King Abdullah Academy Closing: FCPS Buy for HS?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:If you think people complaining about FCPS spending $150M for something that’s been in the plans for 20 years is bad, wait to see how they react to spending $150M for something (Aviation Acadeny, TJ West, etc) that’s been in no plans.

Well, just to play devils advocate here, people appear to be upset about the secrecy and lack of disclosure, not necessarily about the school; and just because you spent 20 years assuming that the western school would benefit your area doesn’t mean that the school board is beholden to you.

No one is upset about nonexistent "secrecy"'except one poster on here, you.

Not just on here, aren’t you up in arms about some next door posts? Weird that you just conveniently forget your talking points when it suits your argument.

The only person desperately parroting talking points is you.

The rest of us are discussing this great new school!

So you really think that the budget should revolve around you? It’d be interesting to take a poll of Fairfax county to see how many people would support a magnet over a school devoted to fixing pretend capacity issues in your area. (Though I’ll concede that your split feeder situation does suck, but will remind you that you bought your house knowing the situation).

I think you’d probably get 80% support a new magnet with available options for their kids to go to it if they are smart enough.

It’s the reason it’s actually being discussed by the board, rather than just anonymous internet buffoons on an anonymous forum pretending like they deserve a school just because there was a placeholder in the CIP.

I think you two are pushing back so vociferously because you know I’m right. The community would be ecstatic to get a magnet west over placating a bunch of insufferable constituents who believe they are owed anything.

Of course people would vote that way because they would potentially benefit from a magnet school, whereas if they aren't in the area of KAA they wouldn't benefit from it. People are obviously going to vote in their self interest.

Honestly, most people are not interested in a magnet--except, maybe DCUM.

People in the western part of the county for sure are interested. Imagine not having to schlep to Alexandria every day because your kid’s a genius.

If your kid is indeed a "genius," which is doubtful, then s/he can schlep away to Alexandria. No one cares about your kid's commute when plenty of other kids simply need a high school.
DP

Sorry, I didn’t realize that there were kids who live in Fairfax who don’t currently have a public high school that they can attend.

If, on the other hand, you just want a high school closer to your house, then I gladly reverse uno your second sentence back your way that “No one cares about your kid’s commute” especially when you chose your house knowing the schools.

My kid's high school commute is perfectly doable and we're not in an area that will be rezoned. I'm talking about the need for a new high school where the KAA property is. You're the only weirdo on this thread arguing that there isn't a need for a school there and that it should become a magnet school because you obviously think your kid would qualify to attend. It's not going to be a magnet school - nor should it. Move on.

I think that PP was just pointing out the irony of the same people complaining about their kid's 30 minute commute to Oakton saying nobody cares if a kid has an hour commute to TJ.

Correct. The anti-magnet poster is a bad combo of hypocrite and dullard with touches of narcissism and vitriol.

She’s really mad that Frisch and Dunne are considering magnet and hell bent on trying to drown out that conversation. It’s very transparent.

Just a reminder, when Frisch and Dunne are named as pushing for a magnet school, it’s based on these two articles:

https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fcps-acquires-king-abdullah-academy/article_e470ed8d-4caf-4333-8992-165f31313ed8.html

https://northernvirginiamag.com/news/2025/06/17/fcps-approves-150m-purchase-of-king-abdullah-academy-private-school-in-herndon/

Also within those articles:

Dunne said the acquisition was important because schools in the county’s western half are near or at capacity.

Some board members, including Karl Frisch, noted that there were still “lots of decisions to be made” regarding the school. This may include discussions of whether it will become a magnet school or if it will have an impact on the boundaries for existing schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you think people complaining about FCPS spending $150M for something that’s been in the plans for 20 years is bad, wait to see how they react to spending $150M for something (Aviation Acadeny, TJ West, etc) that’s been in no plans.

Well, just to play devils advocate here, people appear to be upset about the secrecy and lack of disclosure, not necessarily about the school; and just because you spent 20 years assuming that the western school would benefit your area doesn’t mean that the school board is beholden to you.

No one is upset about nonexistent "secrecy"'except one poster on here, you.

Not just on here, aren’t you up in arms about some next door posts? Weird that you just conveniently forget your talking points when it suits your argument.

The only person desperately parroting talking points is you.

The rest of us are discussing this great new school!

