Foreigners to Montgomery- rental flats, kids' activities (Bethesda, Rockville: apartment, house)

[Baloo]

Trawling through all the posts on this forum have provided me with enormous help already. So I can't resist the urge to turn to you again for more answers. We are a family of four (+ cat) relocating from Europe for my husbands work in DC.

We are looking to rent an apartment in the Montgomery area atleast for the first year until we get our bearings and figure out where we want to settle more long term. Does anyone have any knowledge of the Jefferon at Inigo Crossing complex on the corner of Tuckerman Lane and Rockville Pike. Its newly built and looks nice and we can afford it. But would be interested if someone has any inside info. Same goes for Topaz House on 4400 East West Highway and Avalon at Grosvenor - this looks nice and belongs to the Garrett elementary school district which sounds like its a good school. BUT its right next to the metro- tracks. Anyone know anyone living there? Does the house shake and rumble every 5 minutes?

Kids and school questions: We have a 6yr old and a 2 yr old. My understanding is that if we rent at Jefferson we will be assigned to Ashburton ES. Avalon would put us in Garrett ES and Topaz in Rosemary or Bethesda ES. Are these all good schools so not a factor I need to take too much into consideration? Or ?

Also, as my son's English isn't very good I would really love him to get some good language immersion May-Aug. Are there and summer camps (day only), summer schools or other activities you would recommend.

Also what do you do with 2 year olds for child care - I need a breather from the cutest but most energy charged toddler ever seen for atleast a couple of hours a week to keep my sanity!!

Thank you all for past posts and hopefully help on these questions!!