AAP for Private Schooled Kids

[Anonymous]

I have read through this forum and have seen the "anecdotes" of private schooled kids who are accepted (or not) into AAP.

Is there data from the county on # of applicants from private schools, % accepted, etc?

[Anonymous]

I think the only data is the study that was done in 2020 -- https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/review-fairfax-county-public-schools

Other than that, FCPS shares no data whatsoever about AAP. FCPS has created an overly complicated system for evaluating students for AAP, the net result is no one knows what the criteria is and FCPS, as an institution, and every individual involved, can act without any real oversight because there is always someone else who made the decision.

[Anonymous]

https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/privatehome-schooled-students

Why don't you submit an application and ask them.

[Anonymous]

I've known two kids who switched from Nysmith to AAP starting 2nd or 3rd grade. And two other applications from another private school to AAP, I dont know their results.
So yes, private school kids do apply to AAP and switch. Main reason is the cost of the private school. How the education actually compares between the private school and the AAP is something I have been wondering for a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've known two kids who switched from Nysmith to AAP starting 2nd or 3rd grade. And two other applications from another private school to AAP, I dont know their results.
So yes, private school kids do apply to AAP and switch. Main reason is the cost of the private school. How the education actually compares between the private school and the AAP is something I have been wondering for a while.

I had kids in AAP and moved to a private. It is going to depend on the school -- especially on the private side, but in our case it was a night and day difference. Private had textbooks, order, whole class instruction, in class novels, spelling tests, memorization, etc. Public had allegedly educational video games, workstation model, chaos, movies, and lunch.

[Anonymous]

It's going to depend on your location just like everyone else. The fact that your kid is in private does not give them a leg up but also doesn't penalize them.

[Anonymous]

I have a question. Which schools in the DMV area are competitive enough (or better than) the AAP program of FCPS? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a question. Which schools in the DMV area are competitive enough (or better than) the AAP program of FCPS? Thanks.

Do you mean the students are better or the schools are better? Two different things.

I switched a kid from AAP to a no-name private Christian school. The students are not as good, on average. However, the instruction provided by the school is far superior.

[Anonymous]

I mean the instruction by the school, whether the AAP program is better or the private is better. Compared with private schools in the DMV area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean the instruction by the school, whether the AAP program is better or the private is better. Compared with private schools in the DMV area.

DP - there are good and bad teachers in every school, and there are students that thrive with one teaching style but not another. There is not a single best/better school. Don't move unless you're unhappy where you are.

I was happy with FCPS until covid, then moved kid to private for in-person instruction and applied to AAP from there. Got in, but decided to stay at the private school because that environment was and still is working well for my specific kid. We reevaluate every year after meeting the teacher for the next grade. This is a small independent in VA that isn't much mentioned on DCUM and isn't necessarily selective about admissions.

[Anonymous]

I am in VA. I would be happy if you can mention the name of your private. Thank you very much. Happy holidays!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the instruction by the school, whether the AAP program is better or the private is better. Compared with private schools in the DMV area.

DP - there are good and bad teachers in every school, and there are students that thrive with one teaching style but not another. There is not a single best/better school. Don't move unless you're unhappy where you are.

I was happy with FCPS until covid, then moved kid to private for in-person instruction and applied to AAP from there. Got in, but decided to stay at the private school because that environment was and still is working well for my specific kid. We reevaluate every year after meeting the teacher for the next grade. This is a small independent in VA that isn't much mentioned on DCUM and isn't necessarily selective about admissions.