also horse owners. All forms of recreation can be 

enjoyed at the popular and scenic Great Falls National Park, 

part of which is located in the Potomac area. 

Potomac real estate is home to some of the state’s—and the 

nation’s—wealthiest neighborhoods, such as Falconhurst, 

Bradley Farms, Palatine, and the golf community of Avenel. 

The most affluent homes are tucked in and around Potomac 

Village, a local shopping district featuring upscale shops and 

restaurants. Essentially all Potomac real estate is considered 

desirable, and large, single-family, million-dollar homes 

dominate the area. Many Potomac real estate owners are, in 

fact, retirees who appreciate the proximity of Washington D.C. 

but prefer the natural beauty of this picturesque suburb. 

Commuters are also drawn to Potomac real estate; several 

professional athletes, CEOs, and members of the media are 

area residents. 

Image source: nps.gov
22

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

CABIN JOHN/GLEN ECHO

Population 2,280 

Median age 50.1 

Median annual household income $188,242 

Cabin John and Glen Echo lie along the Potomac River. 

The two closely-connected neighborhoods resemble their 

larger neighbors of Potomac and Bethesda in many 

ways, but what sets Cabin John and Glen Echo apart are 

their secluded, old-world, wooded beauty. The founders 

of Glen Echo described it in an 1888 advertisement as, 

“Glen Echo on the Potomac: The Washington Rhine.” 

Closely following the Potomac River, the Chesapeake 

and Ohio National Historic Park passes through both 

neighborhoods. Glen Echo is notable for its national 

historic sites: Glen Echo Park (a historic amusement 

park), and the Clara Barton National Historic Site. 

Originally a Chautauqua retreat, Glen Echo Park is 

frequently a venue for arts and cultural classes, such as 

pottery and dance. 

Image source: washingtonconservatory.org
23

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

GAITHERSBURG 

Population 59,933 

Median age 34.8 

Median annual household income $81,178 

With just over 60,000 residents located in the heart of 

Montgomery County, Gaithersburg is one of the largest 

cities in Maryland. In Gaithersburg you’ll find a diverse 

population living in a mixture of housing types in warm, 

welcoming neighborhoods. Gaithersburg combines a 

respect for its heritage, demonstrated by the revitalization 

efforts in our Olde Towne residential and commercial 

district, with thoughtful planning for new communities. Our 

businesses range from world renowned technology 

companies to family-owned service providers.

Gaithersburg is a sizable incorporated city north of 

Rockville and to the west of Upper Rock Creek Park. 

Southern Gaithersburg contains the Shady Grove Metro 

Station, the northern-most stop on the Metro’s Red Line 

which also travels into downtown Washington. 

Image source: riowashingtonian.com
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

NORTH POTOMAC/ DARNESTOWN 

NORTH POTOMAC DARNESTOWN 

Population 24,410 Population 6,802

Median age 42.2 Median age 45.6 

Median annual household income $149,883 Median annual household income $172,627 

North Potomac and Darnestown are in many ways rural 

extensions of Potomac, yet the amenities of 

Gaithersburg and Rockville to the east are within a 

reasonable distance by car. The area features increased 

access to parks, such as Aberdeen, Muddy Branch, 

Blockhouse Point, Seneca Creek State Park, and Lake 

Needwood. Homes in the area are large and situated on 

generous lots of cleared farmland, while about 50% of 

the area remains forested. 

In 2009, CNN Money Magazine listed North Potomac as 

one of the wealthiest best places to live in the U.S., 

describing it as, "a tony town that sits on the bank of the 

Potomac River," and noting that "beautiful old estates, 

top-rated golf courses and a number of riding clubs in the 

area are available to those with a flair for fine living." 

North Potomac was also named the 16th most affluent 

U.S. neighborhood by Forbes in 2008.

Image source: potomachorse.com
25

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND 

GERMANTOWN 

Population 86,395 

Median age 33.9 

Median annual household income $88,747 

Despite recent growth, Germantown maintains its 

historic, rural character. The town is completely 

surrounded by parkland, including North Germantown 

Special Park, Black Hill Regional Park, Little Seneca 

Lake, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park, South 

Germantown Recreational Park, Seneca Creek State 

Park, and Clopper Lake. A swath of woodland separates 

Germantown from Gaithersburg to the south. 

Germantown is accessible by I-270, which runs south to 

the Capital Beltway, as well as by the MARC commuter 

train, which connects with the closest Metro station — 

the Shady Grove Station in Gaithersburg. 

Image source: montgomerycountymd.gov
26

FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND 

FREDERICK 

Population 65,239 

Median age 34.5 

Median annual household income $65,328 

Frederick County is known as one of the least urban 

areas of the Washington, D.C. Metro area, located to 

the northwest of Germantown. The city of Frederick 

boasts a 50-block historic district, as well as many 

modern housing developments. Its more rural location 

places Frederick in the middle of the beautiful foothills 

of the Appalachian Mountains. Catoctin Mountain 

Park, Cunningham Falls State Park (location of the 

presidential retreat, Camp David), Frederick Municipal 

Forest, South Mountain State Park, and Sugarloaf 

Mountain Natural Area are all just outside of Frederick. 

The fertile agricultural lands around Frederick supply 

the town’s nine farmers’ markets. Frederick is also a 

great place for history enthusiasts, with the Monocacy 

National Battlefield and the Chesapeake and Ohio 

National Historic Park in the immediate area and the 

Antietam National Battlefield a very short drive to the 

west. 

