How competitive are schools in N. Arlington?

[Anonymous]

We are planning to move to NOVA in the next few years and are considering a number of different neighborhoods. Obviously, we know the schools in N. Arlington are excellent, but I worry about the level of competition the kids face. I am okay with good (not the BEST) schools and would prefer for my kids to grow up in a more, relaxed setting while getting an excellent education. For that reason, we are thinking that N. Arlington might not be the best fit, but I'm curious about real-life experience from those who have kids in the schools. How do they compare competition wise to schools in Vienna? Thanks for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

Arlington (North and South) have excellent schools! You should shop around neighborhoods and see which areas you like. Also do you need to be near a metro, have good access to 66 or DC, etc... Some of the N. Arlington schools that some might consider good but not the best include Glebe, Barrett, Ashlawn, Longbranch, etc. vs Taylor, Jamestown, McKinley, ... these are perceptions and partly based on which MS/HS they feed into and the # of minorities. We have loved our experience (Ashlawn and Swanson). I have friends in Vienna that equally love their schools. Nice to have great choices!

[Anonymous]

N arlington does have more of a competitive feel to it but I find it's more parents than students. S. Arlington has so,e great neighborhoods with Wonderful schools that have more of a layed back feel. Try the fairlington/shirlington neighborhood with abingdon as the home school or the Claremont neighborhood (also abingdon).

[Anonymous]

I am impressed with Arlington School system so far. The teachers I have come across are outstanding. Now granted I only have a Kindergarden so far, so I've only been in the school system since Sept. But I believe Arlington is a great place for children to learn. I am always suprised by the # of people still sending their kids to private schools
when the public schools in this area are outstanding.

One thing to consider--Arlington Public school Kindergarden is all day. Fairfax School System for Kindergarten is Half Day.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax School System for Kindergarten is Half Day.

Only about 1/3 of FCPS elementary schools still have half day K. Most now have full day K. Although this is a bit subject to change with budget cuts.

[Anonymous]

note on the kindergartens in fairfax - if the school has a SACC program, they have after-kindergarten care. you have to pay an additional fee for it, but it is available. Also, depending on the school, some daycares have programs where you drop off and pick up your child at the daycare and the kids are picked up and dropped off by bus to the school, so you can work normal hours. it's like SACC, but private. Our daycare offers this, but unfortunately we're not zoned for the public school it serves.