As city's core recharges, downtown school shares in the turnaround (in Sacramento)

Man, what a difference in attitude about "location, location, location," think of all the opportunities for student interaction with the resources in Washington, DC.

From the article, "As city's core recharges, downtown school shares in the turnaround," in the Sacramento Bee (registration required, although the bit from the article is reprinted in full below):

Location, location: Washington Elementary School is something rare in Sacramento. It's a real downtown public school, at 18th and F streets, barely 11 blocks from the state Capitol. There are benefits to being an educational oasis in an urban setting. Students meet important people. California first lady Maria Shriver and Treasurer Phil Angelides have dropped by for photo opportunities. Field trips are easy.

"Our older students are visiting Raley Field," said Todd Thibodeau, head teacher at Washington. "They walked." Yet there is a downside. "The school shares a city park with the neighborhood," Todd said. "We have a great relationship, but the park stays locked during school hours." The resurgence of downtown Sacramento -- thousands of new condos and lofts are planned -- could mean growth for Washington. The old school survived waves of suburban flight. The campus was spruced up this year -- new blue doors, new acoustic ceilings. Enrollment is about 330 students. "We want to be the place where downtown people send their kids," said Todd, who lives two blocks away. As the city's core neighborhood grows, Washington's new blue doors are ready for the crowds. …

And from another website, this description of the school:

Even in the summertime, the Washington Elementary School is a busy place. The playground is bustling with activity from neighborhood kids, and the year-round children's center is alive with the sounds of small children.

Index Keywords: education