Flint Hill vs. Louise Archer for AAP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't all 4th graders go to Jamestown?

Flint Hill doesn't. The teachers and principals don't think it's worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We chose LA and would make the same decision again. When the AART at FH tries to tell you there is no difference between the programs, don't believe her. Not saying your child will be unhappy at FH (many people love it), but the programs are NOT the same.

Could you please kindly provide any additional information on how or why you made the decision to go with LA? Could you please share what differences you find between the two programs?

Thanks you!

I won't lie, there is one dud third grade teacher at LA. However, there is also a dud in the LLIV lineup at FH (not one of the previously named teachers), so it evens out. The remaining AAP teachers at LA are wonderful.

I prefer the administration at LA over those at FH.

LA has better field trips (Jamestown in 4th grade, Camp Highroads - overnight for 2 nights - in 6th grade).

FH has a better selection of afterschool activities, however I think both PTA work hard to make sure there are other events outside of school throughout the year.

For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me.

Parking at both schools sucks, but Kiss & Ride is soooo much better at LA.

Honestly, I think the biggest risk at FH is the fact that there is only one class, so you child is with the same cohort of kids for 4 years. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it isn't. There were two children from the current 4th class at FH that went to the Center after 3rd grade for this very reason.

What do you like about the administration at LA? Also, is there a divide at all between AAP and GE at LA?

My general sense is that the administration at LA is more empathetic. Maybe because they both have young children?

I think that the GE parents think there is a divide and the AAP parents don't think there's one. I also think the same is true at FH. My child has friends in GE, but it's children my child knew from sports before entering LA. My child has not made any new friends in GE, but I don't think that's uncommon, those are not the children in the same class as my child. The GE and AAP classes have recess together and go on field trips together, so there is the chance to mingle then.

You really need to talk to the parents at FH and LA. Do you know anyone who made the switch? If so, just ask to chat. People are really open to this discussion.

[Anonymous]

OP, note that two of the current Louise Archer PTA officers have children at both schools. Seek them out and ask them their opinions.

[Anonymous]

The LA rising 3rd grader playdates last year only included AAP students if that gives you any idea whether there is a divide or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We chose LA and would make the same decision again. When the AART at FH tries to tell you there is no difference between the programs, don't believe her. Not saying your child will be unhappy at FH (many people love it), but the programs are NOT the same.

Could you please kindly provide any additional information on how or why you made the decision to go with LA? Could you please share what differences you find between the two programs?

Thanks you!

I won't lie, there is one dud third grade teacher at LA. However, there is also a dud in the LLIV lineup at FH (not one of the previously named teachers), so it evens out. The remaining AAP teachers at LA are wonderful.

I prefer the administration at LA over those at FH.

LA has better field trips (Jamestown in 4th grade, Camp Highroads - overnight for 2 nights - in 6th grade).

FH has a better selection of afterschool activities, however I think both PTA work hard to make sure there are other events outside of school throughout the year.

For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me.

Parking at both schools sucks, but Kiss & Ride is soooo much better at LA.

Honestly, I think the biggest risk at FH is the fact that there is only one class, so you child is with the same cohort of kids for 4 years. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it isn't. There were two children from the current 4th class at FH that went to the Center after 3rd grade for this very reason.

What do you like about the administration at LA? Also, is there a divide at all between AAP and GE at LA?

My general sense is that the administration at LA is more empathetic. Maybe because they both have young children?

I think that the GE parents think there is a divide and the AAP parents don't think there's one. I also think the same is true at FH. My child has friends in GE, but it's children my child knew from sports before entering LA. My child has not made any new friends in GE, but I don't think that's uncommon, those are not the children in the same class as my child. The GE and AAP classes have recess together and go on field trips together, so there is the chance to mingle then.

You really need to talk to the parents at FH and LA. Do you know anyone who made the switch? If so, just ask to chat. People are really open to this discussion.