So you really think that the budget should revolve around you? It’d be interesting to take a poll of Fairfax county to see how many people would support a magnet over a school devoted to fixing pretend capacity issues in your area. (Though I’ll concede that your split feeder situation does suck, but will remind you that you bought your house knowing the situation).

I think you’d probably get 80% support a new magnet with available options for their kids to go to it if they are smart enough.

It’s the reason it’s actually being discussed by the board, rather than just anonymous internet buffoons on an anonymous forum pretending like they deserve a school just because there was a placeholder in the CIP.

I think you two are pushing back so vociferously because you know I’m right. The community would be ecstatic to get a magnet west over placating a bunch of insufferable constituents who believe they are owed anything.

Of course people would vote that way because they would potentially benefit from a magnet school, whereas if they aren't in the area of KAA they wouldn't benefit from it. People are obviously going to vote in their self interest.

Honestly, most people are not interested in a magnet--except, maybe DCUM.

People in the western part of the county for sure are interested. Imagine not having to schlep to Alexandria every day because your kid’s a genius.

If your kid is indeed a "genius," which is doubtful, then s/he can schlep away to Alexandria. No one cares about your kid's commute when plenty of other kids simply need a high school.
DP

Sorry, I didn’t realize that there were kids who live in Fairfax who don’t currently have a public high school that they can attend.

If, on the other hand, you just want a high school closer to your house, then I gladly reverse uno your second sentence back your way that “No one cares about your kid’s commute” especially when you chose your house knowing the schools.

My kid's high school commute is perfectly doable and we're not in an area that will be rezoned. I'm talking about the need for a new high school where the KAA property is. You're the only weirdo on this thread arguing that there isn't a need for a school there and that it should become a magnet school because you obviously think your kid would qualify to attend. It's not going to be a magnet school - nor should it. Move on.

I think that PP was just pointing out the irony of the same people complaining about their kid's 30 minute commute to Oakton saying nobody cares if a kid has an hour commute to TJ.

There's no sympathy on the TJ commutes because those families chose that option. The vast majority of fcps hs kids do not have any option other than their zoned public.

Cry me a river. The last major boundary rezoning occurred some time ago. With a few limited exceptions, people largely knew they were zoned to Oakton when the bought the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

What is wrong with you? It is disturbing that you even think this way, but it's repugnant that you put this into writing.

This is the problem with the boundary study and the reality of the situation. Just like all politics is local so is one’s concern. Parents are primarily concerned about how the study will impact their kid(s).

FCPS has a very inconsistent product offering across its system. The boundary study is not designed to improve the product but rather make the offerings more consistent.

If the result would lead to making the schools better there would be support from the community. Instead the effort will only serve to lower the standard for the product so the community resists.

It really is that simple.

I see FCPS as a public service, instead of a product.
Maybe that is why I agree with fixing some school boundaries.

Equity has no place in public service. There are really only a handful of changes needed (eg coates) if you take equity out of the equation.

Does this also apply to emergency services?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

What is wrong with you? It is disturbing that you even think this way, but it's repugnant that you put this into writing.

This is the problem with the boundary study and the reality of the situation. Just like all politics is local so is one’s concern. Parents are primarily concerned about how the study will impact their kid(s).

FCPS has a very inconsistent product offering across its system. The boundary study is not designed to improve the product but rather make the offerings more consistent.

If the result would lead to making the schools better there would be support from the community. Instead the effort will only serve to lower the standard for the product so the community resists.

It really is that simple.

I see FCPS as a public service, instead of a product.
Maybe that is why I agree with fixing some school boundaries.

Fine education is a public service offering, doesn’t negate the fact that the public service varies in quality and boundary change made by this board/administration will not make it better, it will only lower the bar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

Centerville is currently overcrowded and might be looking at an expansion that would increase it’s capacity to 3,000 students. How is that “A much lower population”?

They only have around 2200 kids right now. Westfield is around 2800. But CVHS has more AP class offerings.

Most people prefer a smaller school for their kids. One example, its virtually impossible to make most sports teams at Westfield compared to Centreville.

Is that true or just an assumption. The way sports and family wealth often go hand in hand in this day and age, smaller but wealthier schools typically have more students trying out for limited spots on teams.

Anyways, new boundaries could affect the demographic make up of all these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you think people complaining about FCPS spending $150M for something that’s been in the plans for 20 years is bad, wait to see how they react to spending $150M for something (Aviation Acadeny, TJ West, etc) that’s been in no plans.