Image source: downtownfrederick.org
27

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND

LAUREL

Population 25,115

Median age 34.8

Median annual household income $66,355

Laurel is a city in northern Prince George's County, 

Maryland, located midway between Washington, D.C. and 

Baltimore on the Patuxent River. Founded as a mill town 

in the early 19th century, the arrival of the Baltimore & 

Ohio Railroad in 1835 expanded local industry, and later 

enabled the city to become an early commuter town for 

Washington and Baltimore workers. Largely residential 

today, the city maintains a historic district centered around 

its Main Street, highlighting its industrial past.

The Department of Defense is a prominent presence in 

the Laurel area today, with the Fort Meade Army base, the 

National Security Agency, and Johns Hopkins University's 

Applied Physics Laboratory all located nearby. The Laurel 

Park Racecourse, a thoroughbred horse racetrack, is 

located just outside city limits.

Image source: mymarylandcastle.com
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VIRGINIA

29 

 

 

ARLINGTON

30 MCLEAN

31 GREAT FALLS
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ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA 

ARLINGTON 

Population 207,627 

Median Age 33.7 

Median annual household income $102,459 

Arlington, the most populous community in Virginia, is 

located just across the Potomac River from 

Washington’s monuments and historic Georgetown 

neighborhood. It is home to a dynamic mix of 

government employees, private contractors, families, 

and artists. Those areas of Arlington immediately 

adjacent to Metro stops tend to be very dense and 

urban in feel, while other areas display a more typical 

suburban pattern of development. 

Arlington is a cultural hub in northern Virginia, playing 

host to opera, live theatre, museums, symphonies, 

and ballet. Numerous clusters of immigrant 

communities also add to the richness of Arlington’s 

cultural fabric. Home to Arlington National Cemetery 

and numerous Civil War era forts, Arlington’s history is 

never far away. Residents of Arlington also benefit 

from the fact that the heart of Washington is just a 

short walk, car ride, bike, bus, or Metro ride away. 

Image source: marines.mil
30

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 

MCLEAN 

Population 48,115 

Median age 45.1 

Median annual household income $179,066 

Located just across the Potomac River from Cabin John, 

Mclean is one of the areas in Virginia closest to the FDA. 

Mclean has a diverse and highly prosperous population. 

The headquarters of companies such as Capital One, 

Booz Allen Hamilton, Hilton Hotels, SAIC, and USA Today, 

among many others, call Mclean home. These high-caliber 

jobs and excellent schools mean that Mclean is home to 

diplomats, Congressmen, and many other government 

officials. 

Mclean also has a vast array of shopping opportunities, 

including the Tysons Corner Center (the Washington 

area’s largest mall) and the upscale Tysons Galleria mall. 

Though currently without immediate Metro access, Mclean 

will soon be connected with downtown Washington by the 

new Silver Line now under construction. Phase 1 of the 

line is set to open in 2013, while the entire line (including a 

stop at nearby Dulles International Airport) is on schedule 

for completion by 2016. 

Image source: capitalregionusa.org
31

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 

GREAT FALLS 

Population 15,427 

Median age 43.2 

Median annual household income $217,552 

A small suburb with major appeal, Great Falls tops 

2011’s list of affluent towns in the U.S. Residents there 

enjoy wide-open spaces indoors and out. $1 millionplus homes set on two- to five-acre lots ensure plenty 

of privacy, but if that's not enough room, locals can 

spread out at Great Falls National Park where the 

Potomac River rushes through 800 acres of stunning 

wilds.

There are no condos, apartments, or townhomes in this 

D.C. suburb, but the distance between neighbors is 

less vast than you might think. An active newcomers 

group welcomes recent arrivals, and good oldfashioned socials in the Village Centre bring everyone 

together for holidays and summer concerts.

Great Falls, VA, is named after nearby Great Falls 

National Park, located on the rocky, rugged upper 

Potomac River across from Potomac, MD. Great Falls 

is known for its plentiful outdoor activities, including 

Olympic-level kayaking in the river and cliffs perfect for 

rock climbing. Largely residential, the vast majority of 

Great Falls’ residences are elite single-family homes on 

generous lots. 

Image source: nps.gov
32

WASHINGTON D.C.

33 

 

GEORGETOWN

34 FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
33

WASHINGTON, DC 

GEORGETOWN 

Population 26,866 

Median age 33.9

Median annual household income $105,674 

Georgetown is one of DC’s finest and most sought after 

neighborhoods. Situated along the Potomac River with 

access to some of the best views in all of Washington DC, 

Georgetown is a popular, stylish Washington 

neighborhood, which originated as a tobacco port in the 

17th century. In addition to its prominent university, 

Georgetown has many historic homes, many of which are 

now public museums. The embassies of France, Mongolia, 

Sweden, Thailand, and the Ukraine are all in Georgetown. 

Georgetown real estate offers a unique experience with 

historic homes and gardens. Many well-known national 

figures and prominent Washingtonians live here. In 

addition to its fine homes, people flock to Georgetown to 

enjoy the chic shopping and dining establishments along 

Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. Georgetown lends itself 

to walking, with notable attractions, shops, and restaurants 

relatively close to each other and easily accessible. 

Image source: dcliving.com
34

WASHINGTON, DC/MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS/VILLAGE 

Population 4,698

Median age 48.6 

Median annual household income $80,756 

The Friendship Heights area is always a popular option 

for those looking to live in Washington D.C. Straddling the 

border of northwest Washington, D.C. and southern 

Montgomery County, MD, Friendship Heights is a good 

choice for those looking to live within DC city limits without 

living in an urban setting. 

