Stratford Landing vs. Waynewood Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

Our DC is a couple of years away from K and we are stating to look at houses in the Fairfax Co section of Alexandria. Can someone share the differences between Stratford Landing vs. Waynewood school districts? I thought that Waynewood was supposed to be the best but then I thought I saw a ranking where Waynewood was not even in the top 100 schools in Fairfax Co. but Stratford was rated highly.

I know that both now have full day K.

I am interested in the following info as well as any other insights:

-class size
-number of classes per grade
-specials like art, music etc. and how many times per week
-extracurricular activities
-school leadership
-over all impressions of each school

Thanks!

six of one, half dozen of the other, I think.

i remember someone moving out of ACPS and being underwhelmed by Stratford.

they're both Fairfax County but not "top tier" in the way McLean schools are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't worry, those nasty poor and non-white people won't bother you until you hit Sandberg. There's really not that much difference as far as I can see.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot on this response. Is someone bitter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

Our DC is a couple of years away from K and we are stating to look at houses in the Fairfax Co section of Alexandria. Can someone share the differences between Stratford Landing vs. Waynewood school districts? I thought that Waynewood was supposed to be the best but then I thought I saw a ranking where Waynewood was not even in the top 100 schools in Fairfax Co. but Stratford was rated highly.

I know that both now have full day K.

I am interested in the following info as well as any other insights:

-class size
-number of classes per grade
-specials like art, music etc. and how many times per week
-extracurricular activities
-school leadership
-over all impressions of each school

Thanks!

six of one, half dozen of the other, I think.

i remember someone moving out of ACPS and being underwhelmed by Stratford.

they're both Fairfax County but not "top tier" in the way McLean schools are.

How does this help the OP. You have no personal experience with these specific schools and OP didn't ask to compare them to other schools outside the area they are looking to move. We are thrilled with WW and we have friends at SL who are just as happy.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP--I thought I would comment because I went to WW for elementary school and grew up there but now live in SL with my own family. WW has an incredible community feel to it. The school and community pool really anchor the neighborhood and consists of highly motivated families. You can tell from their neighborhood celebrations on Halloween 4th of July, etc. Families seem to stay in WW for a long time. The tightness of the neighborhood is really reflected in the school which I think is a big draw. The houses are nothing special (small, 1960s suburbia) but I think a lot of people try to move there because of the school and community causing the home prices to be a tad higher than neighboring SL and the areas around it.

We chose to move to SL because I didn't want to live in the same exact house as my parents. I think both schools are good. I would look at what you want from a community in making the decision though. We love living in SL, our neighbors, the kids and belonging to the SL pool but every once in a while I get ww envy. I'm going to get flamed for this but ...I have run into a couple of rude/ snobby moms in WW though. maybe you can break the cycle if you move there.

[Anonymous]

We lived in Waynewood and could not believe how ridiculously snooty people were there. The school was run like a private school, and if you were not in the "right" pack of people you and your child were shafted. If you don't live exactly the same way the WW families do, then be prepared for social Siberia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We lived in Waynewood and could not believe how ridiculously snooty people were there. The school was run like a private school, and if you were not in the "right" pack of people you and your child were shafted. If you don't live exactly the same way the WW families do, then be prepared for social Siberia.

What is the snootiness about? It's a public school and a nice nieghborhood but not McLean or Potomac. I have a co-worker that lives in the area and sends her kids to private school and many Waynewood moms have attacked her for not sending her kid to WW. I don't understand it and neither does she.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We lived in Waynewood and could not believe how ridiculously snooty people were there. The school was run like a private school, and if you were not in the "right" pack of people you and your child were shafted. If you don't live exactly the same way the WW families do, then be prepared for social Siberia.

For some reason, there are 1-2 posters who have an ax to grind re: WW. Listen, there are rude/snotty people everywhere. Waynewood isn't immune to these people. But you make it sound like these people comprise the bulk of the people in WW and that just isn't true. My biggest criticism of WW is the lack of diversity. I just recently moved to WW, and admit that posters like the one quoted scared me a little, but I've found nothing but really nice, down to earth people. People aren't overly competitive and certainly not snobby. I'm a working mom and think there is a pretty good mix of both at the school - working moms and SAHMs. Though I do think the PTA is a bit much and somewhat oblivious about scheduling things so that working parents can attend/volunteer, etc., but I doubt that is unique to WW.

All in all, yes, there are some "snooty" people, but they aren't the majority or even a large minority. They are few and far between. Otherwise, it is a great community with lots to do, affordable houses and a good school.

[Anonymous]

16:54 I live in WW too and completely agree with your perspective. Out of hundreds of households, sure, there are going to be a few people you really don't like, but overall, it's way more down to earth than plenty of areas in this region.

[Anonymous]

Childfind fcps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are both good schools. It will come down to your child and personal preference. As a West Potomac graduate, I was always adamant about my kid not going to a school like Waynewood and then ended up in Eagle View in Fairfax. Honestly, it doesn't feel much different. But I love the school and the education my child is getting. In other words, you can't go wrong with either.

When did you graduate WePo?

I went to Stratford, Sandburg, and West Potomac. I love reading this even though I am not in that area now