What are your thoughts on this? Our kid is new to AAP and was given the option to enroll in Lake Braddock or Irving Middle School. What is the difference between the two? He would then go to West Springfield High School.
Can you share your experience if your family had to make this decision? Pros vs cons? |
My kid had the same options. He chose to go to LBSS because LBSS had the clubs and activities that he wanted to join. He also had the option to stay at LBSS for high school, but they wouldn’t provide transportation.
Irving has a chill environment, and more relaxing as far as I know. So it is up to your kid what style suits him best. I suggest that bring him to visit both and let him make the choice. |
My oldest chose Irving and the youngest chose LBSS. Not a big difference academically and both were well-prepared for high school. The oldest is now at W&M and the youngest is a senior at WSHS.
Irving is smaller and a little less overwhelming, which might be good for some kids (though my more social/outgoing one is the one who went there and the quiet, shy kid chose LB). |
If they’re going to go to high school at West Springfield I would say go to Irving to establish friend groups. If they have any reason they can be pupil placed at Lake Braddock then I would say LB.
They’re really such similar schools the experience won’t be materially different no matter which one you choose |
Was there a specific class that allowed your son to stay at LB for HS? Or do you just apply for the pupil placement every year? Thanks in advance. |
I have heard Lake Braddock is kids combined 7-12. Unclear if that means mixed busses or not. I know some parents preferred Irving because of not wanting their MS kids attending together with HS kids. |
Haven't asked friends at LBSS if it's mixed buses, but I know the middle school kids there love that they start at the later HS start time and not the earlier MS start time. |
It’s one bus for 7-12. Having had a middle schooler at Robinson, I really would not worry about this. Kids hang out with their friends their age on the bus (per my kid… ). |
Your child will need to provide a class that is offered at LBSS, but not their base school to be able to stay there for HS (for example, Latin class, etc.). |
Same for LBSS. My MS kid only hangs out with kids around their age |
If interested in science olympiad Lake Braddock is a wonderful option. |
Irving naturally feeds into WSHS. That's the logical choice, no?
Lbss is 1 of 3 secondary schools on fcps. It's the sane building for 7-12 grades, but 7 and 8th graders are separated/different part of the building than HSers. Having said that, it can feel really big. Yes, buses are mixed, but most 11 and 12th graders drive themselves or get rides or stay late for sports so it's not overwhelming to be mixed. |