Fairfax vs. Loudoun high schools academic environment

[Anonymous]

I think you're going to be quite surprised that sports are generally on the back burner around here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

Westfield and Centreville aren't very good schools. The rest are ok academically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

Westfield and Centreville aren't very good schools. The rest are ok academically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, what do you mean by "unsure of cultural fit". Trying to understand why you are targeting areas of Fairfax Co. that have the cheapest housing since you say that your are financially well off.

Answer to question about "unsure of cultural fit": We are an ethnic minority and many of the private schools have a homogenous student population. The Northern Virginia area seems very diverse and probably less relatively racist than the vast majority of the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

On paper, yes, the schools are quite good in comparison to surrounding areas. However, once you are here, the differences between the top ranking schools and the rest of the schools become quite apparent.

[Anonymous]

Could you share what general area you are coming from? That might help us understand your perspective better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are speaking in such general terms. Is the point of going to a northern VA high school to get noticed by UVa for potential scholarships there?

No, UVa would be great, but seeking a balanced environment where kids can focus on sports and school but still enjoy their life. Not sure if NOVA fits the bill, but every time I've visited the area, have been impressed with that region of the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Privates don't recruit athletes.
Unless you're talking about the $70,000/ year IMG academy sending out brochures.

Sorry, but this is about as wrong as can be. The recruiting process is not the same as the NFL or college with agents and contract negotiations etc., but the private high schools do find a way to attract targeted youth athletes in their own way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Fairfax schools you mention are some of the largest high schools in the county and are known for strong athletic programs and good academics as well. There have been quite a few recruited athletes from those schools, and they aren't particularly considered pressure cookers.

Loudoun County high schools are much smaller than high schools in that part of Fairfax. Stone Bridge and Briar Woods in Ashburn are probably better known for athletics than Freedom, which is in South Riding, due west of Chantilly.

If the kids are competitive athletes, they will likely get more exposure at the Fairfax schools and the two Loudoun schools I mentioned than at Freedom.

Thanks, this is the most helpful reply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

The public schools are good and they have quite a bit to offer and are relatively diverse. Most move for the academics not the sports. D1 athletes have been recruited from all HS in the past. However, for some sports, the best athletes do not play in HS and play on year round travel teams. For our HS, that is soccer and swimming. I don't know about other sports. I know for other HS, it can mean basketball too.

I wouldn't say there is a HS that has a balance between athletics and sports compared to other places. However, there is such a wide range of classes available that you can set the level of academic classes to be less challenging for a student who will be heavily into sports. EG, take fewer Honors and AP classes than the student would be capable if ze did not have such a time sync outside of school.

In what part of the country are you currently? Urban/suburban/rural?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you're going to be quite surprised that sports are generally on the back burner around here.

They aren't on the back burner for athletes, but with such large high schools and no larger varsity teams than a typical medium sized high school, there's just very few spaces for athletes to take part in high school sports so they have to find other private clubs and other school interests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

Not sure what you mean by quality of life. Even with a good incone, the quality of life in Fairfax is not good. Terrible zoning, sprawl, traffic, and a cultural wasteland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

Not sure what you mean by quality of life. Even with a good incone, the quality of life in Fairfax is not good. Terrible zoning, sprawl, traffic, and a cultural wasteland.

People in Fairfax routinely score high on quality of life surveys, health surveys, etc. Yes, there is traffic, particularly in western Fairfax, but the good jobs, nice homes, and great schools make it an attractive place for a diverse population. Plenty of culture as well - Patriot Center, Wolf Trap, Mount Vernon - and decent access to DC (nice place to visit....).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are considering a move to northern Virginia. Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast. We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes: Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun? Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both? Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment. What's driving the high pressure environment? The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis. I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun? My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.

If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population. We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.

Not sure what you mean by quality of life. Even with a good incone, the quality of life in Fairfax is not good. Terrible zoning, sprawl, traffic, and a cultural wasteland.

You are nuts and this opinion is contrary to many, many publications which have consistently ranked Loudoun and Fairfax in the top 3 counties to live and raise a family in the US. There's plenty of culture in this metro area that kids in these counties have easy access to. You've never lived in a cultural wasteland if you think suburban metro DC is one.