Middle Schools in Alexandria

[Anonymous]

Middle schools in Alexandria. What's the deal with George Washington Middle School? Is there a plan in place to replace it? Is a new middle school being being built?

[Anonymous]

GW is considered far better than Hammond.

[Anonymous]

But isn't the building of GW old? I've heard rumors about mold. Doesn't it need to be rebuilt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But isn't the building of GW old? I've heard rumors about mold. Doesn't it need to be rebuilt?

It was renovated a few years ago. It’s a beautiful old art deco building so it’s unlikely to be torn down. There is also sentimental attachment to it as Alexandria’s oldest high school was located there, GWHS. That said if there are mold or other issues, ACPS should budget for a new overhaul of the interiors, preserving the attractive, historic facade and auditorium.

[Anonymous]

Run in the other direction unless you like fights

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Run in the other direction unless you like fights

and unless you like mold and rats and gas leaks...

[Anonymous]

This is relevant to the current state of ACPS middle schools: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/alexandria-parents-conduct-their-own-school-safety-survey/65-ea1b63b6-3568-4243-8c4a-3fff4c276824

[Anonymous]

Both Hammond and GW are very large (1500 students). GW has a signficantly lower FARMS% than Hammond-- but Hammond seems to have smaller classes (or at least not as overcrowded) and better scores. J-H and Patrick Henry both offer middle options that some folks like, but I've never seen a way to opt in at PH and J-H puts up some obstacles to transferring in. There doesn't seem to be any immediate plan to build capacity for middle schools, beyond opening PH a few years back. They've said the 2nd office building they bought at the Mark Center could be used for middle school when its not swing space, but that is 10 years down the road. We've been told by quite a few people that kids should take honors classes as the "regular" are basically remedial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both Hammond and GW are very large (1500 students). GW has a signficantly lower FARMS% than Hammond-- but Hammond seems to have smaller classes (or at least not as overcrowded) and better scores. J-H and Patrick Henry both offer middle options that some folks like, but I've never seen a way to opt in at PH and J-H puts up some obstacles to transferring in. There doesn't seem to be any immediate plan to build capacity for middle schools, beyond opening PH a few years back. They've said the 2nd office building they bought at the Mark Center could be used for middle school when its not swing space, but that is 10 years down the road. We've been told by quite a few people that kids should take honors classes as the "regular" are basically remedial.

That's how all the white MC and UMC parents justify the terrible schools. Their kids are "safe" from the horrific violence. It's segregation.

[Anonymous]

GW is crumbling and has not been touched in 3 decades.

Current council welcomes broke, violent, uneducated illegals into the schools and then acts surprised that the school performs poorly.

Wilson is a POS and has ruined this city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GW is considered far better than Hammond.

I didn’t realize there was a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle schools in Alexandria. What's the deal with George Washington Middle School? Is there a plan in place to replace it? Is a new middle school being being built?

No. Maybe you’re thinking of Minnie Howard (9th grade) which is early in the process of being rebuilt.

GW is getting their HVAC system replaced this summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GW is considered far better than Hammond.

I didn’t realize there was a difference.

But you have to put that "far better" in context of the state and neighboring school districts. Both are dismal.

Are there instagram accounts exposing disturbing violence at Hammond like there are/were for GW?

[Anonymous]

Not looking to bash the middle schools. Just wondering where parents and students can view the courses offerings. The web sites for both of the middle schools and the K-8 schools provide scant information about grades 6-8 and we would like to see what languages are offered and whether there is a research methods course where a science advisor is available to guide students about independent projects.

Is there an online course catalog or is this all through PowerSchool?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not looking to bash the middle schools. Just wondering where parents and students can view the courses offerings. The web sites for both of the middle schools and the K-8 schools provide scant information about grades 6-8 and we would like to see what languages are offered and whether there is a research methods course where a science advisor is available to guide students about independent projects.

Is there an online course catalog or is this all through PowerSchool?

https://acps.cleancatalog.net/middle-school-courses

(I'm not sure if all of the courses are available at all the K-8 schools.)