Well, just to play devils advocate here, people appear to be upset about the secrecy and lack of disclosure, not necessarily about the school; and just because you spent 20 years assuming that the western school would benefit your area doesn’t mean that the school board is beholden to you.

No one is upset about nonexistent "secrecy"'except one poster on here, you.

Not just on here, aren’t you up in arms about some next door posts? Weird that you just conveniently forget your talking points when it suits your argument.

The only person desperately parroting talking points is you.

The rest of us are discussing this great new school!

So you really think that the budget should revolve around you? It’d be interesting to take a poll of Fairfax county to see how many people would support a magnet over a school devoted to fixing pretend capacity issues in your area. (Though I’ll concede that your split feeder situation does suck, but will remind you that you bought your house knowing the situation).

I think you’d probably get 80% support a new magnet with available options for their kids to go to it if they are smart enough.

It’s the reason it’s actually being discussed by the board, rather than just anonymous internet buffoons on an anonymous forum pretending like they deserve a school just because there was a placeholder in the CIP.

I think you two are pushing back so vociferously because you know I’m right. The community would be ecstatic to get a magnet west over placating a bunch of insufferable constituents who believe they are owed anything.

Of course people would vote that way because they would potentially benefit from a magnet school, whereas if they aren't in the area of KAA they wouldn't benefit from it. People are obviously going to vote in their self interest.

Honestly, most people are not interested in a magnet--except, maybe DCUM.

People in the western part of the county for sure are interested. Imagine not having to schlep to Alexandria every day because your kid’s a genius.

If your kid is indeed a "genius," which is doubtful, then s/he can schlep away to Alexandria. No one cares about your kid's commute when plenty of other kids simply need a high school.
DP

Sorry, I didn’t realize that there were kids who live in Fairfax who don’t currently have a public high school that they can attend.

If, on the other hand, you just want a high school closer to your house, then I gladly reverse uno your second sentence back your way that “No one cares about your kid’s commute” especially when you chose your house knowing the schools.

My kid's high school commute is perfectly doable and we're not in an area that will be rezoned. I'm talking about the need for a new high school where the KAA property is. You're the only weirdo on this thread arguing that there isn't a need for a school there and that it should become a magnet school because you obviously think your kid would qualify to attend. It's not going to be a magnet school - nor should it. Move on.

I think that PP was just pointing out the irony of the same people complaining about their kid's 30 minute commute to Oakton saying nobody cares if a kid has an hour commute to TJ.

Correct. The anti-magnet poster is a bad combo of hypocrite and dullard with touches of narcissism and vitriol.

She’s really mad that Frisch and Dunne are considering magnet and hell bent on trying to drown out that conversation. It’s very transparent.

Just a reminder, when Frisch and Dunne are named as pushing for a magnet school, it’s based on these two articles:

https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fcps-acquires-king-abdullah-academy/article_e470ed8d-4caf-4333-8992-165f31313ed8.html

https://northernvirginiamag.com/news/2025/06/17/fcps-approves-150m-purchase-of-king-abdullah-academy-private-school-in-herndon/

Also within those articles:

Dunne said the acquisition was important because schools in the county’s western half are near or at capacity.

Some board members, including Karl Frisch, noted that there were still “lots of decisions to be made” regarding the school. This may include discussions of whether it will become a magnet school or if it will have an impact on the boundaries for existing schools.

Since the school may have smaller class rooms in some areas and have distinct sections, it might work to have a few special programs there. Many special education programs can use the smaller classrooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

And you were talking about throwing a school under the bus? You’re prepared to trash Westfield in service of your losing effort to get KAA turned into a magnet.

There is probably more than one poster pushing a magnet, but there is one who is particularly troubling in demeaning other schools. Wonder if she/he has any concern about the kids who live near KAA and are sent to Westfield. The ones in Centreville border other neighborhoods that go to Westfield--so it would be continuous boundaries. Unlike those at KAA who truly are divided from the rest of the Westfield community by industrial, retail,commercial activities--along with Dulles Airport.

Somehow, I don't think it was a Centreville parent who made that post. Centreville would be even more of a neighborhood school because it would include the neighborhood that is next to it. The one that goes to Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

They only have around 2200 kids right now. Westfield is around 2800. But CVHS has more AP class offerings.

Could you source that? Surprising since the demographics are similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

And you were talking about throwing a school under the bus? You’re prepared to trash Westfield in service of your losing effort to get KAA turned into a magnet.