In addition to fine residences, upscale shopping is easy to 

find in Friendship Heights. The area is well known for its 

two popular shopping plazas, Chevy Chase Pavilion and 

Mazza Gallerie, which together offer more than 440,000 

square feet of retail and dining space. Three more retail 

destinations—the Chevy Chase Center, the Collection at 

Chevy Chase, and Wisconsin Place—are currently in 

development. Three grocery stores—all within close 

proximity—serve the neighborhood’s residents. The area 

is also served by the Friendship Heights metro stop on 

the red line, which makes it easy to get downtown quickly. 

Image source: cparkre.com
35

Information in the Homes section provided by: 

www.trulia.com 

www.census.gov 

http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/executive/recruit/homes.htm

http://silverspringcenter.com/visitorsguide.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia,_Maryland#

http://dc.about.com/od/daytripsgetaways/a/Ellicott-City-Visitors-Guide.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olney,_Maryland

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel,_Maryland
36

The Washington, DC metropolitan area has some of the 

best schools in the country. Students in Montgomery 

County Public Schools score among the top in the United 

States on Advanced Placement examinations. The 

following is an introduction to twenty-two excellent public 

and private schools in the DC metropolitan area. No matter 

what you are looking for, be it magnet schools, college 

prep, Montessori, specialty programs, or something else, 

the area surrounding CDER has it all. 
37

BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE 

Sidwell Friends School 

Bethesda, Maryland 

http://www.sidwell.edu 

Sidwell Friends is an independent, co-educational, Quaker day school that serves 

approximately 1,118 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It’s comprised of two 

separate campuses that are located in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland. Its 

campuses have athletic fields, play areas, gardens, and facilities for art, music and science. 

Sidwell Friends contains a large and inviting library, computer lab, health center, multipurpose room and tutoring areas. It has a rich and rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that 

is designed to stimulate creative inquiry, intellectual achievement and independent thinking. 

The school’s curriculum provides each child with a broad foundation in the humanities and 

sciences while stressing the importance of critical and creative thinking, competence in oral 

and written communication, and quantitative operations. 

Oneness-Family School 

Chevy Chase, Maryland 

http://www.onenessfamily.org 

Oneness-Family School is an independent, co-educational, Montessori school that serves 

approximately 130 students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. At Oneness- Family 

School, students study traditional academic subjects through hands-on materials, frequent 

field trips, classroom presentations and special instructors. While giving consideration to the 

students’ individual learning styles and particular interests, teachers impart an 

understanding of how different subjects are related to each other and applied in the real 

world. The school’s curriculum heavily emphasizes character building and multicultural 

understanding. These values are supported by special events and festivals such as United 

Nations Day, the Festival of Lights, and the Harmony Peace Run. 
38

BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE 

Chevy Chase Elementary School 

Chevy Chase, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/chevychasees 

Chevy Chase Elementary School is a public school that serves approximately 450 students. 

Its campus houses a 70,000 square-foot building comprised of three floors of classrooms 

and offices, a gymnasium and a large multipurpose room. It has an inner courtyard that 

contains native plantings, a pond, vegetable garden, picnic area and an outdoor area that 

includes a soccer field, baseball field, basketball courts and a playground. An active 

community of students, parents and staff achieve a standard of excellence through 

empowerment, meaningful work, collaboration, perseverance and creativity. Chevy Chase 

Elementary School’s highly gifted center provides talented students with a full-time 

instructional program beyond the Montgomery County Public School program of studies. 

The program content is accelerated, compacted and enriched to meet the needs of highly 

able students. The Middle Years Program at Chevy Chase Elementary School is devised to 

help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to participate actively in an 

increasingly interrelated world. From producing the “CCNN” news show to stretching their 

muscles through yoga, students have opportunities to grow, develop and extend their 

interests beyond the classroom. 

Westland Middle School 

Bethesda, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms 

Westland Middle School is a public school that offers 1,043 students an engaging and 

challenging curriculum. The International Baccalaureate Program at Westland Middle 

School encourages students to become compassionate learners. It also provides each 

student with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in English, foreign languages, mathematics, 

music, science and social studies. Westland students can participate in a wide range of after 

school programs such as yoga, tennis, hockey, kayaking, theater production and digital 

photography. 
39

BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE 

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School 

Chevy Chase, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/bcchs 

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School is a comprehensive public high school that serves 

approximately 1,788 students. It has a media center that contains several computer 

workstations, television and media production facilities, a greenhouse, a music laboratory, 

gymnasiums, a weight training room and a 900-seat auditorium. Bethesda-Chevy Chase 

High School has two “firsts” among Montgomery County Public Schools—a Cyber Café, 

opened in March 2003, and a state-of-the-art Language Lab, installed in the summer of 

2004. It has a full complement of challenging academics and innovative programs including 

an honors program, an advanced placement program and an International Baccalaureate 

Program. Bethesda Chevy Chase High School provides each student with a rigorous liberal 

arts curriculum in English, foreign languages, mathematics, music, science and social 

studies. 
40

ROCKVILLE 

Green Acres Day School 

Rockville, Maryland 

http://www.greenacres.org 

Green Acres Day School is a co-educational, progressive school that serves approximately 

320 students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school’s campus includes newly 

constructed or renovated classroom buildings, science rooms, music rooms, art rooms, a 

20,000 volume library, photo lab, creative movement room and a teaching kitchen. An 

environment of trust, cooperation and mutual respect encourages students to become 

increasingly independent thinkers and responsible contributors to an ever-changing, 

multicultural world. Green Acres Day School is dedicated to fostering the natural curiosity of 

students and engaging them actively in the joy of learning. The program emphasizes small 

classes and experiential, hands-on learning integrated across subjects. Students receive 

instruction in academics, the arts, athletics and technology. 

