How is South Lakes High School?

[Anonymous]

If you had to choose between Westfield vs. South Lakes, which one would you go for?

[Anonymous]

Westfield because it’s an AP school.

[Anonymous]

It depends, do you want to participate in the IB program or take AP classes? Both schools have a good cohort of academically engaged kids but nether school is seen as a pressure cooker but there are ways to challenge your kid. The big difference is the program that they offer.

You need to look into what the IB program entails and what the AP program entails.

[Anonymous]

I recently sent all 3 of my children to South Lakes. They had a very positive experience and were very well prepared for college. Two took mostly IB courses. One took a mix of IB, general education and team-taught classes. My youngest and oldest both brought significant credits to college with them. All 3 were involved with the choral program which is excellent. One also had a great experience with Theatre. We love Reston!

[Anonymous]

We love Reston too. SLHS is diverse both culturally and economically. Your kids will be exposed to people from all walks of life and most likely find their tribe and thrive. Some people love that, it makes some people nervous. To each their own; I do get annoyed when people feel they need to disparage it though, just admit it's not for you and move on.

You can do IB a la carte and Honors courses. Colleges look for rigor, IB provides that if you are worried about prospects. If you are looking for free college credits from AP, it's not your place, although it does offer Dual Enrollment classes.

Being a Terraset family, we love the community feel of the ES/MS/HS campus being an educational and community hub.

Is it perfect? No. Is it perfectly fine to attend? Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We love Reston too. SLHS is diverse both culturally and economically. Your kids will be exposed to people from all walks of life and most likely find their tribe and thrive. Some people love that, it makes some people nervous. To each their own; I do get annoyed when people feel they need to disparage it though, just admit it's not for you and move on.

You can do IB a la carte and Honors courses. Colleges look for rigor, IB provides that if you are worried about prospects. If you are looking for free college credits from AP, it's not your place, although it does offer Dual Enrollment classes.

Being a Terraset family, we love the community feel of the ES/MS/HS campus being an educational and community hub.

Is it perfect? No. Is it perfectly fine to attend? Yes.

PP. I should add that we've put one kid through LHMS/SLHS and one will go through TES/LHMS/SLHS.

[Anonymous]

Definitely SL! IB curriculum is the best way to get into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely SL! IB curriculum is the best way to get into college.

Not this BS again. If IB was the best way to get into college, the top schools in the county would have IB. They don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you had to choose between Westfield vs. South Lakes, which one would you go for?

Why these two schools, OP? Are you locked into these areas or is Chantilly an option?

[Anonymous]

If you have athletes, its much easier to make the sports teams at South Lakes.

[Anonymous]

I would ask parents at both schools about how good the teachers and principal are. The principal sets the tone. I've noticed a stark change (for the worst) with the newer principal at SL. If your kid wants to be an athlete, look at the athletic programs and understand how the athletic director functions. The AD at SL is borderline incompetent. The programs are still good because the school has good athletes for many of the sports. Teachers can be inconsistent with their teaching approaches within the same subject and even periods. I'm sure each school has this. Their job is the hardest but also the most impactful to your student's academic success. SL has a diverse student body although most cultures stick within their own so the diversity benefit can be lost. This may be due to the ES boundaries.

[Anonymous]

I would choose neither. I would aim for Chantilly or Oakton honestly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would ask parents at both schools about how good the teachers and principal are. The principal sets the tone. I've noticed a stark change (for the worst) with the newer principal at SL. If your kid wants to be an athlete, look at the athletic programs and understand how the athletic director functions. The AD at SL is borderline incompetent. The programs are still good because the school has good athletes for many of the sports. Teachers can be inconsistent with their teaching approaches within the same subject and even periods. I'm sure each school has this. Their job is the hardest but also the most impactful to your student's academic success. SL has a diverse student body although most cultures stick within their own so the diversity benefit can be lost. This may be due to the ES boundaries.

What are some example of changes seen under new principal?

[Anonymous]

We had this choice and picked Skyview.

[Anonymous]

We are zoned for Westfield, chose SL for IB (think we are/will be zoned for Skyview?).
One kid has graduated, one still there. Still VERY glad we made the choice.
Have been involved with two different sports there and several extra curriculars and have had good experiences with all.