Feedback on Barrett?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Barrett has been wonderful for our K - although there are some K teachers noticeably better. With that, love the assistant principal, she is a true gem! We love the diversity as well. This is from a parent place that the best way to have an honest dialogue with our kids about race, ethnicity, and class is for exposure to those differences. I am sure this will offend many a liberati on here, but I love that my child describes friends as having black hair when they are african american, not that they have dark skin. There was a picture sent where my child was with three friends and not one was the same race/ethnicity. DC also seems to be learning a lot. The school does have a positive discipline program, panda paws and seems to really be a good tool for the teachers. In short, really positive experience.

Don’t worry. By third grade, all the kids will self segregate, and any friendships that cross ethnicities with be the exception, not the norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:. I am sure this will offend many a liberati on here, but I love that my child describes friends as having black hair when they are african american, not that they have dark skin.

How is it your child observes hair color but not skin color? Stop perpetuating this. The myth of being “colorblind” only causes more damage.

+1 what a ridiculous comment. our white kids attend an overwhelming black elementary school and almost of of their friends are black and they know it. they're not being taught to be color blind, for pete's sake. just stop it.

Not teaching color blindness at all. But definitely not teaching a kindergartner shame about skin color. Color blindness is naive. But shame is not necessary.

Skin color is about truth, not shame. If your child thinks they look exactly the same as a kid with black skin, but just with different hair color, something ain’t right. You’re trying to assuage your own fragility and guilt via your child in a very twisted way. Reconsider this approach. In the long run it will actually hurt those picture-perfect childhood friendships you’re touting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

[Anonymous]

We had two kids at Barrett and our experience was positive. Run a search on DCUM as this school has been discussed many times. The community is very warm and welcoming and especially if you will only be attending for a few years you will want to feel welcome. Also if you’re in the building I’m thinking of you can’t bear the convenience especially if your child wants to do after school activities, playmates, or if you do extended day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barrett has been wonderful for our K - although there are some K teachers noticeably better. With that, love the assistant principal, she is a true gem! We love the diversity as well. This is from a parent place that the best way to have an honest dialogue with our kids about race, ethnicity, and class is for exposure to those differences. I am sure this will offend many a liberati on here, but I love that my child describes friends as having black hair when they are african american, not that they have dark skin. There was a picture sent where my child was with three friends and not one was the same race/ethnicity. DC also seems to be learning a lot. The school does have a positive discipline program, panda paws and seems to really be a good tool for the teachers. In short, really positive experience.

I think you’re referencing Charles Barrett with ACPS (Alexandria) and this person seems to be asking about Kate Barrett with APS (Arlington).

Why do you think that? Another long time Barrett parent here, though we moved a few blocks up and are now zoned for asfs. My eldest was at Barrett for all of elementary, and my second was there until third grade. My other younger three have been at asfs. I would ditto everything said here— though I thought the positive discipline was called cares— but it’s been a long time so I might be wrong. Barrett, long branch, asfs, innovation are all pretty similar in that you have a lot of diversity in the student body but you haven’t hit the point where it becomes potentially negative like carlin springs. They are all good schools, I wouldn’t hesitate to send my kids to any of them especially in very early elementary where it’s appropriate to be involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

This isn’t true until late elementary— fourth/fifth grade. Early elementary it’s all the same.

[Anonymous]

Unless you are willing to move for 3 years, I’m sure Barrett will be fine. I would not do option schools because her friends will not be neighbors and it sounds like you don’t have time to drive all around Arlington to activities and play dates. I love your neighborhood, but we didn’t choose it because Kenmore as the junior high. That is not an issue for you. I have coworkers who are execs at my company (and can afford to live anywhere in Arl) who live in your neighborhood and send their kids to Barrett and are happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

Playing devil's advocate here and out of a genuine interest to understand given this is not an area of expertise - if a class goes at a slower pace, aren't they automatically behind and not covering as much material? So come third/fourth/fifth grade a kid from Barrett - low income or not - wouldn't have learned the same material, at an appropriate pace, as peers from another higher income public school?

Feels like conflicting opinions on here - which I know is normal - with some saying its ALL the same for the first several years and others acknowledging it's really not, but that essentially "dont worry she'll be OK".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Playing devil's advocate here and out of a genuine interest to understand given this is not an area of expertise - if a class goes at a slower pace, aren't they automatically behind and not covering as much material? So come third/fourth/fifth grade a kid from Barrett - low income or not - wouldn't have learned the same material, at an appropriate pace, as peers from another higher income public school?