The Avalon School 

Gaithersburg, Maryland 

http://avalonschools.org 

The Avalon School is an independent, college preparatory day school that offers 350 boys a 

challenging liberal arts curriculum in grades 2 through 12. The school seeks to cultivate in its 

students a sense of intellectual freedom and personal responsibility. These ideals form the 

foundation of the school and are encouraged through rigorous study, hearty athletics, broad 

activity and the daily example of both faculty and parents. As an academically rigorous 

college preparatory school, Avalon reaches beyond prestigious college admissions and test 

scores, also measuring its success by the cultural literacy of its students. This concept is 

based on the notion that boys, regardless of their eventual profession or vocation, should be 

versed in the arts, literature, poetry, languages and the sciences. At Avalon students 

participate in activities such as school-wide poetry competitions, field trips, interscholastic 

sports and athletic competitions that build friendships, discipline and self-assurance based 

on deeds.
41

ROCKVILLE 

College Gardens Elementary School 

Rockville, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/collegegardenses 

College Gardens Elementary School is a public school that serves approximately 820 

students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5. Its Chinese Immersion program uses the 

target language as a teaching tool, surrounding or “immersing” students in the second 

language. In-class activities, such as math, science, social studies and those outside of the 

class such as meals or everyday tasks, are conducted in the target language. The school’s 

rigorous instructional program promotes globally-minded, creative, confident and reflective 

lifelong learners. 

Parkland Middle School 

Rockville, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/parklandms 

Parkland Middle School is a magnet school for aerospace technology that offers 826 

students in grades 6 through 8, an innovative and challenging academic curriculum. Its 

distinct instructional focus has an academically rigorous and accelerated core curriculum 

that promotes high school and college preparation for all students. At Parkland Middle 

School, students take specialty courses that are centered on mathematics, science, 

aerospace and robot engineering. Students explore a rigorous scientific environment 

involving team problem solving and research work. 

Thomas Wootton High School 

Rockville, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/woottonhs 

Thomas Wootton High School is a public school that serves approximately 2,409 students. 

The Science and Technology program at Thomas Wootton high school provides students 

with a course of study that emphasizes a strong background in science, mathematics, and 

computer technology. In addition to participating in a rigorous series of courses that 

prepares them for a career in the sciences, students work with a program coordinator to 

shape their individual paths of study depending on interests, goals and future ambitions. 

Students who have a passion for history, literature, languages, philosophy, law, and 

psychology can choose a course of study focused on humanities by supplementing their 

studies with added coursework in the other fields. 
42

POTOMAC 

The Bullis School 

Potomac, Maryland 

http://www.bullis.org 

The Bullis School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school serving 

approximately 645 students in grades 3 through 12. The school’s 102 acre campus contains 

outdoor playing fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a performing arts center equipped 

with art, dance and photography studios. The Bullis School provides a student-centered and 

balanced experience in academics, athletics, the arts and community service. Its curriculum 

uniquely prepares all students to become caring citizens and creative, critical thinkers who 

will thrive in tomorrow’s world. 

McLean School of Maryland 

Potomac, Maryland 

http://www.mcleanschool.org 

The McLean School of Maryland is an independent, co-educational day school for students 

in kindergarten through 12th grade. Its curriculum emphasizes learning through the arts, 

physical education and computer technology as well as the essential academics. It 

cultivates confident learners by initiating a progression of readiness that involves team-work 

between students, parents and faculty. Leading small groups of children with similar 

learning styles and competencies, teachers develop stimulating lessons in reading, 

language arts, word study and math that allow children to progress to different levels at their 

own pace. Students participate in weekly community meetings that involve poetry readings, 

musical performances and presentations from visitors. 

Potomac Elementary School 

Potomac, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/potomaces 

Potomac Elementary School is a public school that services 557 students. It has both an 

Arts Integration and Chinese Immersion program that aims to tap the potential of every 

learner by providing opportunities to engage, create and problem solve as cognitively active 

learners. Students in the Arts Integration program take classes in dance, movement, 

theater, music and visual arts. Students in the Chinese Immersion program spend half their 

day being taught in Chinese and the other half in English. The Montgomery County Public 

School math and science curriculum are taught in Chinese. Reading, language arts and 

social studies are delivered in English. Immersion students also receive one hour of direct 

language instruction in Chinese each week. 
43

POTOMAC 

Winston Churchill High School 

Potomac, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/churchillhs 

Winston Churchill High School is a comprehensive public high school that services 2,113 

students in grades 9 through 12. The Signature Program at Winston Churchill High School 

is dedicated to providing unique experiences and opportunities for students through 

research internships, interactive presentations, workshops and an area of dedicated 

research study. The program allows students to develop their interests in a particular career 

field of choice in the areas mathematics, technology and science, creative and performing 

arts, and International Studies. At Winston Churchill High School, students participate in 

summer activities related to their area of focus as well as other career exploration activities 

that enhance their skills.
44

SILVER SPRING 

Barrie School 

Silver Spring, Maryland 

http://www.barrie.org 

The Barrie School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school that 

serves approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. A low student to 

teacher ratio, allows teachers to take a more hands-on approach with students. Each student 

is challenged to reach his or her own potential in a colorful, competition-free arena. The school 

is comprised of a Montessori lower school, a dynamic middle school and a college-focused 

upper school. Classroom teaching is connected to the outside world through extension days, 

service learning, internships and an extended study week program. The Barrie School’s goal 

is to prepare young people to be citizens of a global society by heavily emphasizing character 

building and multicultural understanding. Students have the opportunity to take a variety of 

classes in foreign language, music, art, journalism, computer technology and law. 

