Kenmore MS or private?

[Anonymous]

DS is currently a fifth grader in public school and does well in his classes and on the standardized tests. He is zoned for Kenmore middle school and W-L high school. Some of our neighbors have said that students really fall behind in Kenmore because the teachers need to focus on behavioral issues, and they are not prepared for W-L. Interested in others' experiences with Kenmore. We're considering moving him to a private middle school, as we don't want him to fall too far behind.

[Anonymous]

Can you afford it? Then yes.

[Anonymous]

I can’t comment on Kenmore specifically, but you could also check to see if Dorothy Hamm is still accepting neighborhood transfers. Other parents claim DHMS better prepares students for the academics at W-L. But there are Kenmore boosters as well that say it is fine.

[Anonymous]

Our family loves Kenmore. Such a supportive community particularly for Sped. And the principal is excellent.

[Anonymous]

It is fine but you really need to be involved to make sure your kid stays on the right track.

[Anonymous]

You need to sign your kid up for intensified classes so he won’t be with the behavior problem kids. Fight to get into pre algebra and don’t take math/english 6.

[Anonymous]

They have all intensified classes for core academics now at all MS in all grades. Honestly, it really does help for classroom behavior. Kids who are disruptive are often doing that because they can’t access the curriculum and would rather be the class clown than class dunce.

If your student is a focused student, and can take all intensified classes, Kenmore is a fine choice. The arts/technology focus is also a plus, if your student shows interest in either or both areas of study.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is currently a fifth grader in public school and does well in his classes and on the standardized tests. He is zoned for Kenmore middle school and W-L high school. Some of our neighbors have said that students really fall behind in Kenmore because the teachers need to focus on behavioral issues, and they are not prepared for W-L. Interested in others' experiences with Kenmore. We're considering moving him to a private middle school, as we don't want him to fall too far behind.

What private in your estimation would prevent him from “falling too far behind?”

Kenmore has more challenges than other APS middle schools and less so than others. Unfortunately, like most things in public school world, that is largely a reflection of the housing values that makeup Kenmore’s geographic boundaries.

This idea that you could avoid them by sending your kid to private school for MS isn’t really clearly thought through. Most parochial schools are not academically stronger than APS. Most independent schools are similarly situated …. unless you are willing to fork over $55k+, in which case you probably don’t live in Kenmore’s district to begin with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is currently a fifth grader in public school and does well in his classes and on the standardized tests. He is zoned for Kenmore middle school and W-L high school. Some of our neighbors have said that students really fall behind in Kenmore because the teachers need to focus on behavioral issues, and they are not prepared for W-L. Interested in others' experiences with Kenmore. We're considering moving him to a private middle school, as we don't want him to fall too far behind.

What private in your estimation would prevent him from “falling too far behind?”

Kenmore has more challenges than other APS middle schools and less so than others. Unfortunately, like most things in public school world, that is largely a reflection of the housing values that makeup Kenmore’s geographic boundaries.

This idea that you could avoid them by sending your kid to private school for MS isn’t really clearly thought through. Most parochial schools are not academically stronger than APS. Most independent schools are similarly situated …. unless you are willing to fork over $55k+, in which case you probably don’t live in Kenmore’s district to begin with.

There are plenty of $1.5 to 2-mill plus homes in bounds for Kenmore. It does have a very high concentration of affordable apartments however relative to the other APS schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t comment on Kenmore specifically, but you could also check to see if Dorothy Hamm is still accepting neighborhood transfers. Other parents claim DHMS better prepares students for the academics at W-L. But there are Kenmore boosters as well that say it is fine.

I also don’t have direct experience with Kenmore, but I agree about also looking into other APS options. Williamsburg usually takes transfers, and Hamm has in the past. You could also try 6th grade (low stakes; no high school credit classes), and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to sign your kid up for intensified classes so he won’t be with the behavior problem kids. Fight to get into pre algebra and don’t take math/english 6.

Lol wut. Worst advice ever if your kid isn't ready for that challenge.

People just show their asses every time in here.

[Anonymous]

If you have the $55-100K, just go to private and leave the rest of us alone.

You won't necessarily get a better education there no matter what the peanut gallery says though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to sign your kid up for intensified classes so he won’t be with the behavior problem kids. Fight to get into pre algebra and don’t take math/english 6.

Do all APS middle schools have the intensified classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to sign your kid up for intensified classes so he won’t be with the behavior problem kids. Fight to get into pre algebra and don’t take math/english 6.

Do all APS middle schools have the intensified classes?

Yes, anyone can sign up. We have found that while behavior is better than in last year's classes it's not a sure thing that the class won't be disruptive.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it, absolutely. This goes for any APS middle school. They're all about the same level of awful. Come back for high school if need be, but I'd do private in a heartbeat for middle school.