APS & ACPS for African American Families

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I’m seeking the experience of black families who send their children to schools in these districts. Relatively new to the area with a toddler and trying to determine what will be our long term plan for schools and housing.

I would appreciate anyone who can share your experiences within either of these districts with your black child(ren).

I know posts here can quickly spiral out of control, Just looking for civil discussion and real experiences. Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

There’s a black parents of Arlington group you should check out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s a black parents of Arlington group you should check out.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

The fact you're proactively asking this question tells me your family would be better off in Arlington.

Good luck with your growing family!

[Anonymous]

I think it is telling that Hutchings (former Supt) and Alderton (current SB chair) both send their African American children to private school instead of ACPS.

[Anonymous]

In APS, the experience varies. Kids in North Arlington will have a very different experience than in South. My kid (not black) attends Drew and there's many African American teachers and administrators. Lots of black and brown students and a really low teacher/student ratio. There's lots of books featuring children and wall displays highlight successful minority engineers. It's a high needs school that has low test scores, but my kid has learned so much and made huge growth. At school, my kids seem to have no problem making friends across racial/religious lines. I haven't heard of any bias and race is definitely discussed in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In APS, the experience varies. Kids in North Arlington will have a very different experience than in South. My kid (not black) attends Drew and there's many African American teachers and administrators. Lots of black and brown students and a really low teacher/student ratio. There's lots of books featuring children and wall displays highlight successful minority engineers. It's a high needs school that has low test scores, but my kid has learned so much and made huge growth. At school, my kids seem to have no problem making friends across racial/religious lines. I haven't heard of any bias and race is definitely discussed in the classroom.

Is there any school choice that exists that would let a family who does not live in bounds for a school like drew to attend there?

[Anonymous]

I believe youcan request an administrative transfer to Drew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe youcan request an administrative transfer to Drew.

Yes, Drew is under capacity and allows for transfers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In APS, the experience varies. Kids in North Arlington will have a very different experience than in South. My kid (not black) attends Drew and there's many African American teachers and administrators. Lots of black and brown students and a really low teacher/student ratio. There's lots of books featuring children and wall displays highlight successful minority engineers. It's a high needs school that has low test scores, but my kid has learned so much and made huge growth. At school, my kids seem to have no problem making friends across racial/religious lines. I haven't heard of any bias and race is definitely discussed in the classroom.

There are also shootings in front of the school on the regular

[Anonymous]

Give me a break. “On the regular” is an exaggeration coming from someone who is clutching their pearls. Safety should not be a concern when considering Drew. The neighborhood is a changing community, however, and so is the school. They have a new administration and lots of new teachers and staff. I think a lot of your child’s experience would depend on who their teacher is each year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s a black parents of Arlington group you should check out.

NP. Very happy we left Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a black parents of Arlington group you should check out.

NP. Very happy we left Arlington.

Where did you go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a black parents of Arlington group you should check out.

NP. Very happy we left Arlington.

and why are you happy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Give me a break. “On the regular” is an exaggeration coming from someone who is clutching their pearls. Safety should not be a concern when considering Drew. The neighborhood is a changing community, however, and so is the school. They have a new administration and lots of new teachers and staff. I think a lot of your child’s experience would depend on who their teacher is each year.

It’s not an exaggeration to say people are shot more outside of Drew than any other Arlington school