Feels like conflicting opinions on here - which I know is normal - with some saying its ALL the same for the first several years and others acknowledging it's really not, but that essentially "dont worry she'll be OK".

So much of early elementary is basic socialization and basics of reading / math. For the former, the school doesn't much matter as long as there's not too much dysfunctional behavior. For the latter, the home environment matters a lot more. Regardless of how quickly/slowly the other kids learn to read and write, your kid will already learn/have learned most of it at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had two kids at Barrett and our experience was positive. Run a search on DCUM as this school has been discussed many times. The community is very warm and welcoming and especially if you will only be attending for a few years you will want to feel welcome. Also if you’re in the building I’m thinking of you can’t bear the convenience especially if your child wants to do after school activities, playmates, or if you do extended day.

I swear I've tried this but it doesn't pull up any! Anyway - thank you for sharing! And, yes, the convenience is unbeatable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barrett has been wonderful for our K - although there are some K teachers noticeably better. With that, love the assistant principal, she is a true gem! We love the diversity as well. This is from a parent place that the best way to have an honest dialogue with our kids about race, ethnicity, and class is for exposure to those differences. I am sure this will offend many a liberati on here, but I love that my child describes friends as having black hair when they are african american, not that they have dark skin. There was a picture sent where my child was with three friends and not one was the same race/ethnicity. DC also seems to be learning a lot. The school does have a positive discipline program, panda paws and seems to really be a good tool for the teachers. In short, really positive experience.

Don’t worry. By third grade, all the kids will self segregate, and any friendships that cross ethnicities with be the exception, not the norm.

Not true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

Playing devil's advocate here and out of a genuine interest to understand given this is not an area of expertise - if a class goes at a slower pace, aren't they automatically behind and not covering as much material? So come third/fourth/fifth grade a kid from Barrett - low income or not - wouldn't have learned the same material, at an appropriate pace, as peers from another higher income public school?

Feels like conflicting opinions on here - which I know is normal - with some saying its ALL the same for the first several years and others acknowledging it's really not, but that essentially "dont worry she'll be OK".

As a parent of 2 who went through a high FRL elementary and compared notes with a lot of friends at other schools, including those who moved away during elementary to other elementary schools in Arlington: you will cover the material. The material covered will include all the same standards and basics needed for the tests and moving on. You won't have as many interesting projects and fancy school events and school plays or musicals. You won't have as many after-school enrichment programs sponsored by the PTA. Class won't feel as fast-paced and may be less engaging. But it's just kindergarten and a few years of early elementary; and even if you stayed through 5th grade, your kid will be well-prepared for middle school and not behind classmates from other schools. Advocate for your kids if you think they aren't getting what they need - don't let them get overlooked if they're not at the bottom and not identified "gifted." Otherwise, chill out. Other than learning Spanish in an immersion program, there is little difference at the K-2 level across schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

Playing devil's advocate here and out of a genuine interest to understand given this is not an area of expertise - if a class goes at a slower pace, aren't they automatically behind and not covering as much material? So come third/fourth/fifth grade a kid from Barrett - low income or not - wouldn't have learned the same material, at an appropriate pace, as peers from another higher income public school?

Feels like conflicting opinions on here - which I know is normal - with some saying its ALL the same for the first several years and others acknowledging it's really not, but that essentially "dont worry she'll be OK".

As a parent of 2 who went through a high FRL elementary and compared notes with a lot of friends at other schools, including those who moved away during elementary to other elementary schools in Arlington: you will cover the material. The material covered will include all the same standards and basics needed for the tests and moving on. You won't have as many interesting projects and fancy school events and school plays or musicals. You won't have as many after-school enrichment programs sponsored by the PTA. Class won't feel as fast-paced and may be less engaging. But it's just kindergarten and a few years of early elementary; and even if you stayed through 5th grade, your kid will be well-prepared for middle school and not behind classmates from other schools. Advocate for your kids if you think they aren't getting what they need - don't let them get overlooked if they're not at the bottom and not identified "gifted." Otherwise, chill out. Other than learning Spanish in an immersion program, there is little difference at the K-2 level across schools.

Thank you! Ugh, I hadn't even thought about this whole "gifted" status - now I need to google that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barrett has been wonderful for our K - although there are some K teachers noticeably better. With that, love the assistant principal, she is a true gem! We love the diversity as well. This is from a parent place that the best way to have an honest dialogue with our kids about race, ethnicity, and class is for exposure to those differences. I am sure this will offend many a liberati on here, but I love that my child describes friends as having black hair when they are african american, not that they have dark skin. There was a picture sent where my child was with three friends and not one was the same race/ethnicity. DC also seems to be learning a lot. The school does have a positive discipline program, panda paws and seems to really be a good tool for the teachers. In short, really positive experience.

