How difficult to get into H-B Woodlawn?

[Anonymous]

Since several threads have been discussing Arlington Schools, can someone please comment on how difficult it is for a child to get into H-B Woodlawn? I believe that it requires teacher recommendation to even apply, and that some form of lottery is used, but have never heard how many applicants actually get in.

[Anonymous]

It varies year to year, and with how many kids in your elementary school are interested. There's no sibling preference.

I can't be more precise than saying "don't count on it, but it isn't impossible."

[Anonymous]

I believe it is really hard. We have a neighbor who is very involved with our local elementary school's PTA, etc. and her son who is bright, social, etc. did not get in for next year. She is pretty disappointed. I think something like 3 kids per neighborhood or elementary school get a spot.

I could be totally wrong about that, though.

I would call the ACPS main office to find out exactly how the lottery works.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure it's done on a lottery basis with each school district getting a certain amount of slots so there is geographic diversity.

Back in the day it was easy as pie (when I was growing up in Arlington and pretty much anyone who wanted to attend was able to) but now it's gotten very competitive because people are impressed with test scores of kids who attend and it's gotten a lot of good press about having such a nice atmosphere.

Just keep in mind that it's a non-traditional program that is great for some kids but not so great for others. Just because "everyone thinks it's great" doesn't mean your child will be happy or do well there.

I'm not trying to sound negative about it - it is a great program with excellent teachers and staff - but I personally don't think it's the end of the world if your kid doesn't get in as the other high schools in Arlington are also very well respected and offer very good programs.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for input, everyone. I agree with PP that H-B Woodlawn is certainly excellent, but not for every child. I have heard it referred to as "H-B Berkely" -- it requires students who are very good at structuring their own time and working independently or collaboratively in small groups. Definitely very nontraditional. DC is only in kindergarten now, so I don't have nearly enough "data" to know if the school would be a good fit. Moreover, we do not live in Arlington!! However, all Arlington schools seem very good, so a move is probably in our future!!

[Anonymous]

I have also heard -- from a mother whose child got in -- that the good test scores are part of a culture that involves students who are not just self-motivating, but who really push themselves, in some cases beyond what seems healthy to an outside observer. So kids not only need to be internally driven, but not over-driven.

I guess this gets back to an issue that comes up for me quite a bit -- to what extent do you want your kids to push themselves out of their comfort zone, and to what extent do you encourage them to play to their strengths/be who they are?

[Anonymous]

From HB Woodlawn's websites:

The Lottery Process
A random lottery is held whenever there are more applications than available slots. After the lottery takes place, usually the week after the closing of the application deadline, those randomly selected will be notified by mail.

An allotment of slots for each neighborhood school based on the proportion of 5th graders living in each neighborhood school attendance zone is determined each year. Students attending non-neighborhood APS schools, private schools, and home schoolers are included in their neighborhood school attendance zone lottery. If all slots are not filled through this process a follow-up double-blind lottery takes place for all students with completed applications who were not admitted through the school-by-school lottery.

Students who applied but were not selected will be placed in numerical order on the waiting list. Applications received after the application deadline will be placed at the bottom of the existing waiting list. When there is a space opening, the next person in the waiting list will be contacted and given an opportunity to register.

Parents are notified by mail. Please do not call the office for lottery results.