Hoffman-Boston Feedback

[Anonymous]

We’re moving to the area from out of state. One of the rental units we’ve considering is zoned for Hoffman-Boston elementary school. Does anyone send their children there? If so, can you please provide feedback on the administration, atmosphere and your overall experience. Our child will be in kindergarten.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

We aren't zoned there, but live in the area and love it. The playground at the school is nice and shady and my kids love it. I don't know anyone who attends that school, but I think it's like most south Arlington schools-- generally good with a lot of diversity and need.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

What are you hoping the school will tell you LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

What are you hoping the school will tell you LOL

I want to know what specials they offer, what their homework policy is for younger grades etc. I don’t expect them to say “we’re a horrible school and you should run.”

[Anonymous]

Search on past threads, then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Search on past threads, then.

SMD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

What are you hoping the school will tell you LOL

I want to know what specials they offer, what their homework policy is for younger grades etc. I don’t expect them to say “we’re a horrible school and you should run.”

You could literally look at the school website, lady

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

What are you hoping the school will tell you LOL

I want to know what specials they offer, what their homework policy is for younger grades etc. I don’t expect them to say “we’re a horrible school and you should run.”

My kids went there and we generally liked it. It was a title 1 school, very diverse ethnically and socioeconomically, with about 60% FARMS at the time and a lot of ELL students. They do a nice international night every year with a fashion show and food, and it is amazing to see where all the students and their families are from. Teachers were mostly great, homework varied by teacher. Older kid had a ton of homework in 3rd-4th grade, but the younger kid barely had any. Regular specials like any other school (art, music, PE). The PTA organized after school clubs using various vendors but many of them we signed up for were canceled for lack of registration. The PTA was very small, barely had any funds, and it was always the same few parents organizing all the activities, but they were pretty dedicated.

Overall experience was fine, but I don't have much to compare it to. I will say my kids were designated "gifted" but I barely saw any evidence that they were doing advanced work or anything. But I think that is part of the APS model - the gifted resource teacher works with the whole class.

[Anonymous]

All APS Elementary schools have the same specials: art 2x a week, library 1 x a week, PE 2 x a week, music 2 x a week.
Homework policy does vary from school to school, so that's a good question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re moving to the area from out of state. One of the rental units we’ve considering is zoned for Hoffman-Boston elementary school. Does anyone send their children there? If so, can you please provide feedback on the administration, atmosphere and your overall experience. Our child will be in kindergarten.

Thank you!

I'm not a H-B parent; but from what I've seen and heard over the years, I think it's an overlooked gem. I've seen some very strong creative work out of the students there, including digital art and film-making.

[Anonymous]

I would have gladly sent my child there. Unfortunately in the last rezoning we were sent to Drew instead. I would have preferred HB over Fleet. Diverse, nice green space and playground, hidden gem. FRL percentage is bunch lower now that Pentagon City and Crystal City were moved there.

Friends’ children attend and they are very happy. Only complaint is with the bus but that seems to be an APS problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All APS Elementary schools have the same specials: art 2x a week, library 1 x a week, PE 2 x a week, music 2 x a week.
Homework policy does vary from school to school, so that's a good question.

At my kid's APS elementary, they only have art once a week and music once a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have gladly sent my child there. Unfortunately in the last rezoning we were sent to Drew instead. I would have preferred HB over Fleet. Diverse, nice green space and playground, hidden gem. FRL percentage is bunch lower now that Pentagon City and Crystal City were moved there.

Friends’ children attend and they are very happy. Only complaint is with the bus but that seems to be an APS problem.

Is there something wrong with Fleet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I left a message at the school today but would love to hear from current families.

What are you hoping the school will tell you LOL

I want to know what specials they offer, what their homework policy is for younger grades etc. I don’t expect them to say “we’re a horrible school and you should run.”

Specials and homework are supposed to be the same across the board, as directed by Central Office. That said, who knows if they follow the directives.