Middle School GT/AAP program in FCPS - how does it work?

[Anonymous]

Once "center eligible" kids enter middle school, are they still grouped for AAP classes in the core subjects, or do they just take honors classes with the general ed program?

Our middle school will be Kilmer, and I noticed that their course selection book states that AAP kids will have access to AAP classes, but their course selection sheet doesn't list these classes.

Any insight?

[Anonymous]

Not the OP, but we have the same questions regarding Kilmer. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Best to call the school and speak to someone who knows.

[Anonymous]

Here is my understanding, but im sure someone will correct me if I am wrong...lol.

If you choose an "AAP Center" middle school, your child will be in "honors" classes in the four core subjects WITH other AAP kids. Other electives and PE are with everyone.

If you choose your base middle or secondary school that is not classified as a "center", your child will also be in "honors" classes but will be mixed in with other kids who choose to take honors classes.

The curriculum for the honors classes, at either location, is supposed to be the same.

Once the kids get to high school, all the AAP stuff disappears, and they either go to thier base high school, a different local high school that offers IB if their base school doesnt have it, or go off to TJ.

Again, this is how it was explained to me and could be not 100% correct.

[Anonymous]

So, in theory, an AAP center middle school would offer...

base classes
honors classes
and
AAP exclusive honors classes?

[Anonymous]

A GT/AAP center eligible child who attends a middle school with a center will be in GT/AAP classes for English, Social Studies, and Science. For Math, the child will be in either Algebra I Honors, or Math 7 Honors, depending on testing results.

Honors classes are different and are for non-center eligible students. The curriculum can be different and the speed at which the teacher goes through the material is different. For example, a GT English class will have a different reading list than an Honors English class.

Center eligible kids will be automatically assigned to the GT classes in a middle school with a center so that might explain why they are not listed on the course selection sheet. Center eligible kids who go to a middle school without a center will be in honors classes with other honors eligible students.

The honors classes are the same at the center and the base school, but GT/AAP classes are only available at the center and are different than honors classes.

[Anonymous]

I have a child in a middle school Center (Frost) and agree with PP except for the statement about math class options. Center students may choose to take "regular" Math 7 -- they don't have to take Honors. The reality is that hardly any of them do, but just wanted to clarify that it is not a requirement.