Just wanted to note that parents of AAP kids never think (or acknowledge) the divide between Gen Ed and AAP at center schools. There is one, and it's the Gen Ed kids who notice it the most. If you have an AAP kid, it doesn't matter to them. If your child is in Gen Ed, it does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS was found eligible for AAP and we need to make a decision whether to stay at Flint Hill local level IV AAP class or move to Louise Archer.

Could anyone kindly provide their input on the differences between these two schools AAP programs? We are planning to attend the orientations for both schools but wanted to get input from others, especially those who have kids in these programs.

They are about the same distance and school timings are not a factor us.

Thank you

Louise Archer, by all means!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The LA rising 3rd grader playdates last year only included AAP students if that gives you any idea whether there is a divide or not.

The purpose of these playdates was to introduce kids who would not otherwise know each other. It was not to just mingle and have playdates with all third graders. There was not a huge amount of kids going into AAP last year from LA and because there are only 2 3rd grade AAP classes, that means that the then-rising 3rd graders (last summer), the kids who had LA as their base school would only know about 6 kids in their classes out of about 28 kids. For the kids joining LA's AAP program from other school's in the fall of 2014, they might know just a handful of kids who may or may not be placed in his/her classroom. For the base program, those kids would know nearly 100% of the kids in their classes. So yes, the purpose was to make all of the kids going into AAP feel like they had some familiar faces when they walked in the first day. Don't you think that is reasonable? So yes, if the purpose was to simply have third grade playdates, then all third graders should be invited. If the purpose was so that all new kids to LA would feel comfortable OR that kids going into AAP would know some kids who would be new to LA before day one, then the goal was to invite just the AAP kids. (And FYI: Not every single rising AAP was there. It was maybe 20% total attended throughout the course of the summer. It was not an exclusionary thing like you're trying to make it seem like it was.)

[Anonymous]

OP, regarding the supposed divide mentioned above between Gen Ed and AAP at Archer: Our kid attended the AAP center at Archer. I know others are saying that only AAP parents think there's no divide and Gen Ed parents and students think there is one, but that's a pretty huge and general statement. In all AAP center schools, kids in both programs share classes together such as the "specials" and PE.

I can't say that in third through fifth there is a lot of opportunity for interaction except in shared specials and PE, but in sixth grade Archer does some things that other school's don't, that bring Gen Ed and AAP kids together.

Archer sends all the sixth graders on the Camp Highroad field trip each fall--three nights (maybe it's two now, but it was three nights and four days when we did it two years ago). While on this trip, AAP and Gen Ed kids are totally mixed in the activities and the cabins there. The groups are mixed on purpose so that kids get to know other kids across the entire sixth grade and in our year at least, it seemed to bond the grade pretty well and was talked about the rest of the year. My kid would mention how she'd seen so-and-so "from our cabin at Highroad" on the playground or done something with a kid she knew from the camping trip during recess etc. Yes, referring here to gen ed kids who were not in her classes, but she knew them from the field trip. This is one reason Archer moved the Highroad week from the spring to the fall some years back, so that kids could get to know each other early in the year. It may not make best buddies but it does mean the kids are acquainted with each other across the AAP-Gen Ed classes.

Archer also requires all sixth graders to participate in the sixth grade spring musical in some capacity. Everyone has to do something-- some of course act and sing, others paint sets, others do tech stuff, whatever the kid is comfortable doing, but it's another case of bringing the whole sixth grade together. The Gen Ed and AAP teachers seem to work well as a team and to want to do things as a teaching team.

Not saying other schools dont' also have these kinds of things; just noting that Archer seemed to make a real effort to cross any AAP-Gen Ed divide, certainly for sixth grade.

[Anonymous]

I feel sorry for the gen ed kids at LA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel sorry for the gen ed kids at LA

Why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, regarding the supposed divide mentioned above between Gen Ed and AAP at Archer: Our kid attended the AAP center at Archer. I know others are saying that only AAP parents think there's no divide and Gen Ed parents and students think there is one, but that's a pretty huge and general statement. In all AAP center schools, kids in both programs share classes together such as the "specials" and PE.

