Does AAP affect middle school?

[Anonymous]

We are new to Fairfax Public Schools and recently moved here. We decided not to apply for the AAP referral program (I think that's what it's called) this past month just because our children are adjusting to new schools and such and we didn't want to overwhelm them. They are currently in elementary school. A question that came to mind was whether if they are not in AAP in elementary school, does that affect middle school placement as well? Can we apply for AAP in middle school? Or is it already determined by elementary/grade school? We are slotted to go to Longfellow Middle School if it makes any difference. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can refer your child(ren) for Level IV AAP consideration at any time between grades 3 and 7. Students found Center eligible may defer placement up to grade 8.

See:
http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/faqs.shtml

What happens if my child is found eligible for the full-time AAP (level IV) center program but chooses not to attend the designated center or receive Local Level IV Services?

Students found eligible for the full-time AAP (level IV) center program may defer eligibility by noting so on the parent/guardian Permission Form. Students may activate their eligibility status at a later date by submitting the Reactivation Form to the Advanced Academic Programs Office and including a copy of the eligibility letter. The Reactivation Form is available on the forms page. Students may also be considered for school-based services at the local school.

[Anonymous]

AAP is only for three core classes (English, History/Ethics, Science) as math is determined separately. IME at Longfellow, there are more differences between teachers than the Honors and AAP classes. In fact, the official curriculum is the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AAP is only for three core classes (English, History/Ethics, Science) as math is determined separately. IME at Longfellow, there are more differences between teachers than the Honors and AAP classes. In fact, the official curriculum is the same.

+1

[Anonymous]

I have two DC at LMS, one in AAP and one in honor. I can tell you from my own observation that there is a difference between the AAP and Honor classes even with the same curriculum. Of course, like a lot of PP in other threads, this can all depend on the teachers as well.

OP: I would apply to AAP and see what happens (before worrying about switching schools etc). The fact that your DC just moved into the district from elsewhere gives him/her certain advantage over others that have been in FCPS and is appealing to get in. And once your DC is in, you don't have to accept taking the spot. You can always defer until MS! You really have nothing to loose by applying now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have two DC at LMS, one in AAP and one in honor. I can tell you from my own observation that there is a difference between the AAP and Honor classes even with the same curriculum. Of course, like a lot of PP in other threads, this can all depend on the teachers as well.

OP: I would apply to AAP and see what happens (before worrying about switching schools etc). The fact that your DC just moved into the district from elsewhere gives him/her certain advantage over others that have been in FCPS and is appealing to get in. And once your DC is in, you don't have to accept taking the spot. You can always defer until MS! You really have nothing to loose by applying now.

+1 on this advice. It provides options.

For my three kids, AAP in our middle school was markedly different from honors classes. But our middle school is not Longfellow.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much for all the helpful info. I guess my question would also be, if our children do NOT get accepted into the AAP program in elementary school level, then are they at a disadvantage in middle school? When you say there is a different between the Honors and AAP classes in middle school, is it that the AAP teachers are better/AAP curriculum more rigorous or vice versa? I've heard that everything levels out in high school so it ultimately doesn't really matter so perhaps I'm being a little neurotic Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for all the helpful info. I guess my question would also be, if our children do NOT get accepted into the AAP program in elementary school level, then are they at a disadvantage in middle school? When you say there is a different between the Honors and AAP classes in middle school, is it that the AAP teachers are better/AAP curriculum more rigorous or vice versa? I've heard that everything levels out in high school so it ultimately doesn't really matter so perhaps I'm being a little neurotic Thanks again.

DP here, but we found Longfellow had good academics overall, whether honors or AAP. I think what people are telling you is that some teachers - regardless of what level they are teaching - are more challenging/demanding/inspiring than others. I agree with those who suggested you might as well go ahead and apply for placement now, but you're also right that AAP vs. non-AAP is a non-issue by high school.

[Anonymous]

6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

Are your kids at McLean yet? Because there are a lot of kids who take AP classes there who took Honors classes at Longfellow but were not in the AAP program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

My experience is only at Longfellow by YMMV. I have two children and one was in AAP and one was in a mix. We found that the the caliber of students in the honors classes is high and comparable to the AAP classes. Both "tracks" prepared them well for HS Honros and AP classes. The number of smart, capable supported students at Longfellow is wide and deep.

[Anonymous]

Test and apply now. What is the downside of more options and flexibility? You don't decide you want or need it, you don't even have to tell you DCs they qualified, and you certainly don't have to enroll. You do feel a DC needs it, it's there. And of course, if you apply and DC isn't accepted-- you have your answer and won't " what if." For example (and just one example), if you have a kid gunning for TJ, coming from an AAP program in MS helps with admissions (and Longfellow is a "big 3" TJ feeder). Many AAP programs also do a really nice job with 2e, if that is ever an issue. Some ESs make it easier to get advanced math in AAP-- and some only offer in AAP, while others are bett at math grouping by ability. You can play it year by year, but bottom line-- it's better to have the choice and not use it than need the choice and not have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

Are your kids at McLean yet? Because there are a lot of kids who take AP classes there who took Honors classes at Longfellow but were not in the AAP program.

This goes for all high schools in this area. The kids who take AP classes are made up of prior Gen Ed and AAP kids. It's great that everyone is able to choose the class level that they prefer and will succeed in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

Are your kids at McLean yet? Because there are a lot of kids who take AP classes there who took Honors classes at Longfellow but were not in the AAP program.

This goes for all high schools in this area. The kids who take AP classes are made up of prior Gen Ed and AAP kids. It's great that everyone is able to choose the class level that they prefer and will succeed in.

+1

Students also have the option to take IB instead of AP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:56 here. The teacher made a difference, but more so I found is the company my kids keep made a bigger impact. If you have a group of students that are in general driven to do better, that will propel your kid to do well or "keep up" as well. To me, that was what AAP provided for my DC. True once in HS the distinction no long apply, but you can rest assure most of the kids in HS honor classes were in AAP together as well. That's just how it is.

That's not to say kids outside of AAP are not driven (so calm down!)

I'm sharing my own experience with two different kids and my view is solely from my family's experience only. I do not pretend to know all circumstances.

something to keep in mind is that even some of the smartest kids care more about being cool and fitting in in middle school. my son was very into academics and this didn't register with him but a couple of his female friends hated being in AAP because all the popular kids were in other classes.

and the bolded sentence is patently untrue. honors classes are open to everyone in HS. both of my other kids have taken all honors quite successfully and neither was in AAP. nor were the majority of their classmates. in fact, it bothered AAP son that honors classes were open to kids who didn't catch on as quickly as he did. i told him welcome to the real world.