There is probably more than one poster pushing a magnet, but there is one who is particularly troubling in demeaning other schools. Wonder if she/he has any concern about the kids who live near KAA and are sent to Westfield. The ones in Centreville border other neighborhoods that go to Westfield--so it would be continuous boundaries. Unlike those at KAA who truly are divided from the rest of the Westfield community by industrial, retail,commercial activities--along with Dulles Airport.

Somehow, I don't think it was a Centreville parent who made that post. Centreville would be even more of a neighborhood school because it would include the neighborhood that is next to it. The one that goes to Fairfax.

You don’t think centreville families want to stay in their current school? That shows how incredibly out of touch you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

And you were talking about throwing a school under the bus? You’re prepared to trash Westfield in service of your losing effort to get KAA turned into a magnet.

There is probably more than one poster pushing a magnet, but there is one who is particularly troubling in demeaning other schools. Wonder if she/he has any concern about the kids who live near KAA and are sent to Westfield. The ones in Centreville border other neighborhoods that go to Westfield--so it would be continuous boundaries. Unlike those at KAA who truly are divided from the rest of the Westfield community by industrial, retail,commercial activities--along with Dulles Airport.

Somehow, I don't think it was a Centreville parent who made that post. Centreville would be even more of a neighborhood school because it would include the neighborhood that is next to it. The one that goes to Fairfax.

You don’t think centreville families want to stay in their current school? That shows how incredibly out of touch you are.

Interesting that the person who keeps posting about Centreville does not realize how easily identifiable she/he is as the same person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

And you were talking about throwing a school under the bus? You’re prepared to trash Westfield in service of your losing effort to get KAA turned into a magnet.

There is probably more than one poster pushing a magnet, but there is one who is particularly troubling in demeaning other schools. Wonder if she/he has any concern about the kids who live near KAA and are sent to Westfield. The ones in Centreville border other neighborhoods that go to Westfield--so it would be continuous boundaries. Unlike those at KAA who truly are divided from the rest of the Westfield community by industrial, retail,commercial activities--along with Dulles Airport.

Somehow, I don't think it was a Centreville parent who made that post. Centreville would be even more of a neighborhood school because it would include the neighborhood that is next to it. The one that goes to Fairfax.

You don’t think centreville families want to stay in their current school? That shows how incredibly out of touch you are.

Interesting that the person who keeps posting about Centreville does not realize how easily identifiable she/he is as the same person.

We noticed you didn’t answer the question. You think centreville families want to be moved to a different pyramid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville families don't want to be moved to Westfield.

Thru is already proposing to move part of Centreville to Westfield. It's likely going to happen whether KAA reopens as a neighborhood school or not.

Which part?
No one wants to move from Centreville to Westfield. Centreville is a neighborhood school
with a much lower population so kids have a shot at sports teams, leadership roles etc.
Westfield has too many poor kids and keeps losing academic class offerings. The location is inconvenient and unappealing and the admin is terrible.

And you were talking about throwing a school under the bus? You’re prepared to trash Westfield in service of your losing effort to get KAA turned into a magnet.

There is probably more than one poster pushing a magnet, but there is one who is particularly troubling in demeaning other schools. Wonder if she/he has any concern about the kids who live near KAA and are sent to Westfield. The ones in Centreville border other neighborhoods that go to Westfield--so it would be continuous boundaries. Unlike those at KAA who truly are divided from the rest of the Westfield community by industrial, retail,commercial activities--along with Dulles Airport.

Somehow, I don't think it was a Centreville parent who made that post. Centreville would be even more of a neighborhood school because it would include the neighborhood that is next to it. The one that goes to Fairfax.

You don’t think centreville families want to stay in their current school? That shows how incredibly out of touch you are.

Interesting that the person who keeps posting about Centreville does not realize how easily identifiable she/he is as the same person.

We noticed you didn’t answer the question. You think centreville families want to be moved to a different pyramid?

THRU is already moving some. But, I feel pretty sure you are not a Centreville parent.

[Anonymous]

https://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13::::0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID,P0_EDSL:410,0

Centreville has been from 2300-2550 enrollment over the last years.

[Anonymous]

Westfield 2650-2700
https://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13::::0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID,P0_EDSL:240,0

[Anonymous]

How are you all looking up how many students are at a school right now? Just curious.