I can't say that in third through fifth there is a lot of opportunity for interaction except in shared specials and PE, but in sixth grade Archer does some things that other school's don't, that bring Gen Ed and AAP kids together.

Archer sends all the sixth graders on the Camp Highroad field trip each fall--three nights (maybe it's two now, but it was three nights and four days when we did it two years ago). While on this trip, AAP and Gen Ed kids are totally mixed in the activities and the cabins there. The groups are mixed on purpose so that kids get to know other kids across the entire sixth grade and in our year at least, it seemed to bond the grade pretty well and was talked about the rest of the year. My kid would mention how she'd seen so-and-so "from our cabin at Highroad" on the playground or done something with a kid she knew from the camping trip during recess etc. Yes, referring here to gen ed kids who were not in her classes, but she knew them from the field trip. This is one reason Archer moved the Highroad week from the spring to the fall some years back, so that kids could get to know each other early in the year. It may not make best buddies but it does mean the kids are acquainted with each other across the AAP-Gen Ed classes.

Archer also requires all sixth graders to participate in the sixth grade spring musical in some capacity. Everyone has to do something-- some of course act and sing, others paint sets, others do tech stuff, whatever the kid is comfortable doing, but it's another case of bringing the whole sixth grade together. The Gen Ed and AAP teachers seem to work well as a team and to want to do things as a teaching team.

Not saying other schools dont' also have these kinds of things; just noting that Archer seemed to make a real effort to cross any AAP-Gen Ed divide, certainly for sixth grade.

6th grade seems a little late for making new friends by these few days of mingling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We chose LA and would make the same decision again. When the AART at FH tries to tell you there is no difference between the programs, don't believe her. Not saying your child will be unhappy at FH (many people love it), but the programs are NOT the same.

Could you please kindly provide any additional information on how or why you made the decision to go with LA? Could you please share what differences you find between the two programs?

Thanks you!

I won't lie, there is one dud third grade teacher at LA. However, there is also a dud in the LLIV lineup at FH (not one of the previously named teachers), so it evens out. The remaining AAP teachers at LA are wonderful.

I prefer the administration at LA over those at FH.

LA has better field trips (Jamestown in 4th grade, Camp Highroads - overnight for 2 nights - in 6th grade).

FH has a better selection of afterschool activities, however I think both PTA work hard to make sure there are other events outside of school throughout the year.

For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me.

Parking at both schools sucks, but Kiss & Ride is soooo much better at LA.

Honestly, I think the biggest risk at FH is the fact that there is only one class, so you child is with the same cohort of kids for 4 years. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it isn't. There were two children from the current 4th class at FH that went to the Center after 3rd grade for this very reason.

LA parent here of an AAP third grader and I can't tell which one it is. Toss up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We chose LA and would make the same decision again. When the AART at FH tries to tell you there is no difference between the programs, don't believe her. Not saying your child will be unhappy at FH (many people love it), but the programs are NOT the same.

Could you please kindly provide any additional information on how or why you made the decision to go with LA? Could you please share what differences you find between the two programs?

Thanks you!

I won't lie, there is one dud third grade teacher at LA. However, there is also a dud in the LLIV lineup at FH (not one of the previously named teachers), so it evens out. The remaining AAP teachers at LA are wonderful.

I prefer the administration at LA over those at FH.

LA has better field trips (Jamestown in 4th grade, Camp Highroads - overnight for 2 nights - in 6th grade).

FH has a better selection of afterschool activities, however I think both PTA work hard to make sure there are other events outside of school throughout the year.

For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me.

Parking at both schools sucks, but Kiss & Ride is soooo much better at LA.

Honestly, I think the biggest risk at FH is the fact that there is only one class, so you child is with the same cohort of kids for 4 years. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it isn't. There were two children from the current 4th class at FH that went to the Center after 3rd grade for this very reason.

