Best Arlington Middle School?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any 2023 updates on Arlington middle schools?

They are differentiating more than math this year.

I did not see that, it’s only 2 options; math 6 or pre-algebra?

Other subjects, starting in 7th.

[Anonymous]

So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

Should be.
https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/04/APS-Middle-School-POS-2023-24-FINAL.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does Hamm offer gifted English or Social Studies programming, does anyone know? My child was previously identified and I can’t tell how it is structured in middle school. TY!

Yes, there is a gifted resource specialist at each middle school who works with teachers to develop differentiated materials. You should be able to find more info (maybe a BTS night recording?) online. If not, reach out to the specialist at Hamm. Middle schools are required to cluster gifted students like they do in ES, but as far as I know math is the only subject that that actually has a separate, accelerated class (although that class isn’t necessarily totally composed of gifted identified students, and not all gifted students are placed in that class).

Yeah, well, that's on paper. My kids were "gifted" in multiple subjects; but nothing was done in middle school, even the clustering, until I asked for it (English, social studies). I agree on the math point, however; they're done by class as in Algebra v. pre-algebra, for example; but not necessarily by gifted identification. And that's absolutely appropriate, IMO. 7th and 8th graders taking Algebra don't need to be separated into gifted 7th graders and gifted 8th graders taking algebra. algebra is algebra. But 7th grade English isn't "advanced" and 6th grade social studies isn't "advanced." Those subjects need differentiation.

PP here. I should have clarified that "my asking" involved me reminding the counselor that my children are gifted in such and such but they didn't seem to be in the most engaged/productive class, and the counselor saying they will make sure they're in with the gifted cluster because they hadn't been previously. While that may not be sufficient for some parents; there was a clear difference in the amount, depth and quality of work after this. One kid had an IEP, which I believe is all APS sees and they're more concerned about meeting co-taught class requirements than the student being in the most appropriate class academically. The other kid, I have no idea why they weren't placed in the gifted cluster groups before I asked. I suspect it's focusing on the IEPs and balancing out classes taking priority over making sure gifted identifications are matched with the right classes.

You are most likely not following this thread anymore, but thank you for this clarification. If you do happen to see this, I’d like to know, if your reminder resulted in your children being moved during the current school year (or not until a year later)? I agree that it seems APS is not at all following through with clustering appropriately the way their own written policy describes or demands it. Hopefully differentiated classes in MS will help. Thankful to the parents who set more differentiation in motion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

Yes. This is an APS-level decision. Schools don't have the authority to offer new classes on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

Should be.
https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/04/APS-Middle-School-POS-2023-24-FINAL.pdf

Not H-B, they don’t have the numbers to support the different levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

Should be.
https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/04/APS-Middle-School-POS-2023-24-FINAL.pdf

Not H-B, they don’t have the numbers to support the different levels.

You know the plans for 23-24 or you’re speculating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the intensified classes are offered at all APS middle schools?

Should be.
https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/04/APS-Middle-School-POS-2023-24-FINAL.pdf

Not H-B, they don’t have the numbers to support the different levels.

You know the plans for 23-24 or you’re speculating?

NP - the principal said that at a pta meeting (they call it something else, but that sort of meeting) back in the spring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Jefferson obviously isn't on a par with Hamm or Williamsburg, but it's the fastest improving APS MS. No longer one to avoid.

I’m happy to hear you think Jefferson is “the fastest improving MS”, but in what exactly?
Any recent changes? Certain academics or subjects? New great staff? You can’t be talking about demographics, there’s been no changes?!

+1

Also wondering about Jefferson, as we will be transferring there this year from another district.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the best middle school in Arlington? I'm concerned hearing about overcrowding, low test scores, fights in the hallways, low academic writing standards, etc. DC is in 5th and we would consider moving to rent in another zone if there is a better middle school. The neighbors have mixed reviews of our local school and a few have pulled out to homeschool/private.

They all suck. Some suck slightly more than others. Academics wise you are probably better off with Williamsburg, Swanson or Dorothy Hamm. But they all have their fair share of behavioral problems. Standards are low everywhere but the schools I mentioned have slightly better academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the best middle school in Arlington? I'm concerned hearing about overcrowding, low test scores, fights in the hallways, low academic writing standards, etc. DC is in 5th and we would consider moving to rent in another zone if there is a better middle school. The neighbors have mixed reviews of our local school and a few have pulled out to homeschool/private.

They all suck. Some suck slightly more than others. Academics wise you are probably better off with Williamsburg, Swanson or Dorothy Hamm. But they all have their fair share of behavioral problems. Standards are low everywhere but the schools I mentioned have slightly better academics.

PP, how are you qualified to judge them? Please give examples of how these three have better academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just move to Williamsburg's school zone and hang out with the other white parents.

When someone asks this questions, this is the answer they're looking for.

I have heard numerous reports of bullying, drinking, and drug use from Williamsburg parents. I would say Hamm or Swanson unless you get the golden ticket to attend HB.

.

And then you can become a professional pot smoker.

[Anonymous]

I have heard numerous reports of bullying, drinking, and drug use from Williamsburg parents. I would say Hamm or Swanson unless you get the golden ticket to attend HB.

Name a middle school that doesn't deal with these issues. I'll bet you can't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just move to Williamsburg's school zone and hang out with the other white parents.

When someone asks this questions, this is the answer they're looking for.

I have heard numerous reports of bullying, drinking, and drug use from Williamsburg parents. I would say Hamm or Swanson unless you get the golden ticket to attend HB.

.

And then you can become a professional pot smoker.

did the parents complain about the bullying? did WMS admin address it?

i feel like kids can avoid the drinking and drugs if they choose, but if a bully targets them, they are stuck

[Anonymous]

So which one is the best?