Sligo Creek Elementary School 

Silver Spring, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/sligocreekes 

Sligo Creek Elementary School is a public school that serves approximately 582 students. The 

school’s Academy Program implements its curriculum with a heavy emphasis on science, 

math, and technology. A half-time science coordinator provides resources to the school above 

and beyond what is normally available in other elementary schools in Montgomery County. 

This coordinator teaches in a well-equipped science lab that was designed and built into the 

remodeled school. In addition to a wide variety of equipment for measurement and inquiry, the 

lab features an automated weather source weather station that provides continuous real-time 

weather data both to the school for instructional purposes, and to the Internet for use by other 

students, the public and news outlets worldwide. In the school’s French Immersion program, 

reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are taught entirely in French 

at all grade levels. This instruction is supported by the use of texts, novels, expository readings 

and audiovisual materials which are in French. 
45

SILVER SPRING 

Eastern Middle School 

Silver Spring, Maryland 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/easternms 

Eastern Middle School is a public school that serves approximately 814 students. Students 

work in a creatively charged, technology-rich environment in three areas of concentration: 

writing and literature, media production and world studies. The Humanities and 

Communication Program at Eastern Middle School offers students intensive courses in writing. 

The program offers hands-on opportunities to work as a member of a production team in the 

program’s television studio where students work in teams as performers, cinematographers, 

producers, directors, audio engineers, editors and graphic artists. 

Montgomery Blair High School 

Silver Spring, Maryland 

http://www.mbhs.edu 

With over 2,800 students and 200 teachers, Montgomery Blair High School is the largest 

public school in Montgomery County, Maryland. It offers a variety of classes and experiences 

that can make any student’s high school experience rich and rewarding. The school’s five 

career-themed academies offer all students a chance to explore their interests and build a 

solid foundation of academics where they envision future work and study. The Academies at 

Montgomery Blair High School are smaller learning communities consisting of students, 

teachers, counselors and administrators united by common interests and career goals. The 

Academies at Montgomery Blair High School include the following: Entrepreneurship, Human 

Services, International Studies and Law, Media Literacy, Science, Mathematics, Engineering 

and Technology.
46

WASHINGTON, DC 

Lowell School 

Northwest, Washington, DC 

http://www.lowellschool.org 

Lowell is a co-educational, progressive school that serves 300 students from prekindergarten through grade 8. The school’s curriculum promotes collaborative learning with 

an emphasis on building conceptual understanding and strong analytical skills. The Lowell 

School supports the development of internal motivation through carefully designed learning 

experiences that draw on students’ interests and passions. At Lowell students take part in a 

program that is rich in its diversity of offerings in reading, writing, literature, math, science, 

social studies, Spanish, visual arts, music, drama, dance, health, physical education and 

technology. The curriculum also utilizes a spiral approach to skill acquisition which allows for 

very thoughtful introduction, development, reinforcement and application of skills as children 

progress through each grade. 

Georgetown Day School 

Northwest, Washington, DC 

http://www.gds.org 

Georgetown Day School is a co-educational, college preparatory school that offers more 

than 1,000 students a challenging curriculum. Georgetown Day School is dedicated to 

providing a supportive educational atmosphere in which teachers challenge the intellectual, 

creative and physical abilities of each student. Its educational program provides each 

student with instruction in the academic disciplines, the arts, physical education and 

athletics. Activities such as community service, student council, interscholastic sports and 

theater production play an important role in helping students develop a sense of 

responsibility, teamwork and a strong community identity.
47

WASHINGTON, DC 

Maret School 

Northwest, Washington, DC 

http://www.maret.org 

The Maret School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school that 

serves approximately 635 students. At the Maret School, students have resource classes in 

Spanish, science, music, art, library and physical education. Its curriculum provides students 

with a nurturing and stimulating environment in which language arts, social studies and 

mathematics are presented through a variety of group, partner and independent activities. 

The curriculum is carefully integrated so that subjects such as reading, writing, geography, 

history, science, mathematics, music and art reinforce one another. Enhancing every 

subject area are field trips that take advantage of the School’s location in its historically 

significant city and culturally diverse community. 

Washington International School 

Northwest, Washington, DC 

http://www.wis.edu 

Washington International School is a co-educational day school offering 910 students a 

challenging international curriculum and rich language program from pre-kindergarten 

through grade 12. In addition to their academic studies in mathematics, science, language, 

literature, social sciences and the arts, students learn how to be engaged global citizens. 

The school’s commitment to language learning is a hallmark of the curriculum and reflects 

its belief in the value of bilingualism. Active sports, community service and travel programs 

expose students to the rich culture of the world. While on campus students are also involved 

in theater, music, art, journalism, debate and many other activities. 

MORE RESOURCES 

Montgomery County Public Schools 

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org 

Education Scorecard 

http://nbcscorecard.greatschools.org 

Private School Locator 

http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch 

Council for American Private Education 

http://www.capenet.org
48

The Washington DC metro area is an emerging 

hotspot for world-class dining. From vegan bakeries 

like Sticky Fingers in Columbia Heights to Wolfgang 

Puck’s The Source on Pennsylvania Avenue, DC has 

something to please all varieties of tastes and 

budgets. Furthermore, DC features a variety of 

specialty food stores and several farmer’s markets. 

