Elementary Lottery Schools - APS

[Anonymous]

We are Zoned for Abington and currently have a kindergartener (first child to entertain APS) who just started. This morning we received notice that we got in at ATS. Trying to weigh the options since school has already started. We have to decided by Friday and was hoping to get some feedback. We really wanted ATS but moved past that idea since we didn’t get in. Now that we have the option to send our son I’m really torn. Has anyone moved their child shortly after school started? Is ATS worth changing things at this point? Thanks in advance - A stressed and confused APS family

[Anonymous]

Take it, OP. You can always go back to your neighborhood school. Not ideal, but it is an option if you don’t like ATS. We were so high on the waitlist for ATS and Campbell we had zero chance of getting in. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

Just move. School has barely started. He'll adjust quickly.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the above posters. It’s only week one of school –– take the spot.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on your child. Do they adapt well to change? Will they do well in the environment of ATS? If yes to both, then switch. If not, then stay.

[Anonymous]

Take the spot if you don't mind the commute, early bus or driving. Are you walking to Abingdon? I'm so glad we are walking to our neighborhood school and not bussing/ driving to the choice school we turned down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take it, OP. You can always go back to your neighborhood school. Not ideal, but it is an option if you don’t like ATS. We were so high on the waitlist for ATS and Campbell we had zero chance of getting in. Congrats!

Yes, take it. It’s a great school and I think the kindergarten team is fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Didn't the principal retire?

[Anonymous]

Their long-term principal did leave but someone else started. I thought I saw something on here in another thread with the bio.

[Anonymous]

This is very likely your only chance at ATS or any other school that is not your zoned school. If you have younger children, this is also their best chance at ATS via sibling priority. If the commute and start time work for you I would take it. Abington will still be there if it doesn't work out.

I wouldn't worry about the transition, your kid is just a kindergartner, they'll barely remember that it happened by the end of the month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Their long-term principal did leave but someone else started. I thought I saw something on here in another thread with the bio.

He started a few years ago, bit of a dud

[Anonymous]

I thought ATS had a new principal as of this year? Are they a dud because of what they’ve done at the school so far or because of their past jobs?

[Anonymous]

I would defintiley do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought ATS had a new principal as of this year? Are they a dud because of what they’ve done at the school so far or because of their past jobs?

Oh I misread. The Abingdon principal started a few years ago. I’m the dud!

[Anonymous]

Shouldn’t be a big deal - only 2 days in at this point! The kindergarten teachers are awesome.