I think you’re referencing Charles Barrett with ACPS (Alexandria) and this person seems to be asking about Kate Barrett with APS (Arlington).

Why do you think that? Another long time Barrett parent here, though we moved a few blocks up and are now zoned for asfs. My eldest was at Barrett for all of elementary, and my second was there until third grade. My other younger three have been at asfs. I would ditto everything said here— though I thought the positive discipline was called cares— but it’s been a long time so I might be wrong. Barrett, long branch, asfs, innovation are all pretty similar in that you have a lot of diversity in the student body but you haven’t hit the point where it becomes potentially negative like carlin springs. They are all good schools, I wouldn’t hesitate to send my kids to any of them especially in very early elementary where it’s appropriate to be involved.

Because she referred to “panda paws” rewards and that’s a specific thing at Charles Barrett, where my kids attended school and the school mascot is the panda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should only go to a choice school if you are interested in the choice that school offers. There will be information sessions coming up usually in February and March where you can learn more about those schools (and neighborhood schools too.) I don’t have kids at Barrett but I’ve heard generally good things but it is diverse and many in DCUMland run from that.

And you should also only accept a seat in a choice school if you intend to stay. Don't take it away from someone who may want or need it more and plans to be here, please.
Your child's K-2 experience will be very good at Barrett. It's kindergarten...

I'm legit confused. If all APS elementary schools are good...why would one "need" a choice school more than another? I want to set my child up for success and give her the best too. Early education is often the most important time.

They’re all “good” but they don’t all cater to the same audience. Your kid will be fine at Barrett, but the class isn’t going to be going at the same pace as one at Jamestown or Discovery. The curriculum is the same but the pace and depth of instruction is not. You don’t teach a class of English learners the same way you would teach a class of UMC/rich kids who all went to preschool.

Playing devil's advocate here and out of a genuine interest to understand given this is not an area of expertise - if a class goes at a slower pace, aren't they automatically behind and not covering as much material? So come third/fourth/fifth grade a kid from Barrett - low income or not - wouldn't have learned the same material, at an appropriate pace, as peers from another higher income public school?

Feels like conflicting opinions on here - which I know is normal - with some saying its ALL the same for the first several years and others acknowledging it's really not, but that essentially "dont worry she'll be OK".

As a parent of 2 who went through a high FRL elementary and compared notes with a lot of friends at other schools, including those who moved away during elementary to other elementary schools in Arlington: you will cover the material. The material covered will include all the same standards and basics needed for the tests and moving on. You won't have as many interesting projects and fancy school events and school plays or musicals. You won't have as many after-school enrichment programs sponsored by the PTA. Class won't feel as fast-paced and may be less engaging. But it's just kindergarten and a few years of early elementary; and even if you stayed through 5th grade, your kid will be well-prepared for middle school and not behind classmates from other schools. Advocate for your kids if you think they aren't getting what they need - don't let them get overlooked if they're not at the bottom and not identified "gifted." Otherwise, chill out. Other than learning Spanish in an immersion program, there is little difference at the K-2 level across schools.

Thank you! Ugh, I hadn't even thought about this whole "gifted" status - now I need to google that

Don't stress over it. Just communicate with the teachers and go from there. "Gifted" identification really doesn't mean much instruction-wise, especially that early on. And it means nothing in "art." We're high school now; but I believe APS has implemented programs at the high FRL elementaries to increase its identification of gifted students because they want to identify more gifted English language learners. I'd recommend compiling questions for the parent teacher conferences - you can ask how your child's skills compare to the typical classmate/age group; ask if there's anything your child particularly stands out in - if yes, ask if it's worth evaluating for gifted identification. One of my kids' kindergarten teacher volunteered that they should be evaluated during kindergarten for math; but I wouldn't typically expect a lot of that at that age. And ultimately, the math evened out in later elementary grades. It's more helpful for class placements going into middle school.

In all honesty, I've been pretty active in APS since my kids started 10 years ago and I've never heard any complaints about Barrett. They used to have a cool science program with NASA. I don't know if that's still a thing.

My advice is to stick with Barrett, be involved, and use the time there to learn about your kid and their strengths and weaknesses and learning preferences. Then you'll be well-informed as you enroll them in their next school when you move.

Good luck!