Many premier dining establishments are often 

clustered around metro stops, making a culinary tour 

of the area quite reasonable. 
49

DINING DESTINATIONS 

Capitol Hill 

Capitol Hill is known for high-class and high-priced dining, such as the French Bistro 

Bis, Charlie Palmer Steak, and CityZen. Capitol Hill is also a destination for cheaper 

options catering to young professionals, such as the Good Stuff Eatery, Taqueria 

Nacional, and the Market Lunch in Eastern Market. Eastern Market is a year-round 

farmer’s market that has been operating since 1873 and can be easily accessed via 

the Eastern Market stop on the Orange/Blue line. 

Dupont Circle 

With many embassies and galleries like the Phillips in close proximity, Dupont Circle 

is a great place for ethnic dining such as Malaysia Kopitiam or Zorba’s. There are 

plenty of cafés, diners, and bars, and there are high-class restaurants like Komi, this 

year’s “best restaurant in DC” according to Washingtonian Magazine. Dupont 

Circle’s weekly farmer’s market is one of the most popular in the city. Another 

popular destination in the area is Kramerbooks, an independent bookstore with an 

attached café. 

Georgetown

Clustered along the commercial routes of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, the 

restaurants here cater to Georgetown students (such as the famous Tombs) and 

upscale shoppers with cafes, ethnic restaurants, and high-class restaurants like 

Citronelle and 1789. Also due to the large student populace, Georgetown has a 

lively nightlife with a number of popular bars in the area. 

Chinatown

In spite of the fact that DC’s Chinatown is relatively small, it is a popular destination, 

as there are plenty of ethnic restaurants in the area. You can also find lots of 

American cuisine, such as delis like Cowgirl Creamery or Potato Valley Cafe, and 

barbecue at Capital Q or Saints Paradise Cafeteria. Wolfgang Puck’s The Source is 

here, as well as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya. Chinatown is frequently buzzing with people 

due to its proximity to the Verizon Center, which hosts a variety of sporting and 

cultural events. 

U St/Shaw 

U Street is the home of Ben’s Chili Bowl, a DC institution. U St is a great place for 

bars and jazz clubs, ethnic restaurants, delis, and cafes. Busboys and Poets, 

located nearby, is particularly popular and draws diverse patrons from across DC. U 

Street is also served by its own Metro station on the Yellow/Green line. 
50

Bethesda 

Bethesda easily has the highest concentration of restaurants in the D.C. metro 

area. In spite of the fact that it is an affluent area, restaurants in the region run the 

gamut from inexpensive to pricey and offer everything from burgers to Afghan 

cuisine, so there are dining options available for the most particular of palates. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch on a budget or taking that special 

someone out on the town, you can find what you need right here. Many of the local 

restaurants are clustered around two areas—Bethesda Row and Woodmont 

Triangle, making it easy to find a new favorite eatery. 

Bethesda Row 

Located a few blocks southwest from the Bethesda Metro stop, Bethesda Row is 

home to a number of Maryland branches of DC landmark restaurants, including 

Jaleo, Lebanese Taverna, and Georgetown Cupcake. The area also boasts the 

Bethesda chapters of popular cheap eats like Five Guys and SweetGreen. That’s 

not to say that all the restaurants on Bethesda Row are chains – one need only look 

at Mussel Bar and Redwood to find fine dining options that are unique to Bethesda 

Row. In addition to sit down establishments, there are several delicious options for 

a sweet treat after your meal, whether it’s gelato at Dolcezza or chocolates at 

Cacao. 

Woodmont Triangle

The Woodmont triangle region features many restaurants that are unique to 

Bethesda in addition to local chains. Some restaurants—Tastee Diner, for 

example—have been in their current locations for decades. Whether you’re looking 

for burgers (Fresh Grill or DC chain BGR), Chinese (Foong Lin and North China), or 

an Indian buffet (Haandi), there are plenty of choices for the whole office to enjoy. 

Diners looking for a more formal dinner would certainly embrace a visit to Brasserie 

Monte Carlo or Woodmont Grill. 

Silver Spring

Whether downtown or in the suburbs, Silver Spring offers a variety of cheap eats. 

Through the Cherry Hill exit at the FDA campus, you are just minutes away from 

Chipotle, Five Guys, Panera, Chick-fil-A, IHOP, and many more. Just five miles 

south of the FDA’s campus is downtown Silver Spring where you’ll find a variety of 

food offering seafood to Italian cuisine. Downtown Silver Spring is also a destination 

for fine dining with Mrs. K’s Toll House and 8407 Kitchen Bar.

Wherever you do decide to go for a meal, you’ll never run out of new places to try in 

Bethesda. With hundreds of restaurants within the city’s 12 square miles, 

employees at CDER have ample options without having to travel far. 
51

MORE RESOURCES 

Washingtonian Magazine features an online restaurant finder with reviews. They annually list 

the area’s “100 Best Restaurants” in January, and the area’s best “Cheap Eats” and “Dirt 

Cheap Eats” in June. 

http://www.washingtonian.com 

The Washington Post features a Going Out Guide, with a section just for restaurants. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-restaurants.html 
52

HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS 

The Washington, DC area is full of historic monuments and tributes to 

American culture. Many of these sites are centrally located at the National Mall. 

