Middle school center intel

[Anonymous]

DS is currently in 6th in a DC private but we are likely to move to Fairfax this spring. Understand we've missed the selection cycle for AAP but trying to wrap my head around our options at this point. Test scores are extremely high (he is already in CTY and Davidson) and does well in school. It doesn't make sense to deal with both the cost and the logistical challenges of school in DC if our family relocates to Fairfax (employment-related). We have some flexibility on exactly where but would like to be east of Fair Oaks or in the Burke/West Springfield/Kingstowne areas.

Are there big differences among the middle school AAP centers that we should take that into account when planning? We are thinking about Lake Braddock, or Twain potentially. A friend recommended Sandburg but that looks to have much worse ratings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is currently in 6th in a DC private but we are likely to move to Fairfax this spring. Understand we've missed the selection cycle for AAP but trying to wrap my head around our options at this point. Test scores are extremely high (he is already in CTY and Davidson) and does well in school. It doesn't make sense to deal with both the cost and the logistical challenges of school in DC if our family relocates to Fairfax (employment-related). We have some flexibility on exactly where but would like to be east of Fair Oaks or in the Burke/West Springfield/Kingstowne areas.

Are there big differences among the middle school AAP centers that we should take that into account when planning? We are thinking about Lake Braddock, or Twain potentially. A friend recommended Sandburg but that looks to have much worse ratings?

What's your budget? Top AAP centers are Carson and Longfellow, but if you want to be near Fairfax (area, not county) and you need to keep costs lower then Frost/Woodson is a great choice.

[Anonymous]

Budget is under $1.2M, I think that puts us out of anything near McLean. Job transfer is going to have one parent going to north Fredericksburg 2-3 days a week, other job is in Arlington, so that's why South/East FFX is probably best for us.

[Anonymous]

I'm confused- Twain and Sandburg aren't really anywhere near what I'd consider Fairfax; neither are Carson or Longfellow. Depending on where specifically in Fairfax, I'd consider Frost, Lake Braddock or Rocky Run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Budget is under $1.2M, I think that puts us out of anything near McLean. Job transfer is going to have one parent going to north Fredericksburg 2-3 days a week, other job is in Arlington, so that's why South/East FFX is probably best for us.

Frost/Woodson is your best bet.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't limit to centers-- in middle school honors is the same as AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is currently in 6th in a DC private but we are likely to move to Fairfax this spring. Understand we've missed the selection cycle for AAP but trying to wrap my head around our options at this point. Test scores are extremely high (he is already in CTY and Davidson) and does well in school. It doesn't make sense to deal with both the cost and the logistical challenges of school in DC if our family relocates to Fairfax (employment-related). We have some flexibility on exactly where but would like to be east of Fair Oaks or in the Burke/West Springfield/Kingstowne areas.

Are there big differences among the middle school AAP centers that we should take that into account when planning? We are thinking about Lake Braddock, or Twain potentially. A friend recommended Sandburg but that looks to have much worse ratings?

We are at Irving and have friends at Lake Braddock. Both good middle schools for our kids. One of ours is applying to TJ, haven't heard yet if he is accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't limit to centers-- in middle school honors is the same as AAP.

That is more true at better rated schools than more economically diverse schools

[Anonymous]

AAP starting at middle school? are you shooting for TJ or not?

Oakton High Pyramid with Carson middle school is your best bet. Carson sends most kids to TJ every year out of all AAP centers, so it is competitive.

Alternatively, buy in Woodson Pyramid. Get in top 1.5% of a non-AAP center middle school and get to TJ. Or just take honor class and into Woodson. Still good school with slightly cheaper housing prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't limit to centers-- in middle school honors is the same as AAP.

That is more true at better rated schools than more economically diverse schools

She can keep that in mind with her $1.2m budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused- Twain and Sandburg aren't really anywhere near what I'd consider Fairfax; neither are Carson or Longfellow. Depending on where specifically in Fairfax, I'd consider Frost, Lake Braddock or Rocky Run.

Sorry - I meant Fairfax County as a whole, moving into the county school system. Not Fairfax City.

[Anonymous]

Isn’t it easier to get into TJ from Sandburg than it is from Carson or Irving?

[Anonymous]

Sandburg is very socio-economically mixed. About half of the students come from Upper middle class (or wealthier) families (esp near the Potomac), but it also pulls from rougher neighborhoods along Route one. I’ve heard if your kid is in all honors classes in Sandburg, they’re more than fine. New principal this year too that everyone seems to really like. I also have a 6th grader so no first hand experience yet, but I was impressed at curriculum night.

The general Fort Hunt area that feeds into Sandburg is an easy commute to both 95 south and Arlington. I’d pick Sandburg over Twain, after living in Franconia area for a for years, honestly. Much easier to get places Don’t go by online school ratings alone.

[Anonymous]

It literally makes no difference in middle school. The Honors classes are the exact same curriculum - confirmed by two friends who teach in two different FCPS middle schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It literally makes no difference in middle school. The Honors classes are the exact same curriculum - confirmed by two friends who teach in two different FCPS middle schools.

The curriculum is the same, but AAP often moves faster. In wealthier areas there probably isn’t much difference, but the difference could be more significant in schools that are economically diverse. There is no ability screening for Honors classes. Anyone who wants to can register.