ACPS VS APS

[Anonymous]

For those who have switched from Alexandria to Arlington, in what year did you make the switch (i.e., elementary, middle, high school?) and what were the pros and cons of the switch?

[Anonymous]

On moving to APS, the earlier the better so your kids can grow up with their friend group. That’s one of the best benefits of community based public schools. Otherwise just stay in Alexandria and go the independent school route or stay public through GW and ACHS.

(Hopefully parents with experience moving can reply more specifically. But the earlier the better has always been the case for any move like what you propose.)

[Anonymous]

Why? Just go to FCPS, APS is pretty similar in quality now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why? Just go to FCPS, APS is pretty similar in quality now

At least Arlington has more options than one single overcrowded unmanageable high school. Nothing quite compares to the uniqueness of ACPS in that regard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why? Just go to FCPS, APS is pretty similar in quality now

Lots of people here complaining about FCPS and even surprisingly MCPS—saying they’ve all gone downhill past the point of no return.

Re FCPS, the Waynewood ES and West Potomac HS pyramid is an FCPS option that would keep you close to Old Town.

[Anonymous]

OP, I don’t think a lot of ACPS families move to APS, so you won’t get helpful info here. Most probably move south to the Belle Haven / Fort Hunt area. I know plenty of young families that moved to Arlington from DC however, just prior to Kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

We moved from ACPS at middle school.

In the end didn’t regret it at all and kid had a good experience in APS but if we had to do it again, would have done it earlier.

[Anonymous]

Most people first choose between APS or ACPS then move to Fairfax if it doesn't work out.

[Anonymous]

Go right to FCPS. Much better run!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why? Just go to FCPS, APS is pretty similar in quality now

At least Arlington has more options than one single overcrowded unmanageable high school. Nothing quite compares to the uniqueness of ACPS in that regard.

ACPS? Arlington is APS. Alexandria is ACPS, where the OP is moving from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why? Just go to FCPS, APS is pretty similar in quality now

ok

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people first choose between APS or ACPS then move to Fairfax if it doesn't work out.

I don’t think many former APS parents go to FCPS. There’s no pipeline like that. The ones that don’t stick with APS for whatever reason go the independent school route, the top 3 or just below that level.

For the OP: unless you’re drawn to particular neighborhoods in Arlington, you should expand your search. APS, FCCPS, FCPS, MCPS, and maybe even DCPS (upper NW). There are lots of good options for strong public school pyramids. Or just stick it out with ACPS.

[Anonymous]

No one in their right mind who has W&L or YHS as an option would consider ACH. There is a HUGE difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most people first choose between APS or ACPS then move to Fairfax if it doesn't work out.

I don’t think many former APS parents go to FCPS. There’s no pipeline like that. The ones that don’t stick with APS for whatever reason go the independent school route, the top 3 or just below that level.

For the OP: unless you’re drawn to particular neighborhoods in Arlington, you should expand your search. APS, FCCPS, FCPS, MCPS, and maybe even DCPS (upper NW). There are lots of good options for strong public school pyramids. Or just stick it out with ACPS.

Many do, but they don't tell you. People don't choose Arlington for the schools. And they definitely don't choose Alexandria for the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most people first choose between APS or ACPS then move to Fairfax if it doesn't work out.

I don’t think many former APS parents go to FCPS. There’s no pipeline like that. The ones that don’t stick with APS for whatever reason go the independent school route, the top 3 or just below that level.

For the OP: unless you’re drawn to particular neighborhoods in Arlington, you should expand your search. APS, FCCPS, FCPS, MCPS, and maybe even DCPS (upper NW). There are lots of good options for strong public school pyramids. Or just stick it out with ACPS.

Many do, but they don't tell you. People don't choose Arlington for the schools. And they definitely don't choose Alexandria for the schools.

I know people that do choose Arlington. Often it’s combination of schools, neighborhoods, amenities, and proximity to DC. But the schools are a big factor.