Some monuments on the Mall include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln 

Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans 

Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The National Archives, at the 

north end of the Mall, houses thousands of historic documents including the 

Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, 

and an original copy of the Magna Carta. 

Located directly south of the mall, the Tidal Basin features rows of Japanese 

cherry blossom trees that were presented as gifts from the nation of Japan in 

1912. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the 

District of Columbia War Memorial are also located around the Tidal Basin. 

The Smithsonian Institution is an educational foundation chartered by 

Congress in 1846 that maintains most of the nation’s official museums and 

galleries in Washington, D.C. The U.S. government partially funds the 

Smithsonian, thus making its collections open to the public free of charge. 

Many of these are clustered around the Mall, including the National Museum of 

Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of 

African Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of 

the American Indian, the Sackler and Freer Art galleries, the Hirshhorn 

Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Smithsonian Institution Building (“The 

Castle”). 
53

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are located 

in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, near 

Washington’s Chinatown. This building was formerly the Old Patent Office Building, 

and was the site of President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball. Other Smithsonian 

museums and galleries include the National Postal Museum near Union Station and 

the National Zoo in Woodley Park. 

The National Gallery of Art is located on the National Mall near the Capitol. The 

gallery’s West Building features the nation’s collection of American and European art 

through the 19th century. The East Building, designed by architect I. M. Pei, features 

works of modern art. Congress also supervises the United States Botanic Garden, 

the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the US. The National Building 

Museum occupies the former Pension Building located near Judiciary Square, and 

was chartered by Congress as a private institution to host exhibits on architecture, 

urban planning, and design. 

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world both by shelf space and 

number of books. It is open to the public and features Jefferson’s Library, a 

Guttenberg Bible, and rotating exhibits of its materials. D.C. is also home to the 

Folger Shakespeare Library, the world’s largest collection of the printed works of 

Shakespeare. Both libraries are located on Capitol Hill. 

There are many private art museums in the District of Columbia, which house major 

collections and exhibits open to the public such as the National Museum of Women in 

the Arts, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle. The 

Phillips is notable as the first museum of modern art in the United States. Other 

private museums in Washington include the Newseum, the International Spy 

Museum, and the National Geographic Society Museum. The United States 

Holocaust Memorial Museum located near the National Mall maintains exhibits, 

documentation, and artifacts related to The Holocaust. 
54

PERFORMING ARTS & MUSIC 

Washington, D.C. is a national center for the performing arts. The John F. Kennedy 

Center for the Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the 

Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet. The Kennedy Center 

Honors are awarded each year to those in the performing arts who have contributed 

greatly to the cultural life of the United States. Washington also has a local 

independent theater tradition. Institutions such as Arena Stage, the Shakespeare 

Theatre Company, the Warner Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, and the Studio Theatre 

feature classic works and new American plays. 

The U Street Corridor in Northwest D.C. is home to institutions like Bohemian 

Caverns and the Lincoln Theatre, which hosted music legends such as Washingtonnative Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Other jazz venues feature 

modern blues such as Madam’s Organ in Adams Morgan and Blues Alley in 

Georgetown. 

The United States Marine Band, based in Washington, D.C., is the oldest musical 

group in the United States (formed in 1798, before the city’s founding). The Marine 

Band’s most famous conductor is undoubtedly John Philip Sousa, who composed 

MORE RESOURCES 

To learn more about the many cultural events around the district, take a look at the 

Going out Guide’s section on Museums, Theater, or Music: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/
55

SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW 

Washington, DC • Late April 

One of the country’s most prestigious showcases of contemporary American 

crafts, this annual exhibit features basketry, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, metal, 

and wood. There are opportunities to shop for very special pieces, meet both up

-and-coming and established craftsmen, attend demonstrations, and view the 

huge collection of amazing works. 

PASSPORT DC 

Washington, DC • May 

This annual event features Washington’s status as a global city as international 

missions open their doors to Washingtonians. Embassies and international 

cultural centers showcase the music, dance, crafts, and cuisine of their nations. 

Highlights include the World Embassy Tour on May 1 and the Asian Heritage 

Festival on May 22. 

BETHESDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL 

Bethesda, MD • Early May 

Delight in fine art and crafts created by 140 of the nation’s best artists, live 

entertainment, and Bethesda’s best restaurants! 

Artists from throughout the country will showcase painting, drawing, 

photography, furniture, jewelry, mixed media, and ceramics. Participating artists 

were selected and juried by members of the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment 

District. Sunshine Artist ranked the 2008 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival the 78th 

Best Festival in the U.S. and Best Show in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
56

DC JAZZ FESTIVAL 

Washington, DC • Early June 

For two weeks, in one of the area’s biggest annual music events, D.C. gets 

artists from around the globe, including nine-time Grammy winner Paquito 

D’Rivera, Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Sanchez, 

James Moody and the Berklee College All-Stars. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE 

Washington, DC • Late June 

The National Capital Barbecue Battle is an annual competition between top 

BBQ restaurants from the Washington, DC area and around the country. If you 

love barbecue you’ll love the food samples, cooking demonstrations, interactive 

displays, and children’s activities at this sizzling summer festival. The nation’s 

best barbecue teams cook-off for over $40,000 in cash and prizes in two major 

contests. 