LA parent here of an AAP third grader and I can't tell which one it is. Toss up.

Came out totally wrong...I meant can't tell which one it is...toss up...because both have strengths not both are duds.

[Anonymous]

For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me.

The reason LA invites children is mainly because it's a new school for most of the children. For many, it's the only time they'll ever see this new school before they'd start. And it's a big change to move schools so I'm sure the school has pressure to make sure parents and children are informed before switching. LLIV programs do not have to invite new children to their school and if children stay, they'll just be with a new teacher like everyone else going up to a new grade. Same school, same friends, same bus, same aftercare, lunchroom, etc. In fact many LLIV programs don't invite children because they don't want to create more of a divide between the AAP and non AAP children. I don't know what else you're reading into it. I'm sure if you really wanted to though you could bring your kids. At the LLIV info session, older kids did come and give examples of their work. I saw this as a great leadership opportunity for future years. LA at least just had the kids come up and say a few words and you didn't really get to see the work the kids did. Like you, I did want my child involved, so what I did was to bring them to the center discussion so they could see the new school and what the program might be like and then just told them that the LLIV program would have very similar work and asked them what they wanted to do next year. I never thought of this difference in presentation as a reflection on the school's wishes for my child's involvement in the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, regarding the supposed divide mentioned above between Gen Ed and AAP at Archer: Our kid attended the AAP center at Archer. I know others are saying that only AAP parents think there's no divide and Gen Ed parents and students think there is one, but that's a pretty huge and general statement. In all AAP center schools, kids in both programs share classes together such as the "specials" and PE.

I can't say that in third through fifth there is a lot of opportunity for interaction except in shared specials and PE, but in sixth grade Archer does some things that other school's don't, that bring Gen Ed and AAP kids together.

Archer sends all the sixth graders on the Camp Highroad field trip each fall--three nights (maybe it's two now, but it was three nights and four days when we did it two years ago). While on this trip, AAP and Gen Ed kids are totally mixed in the activities and the cabins there. The groups are mixed on purpose so that kids get to know other kids across the entire sixth grade and in our year at least, it seemed to bond the grade pretty well and was talked about the rest of the year. My kid would mention how she'd seen so-and-so "from our cabin at Highroad" on the playground or done something with a kid she knew from the camping trip during recess etc. Yes, referring here to gen ed kids who were not in her classes, but she knew them from the field trip. This is one reason Archer moved the Highroad week from the spring to the fall some years back, so that kids could get to know each other early in the year. It may not make best buddies but it does mean the kids are acquainted with each other across the AAP-Gen Ed classes.

Archer also requires all sixth graders to participate in the sixth grade spring musical in some capacity. Everyone has to do something-- some of course act and sing, others paint sets, others do tech stuff, whatever the kid is comfortable doing, but it's another case of bringing the whole sixth grade together. The Gen Ed and AAP teachers seem to work well as a team and to want to do things as a teaching team.

Not saying other schools dont' also have these kinds of things; just noting that Archer seemed to make a real effort to cross any AAP-Gen Ed divide, certainly for sixth grade.

6th grade seems a little late for making new friends by these few days of mingling.

No need to turn up your nose at the effort, though. The other years just don't have the time or tools like the field trip and the big play (eight shows that year, so a lot of commitment) to bring kids together. Should have noted too that in third grade all the kids participate in a play as well, both Gen Ed and AAP, and spend time together on that. And four days at camp together every second, while doing work that counts for grades back in the classroom, isn't exactly as minimal as "mingling."

To OP, this is not about the Gen Ed-AAP thing, but thinking about it now, I also remember that in fourth grade, the AAP teachers were also a real teaching team. Not sure if the same mix of teachers is still there but that was really the first time my kid changed teachers for different subjects and it was handled well, and the three teachers consulted with each other on scheduling and homework load etc. so kids weren't swamped.