How does HB Woodlawn lottery work?
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Anonymous
Since the 1980s parents of all political or social backgrounds have liked the small, generally socio-economically homogeneous or majority affluent aspect of H-B. That's why test scores have always been high. Before the lottery, families would camp outside of the school for days on end to not loose their spot in the queue (to gain admittance). I personally like HB but wish more of the students who could truly benefit from its unique pedagogy could gain admittance. But I don't think that means making H-B huge to get more students in. Right now APS is at a good balance with strong neighborhood secondary schools and strong option programs. |
Anonymous
We had four kids go through APS. They all applied to HB. Two got in and went. Two didn't get in. As it happened, the two who went were clearly the best fit for the program, while the two didn't get in were just fine for the neighborhood schools. In the end, all four had good high school experiences and got into similarly good colleges. In the final analysis, it's really none of your business what other parents choose to do with their kids' education. It's a lottery, plain and simple. |
Anonymous
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My kids went to ATS and later, only one applied and got into HB. We felt she was the perfect fit for the HB style of learning.
Guess what? When your kid starts kindergarten, you aren't quite sure what learning style suits them best. ATS has traditional values and approach but my future HB kid didn't fit the mold. My DD would have suffered in 'regular' MS and HS. HB was perfect for her quirky, 'square peg in a round hole' personality. ATS prepped her for being more organized but HB allowed her to flourish and be herself. If HB admissions really stuck to the original intent of the program, we wouldn't be where we are. Instead, we have parents who clamor to get their child in for HB's seeming exclusivity when they would have been fine at other schools. |
Anonymous
HB's "exclusive" reputation has been that way for decades. It's nothing new. But the truth is that academically it's no better than the neighborhood schools and those of us with experience with both know that. To me, the real advantage with HB isn't the high school. It's the middle school. It, too, isn't necessarily better academically but for many kids that age the much smaller size is a huge benefit. |
Anonymous
APS should open more middle school programs. It could expand Arlington Tech to 6-12. |
Anonymous
| ^^ not a bad idea except AT is co-located with other high school programs. Do you want your 6th grader at a school with alternative programs for those up to 21? |
Anonymous
what alternative programs? |
Anonymous
It's like the (powerball) lottery. You definitely won't win unless you enter, but if you enter you have a very small chance of winning. No reason not to enter, just don't make firm plans based on winning. |
Anonymous
Vocational and career center programs, many of which are for adults to finish their secondary education and go into trades or nursing etc. |
Anonymous
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It’s scam.
Somehow APS families and school board always win the lottery. High numbers of siblings too. |
Anonymous
The conspiracy theorists always come out, like clockwork. Of course they have zero proof. APS families, SB and siblings are more likely to apply, so of course they are more likely to get a spot |
Anonymous
Eh, no. It’s the most rigged lottery ever. Why don’t you know your number prior to selection? Wkerd |
Anonymous
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You do know your number. Atop
Pushing lies. Just because your kid didn’t get in doesn’t mean it’s rigged. Very maga! |
Anonymous
Stop making things political. How do I find my number, and so it shows up on the ball on the video live when I watch the lottery? |
Anonymous
Why do you want this? What difference would it make? |