The Barbecue Battle features live entertainment including 30 rock, R&B, jazz, 

and blues bands performing on three state-of-the-art stages. Patrons will also 

enjoy the interactive exhibits like the NBA Nation Basketball Tour 

SILVERDOCS 

Silver Spring, MD • Late June 

The world’s premiere showcase of documentary filmmaking created by the 

American Film Institute (AFI) and Discovery Channel presents more than 100 

films annually, representing dozens of countries and including Academy Awardnominated entries as well as unheralded new voices and look-ins on works in 

progress. 

SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL 

Washington, DC • Late June–Early July 

The Smithsonian’s yearly celebration of traditional folkways is back to cap the 

summer’s busy season. This year’s festival themes include “Asian Pacific 

Americans: Local Lives, Global Ties,” “Mexico,” and “Smithsonian Inside Out,” a 

look at the institution’s education and research.
57

INDEPENDENCE DAY 

Washington, DC • 7/4 

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall, 

with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, 

forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America’s Independence Day 

celebrations. This is an all-day event in the nation’s capital, beginning with a 

parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a spectacular display of 

fireworks over the Washington Monument. 

STRATHMORE’S COMCAST FILM FESTIVAL 

Bethesda, MD • Mid-August 

The lawn at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda, Maryland sets the stage for 

free outdoor movies during the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival. Bring a blanket 

and enjoy the show! Food and snacks will be for sale with a portion of the 

proceeds benefiting the National Institute of Health Children’s Charities -

Children’s Inn, Camp Fantastic/Special Love, and Friends of the Clinical Center. 

TASTE OF BETHESDA 

Bethesda, MD • Early October 

At the annual Taste of Bethesda, you’ll get to sample the foods of more than 50 

restaurants, enjoy four stages of live entertainment, and visit the kids corner for 

cookie decorating, face painting, and giveaways. The Taste of Bethesda is held 

in conjunction with Best of Bethesda Day which includes Come Back to 

Bethesda, a car-show, and family day fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Inn at 

NIH. 

MORE RESOURCES 

Interested in learning more about local events in the DC area? Check out the 

Washington Post’s Going out Guide for events here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-events.html
58

The Washington, DC area is blessed with both 

mountains and the ocean within a short drive. Whether 

you want to bike, hike, run, or paddle, Washington 

offers a bountiful supply of choices. In addition to the 

largest and most popular places listed here, there are 

also numerous neighborhood parks that dot the 

metropolitan area. Similarly, there are a multitude of 

historical and natural sites in the area beyond those 

listed here. 
59

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park 

Extending 184.5 miles from Georgetown, through Potomac, to West Virginia, the 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers tremendous 

opportunities for outdoor activities. One can canoe on the canal, run or bike on the 

towpath, and hike for miles between Great Falls and Carderock. The Potomac River 

offers tranquil kayaking opportunities towards Georgetown, and Olympic-level 

training conditions around Great Falls. It is not unusual to see rock climbers on the 

cliffs of the Virginia side of the river. 

Rock Creek Park 

A national park running through the heart of the city, Rock Creek Park offers both 

paved and unpaved trails for hiking, running, walking, and biking. More than twice 

as large as New York’s Central Park, Rock Creek Park is also distinctive for never 

having been developed: it contains the original flora and fauna of the area. In 

addition to the main portion which lies within the District, the park follows Rock 

Creek into Maryland. Large portions of the Rock Creek Parkway are closed to cars 

on weekends for bikers and other recreational uses. The Park is accessible from 

many neighborhoods; It is possible to access the National Zoo as well as Carter 

Barron Amphitheatre through Rock Creek Park. 

The Capital Crescent Trail 

Following the former path of the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, this scenic 11 

mile paved path runs from downtown Bethesda south to the Potomac River and 

then southeast to Georgetown. Attracting over 1 million walkers, joggers, bikers, 

and rollerbladers each year, the Capital Crescent Trail was recognized in 2005 as 

one of the “21 great places that show how transportation can enliven a community” 

by The Project for Public Spaces. 

The National Mall 

Many of Washington’s most famous monuments and memorials are located on the 

National Mall. The mall’s park area extends from the Lincoln Memorial on the 

Potomac, through the World War II Memorial and the Washington Memorial, to the 

steps of the U.S. Capitol. It is common to see joggers running along the mall’s twin, 

tree-lined paths reminiscent of the wide boulevards of Paris.

The U.S. National Arboretum 

The 446 acre National Arboretum features nine miles of paved pathways through 

diverse collections of azaleas, dogwoods, state trees, and bonsai. With 150 

specimens, the bonsai collection is one of the largest in the world. 
60

Washington Memorial Parkway 

The Parkway is a scenic stretch of parks that connects many of Washington’s historic 

sites and parks, including Mount Vernon, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Clara Barton 

National Historic Site, and Glen Echo Park. 

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail 

The full trail runs 2,175 miles from Georgia to Maine. Nearly 600 miles of the trail pass 

through Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. The Maryland segment, at 41 miles, is 

ideal for day hikes or trips of 3-4 days. 

Assateague Island National Seashore 

South of Ocean City on Maryland’s eastern shore, Assateague is famous for its wild 

horses and is great for walking, sea kayaking, and camping. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway 

The Blue Ridge Parkway extends from Virginia into North Carolina, and is famous for 

its beautiful Skyline Drive. The colorful views during spring and fall are breathtaking. 

Shenandoah National Park 

Located in western Virginia, Shenandoah National Park includes part of the Blue 

Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and Skyline Drive. It is a great place for 

hiking and camping. 

MORE RESOURCES 

For more information about recreation in the DC area, visit the DC Department of 

Parks and Recreation at: 

http://dpr.dc.gov
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2/2015