Any real difference in curriculum between aap and regular fcps - other than math 1 grade ahead

[Anonymous]

There's always lot's of dicussion on how to get into aap or how to test for it etc... - but is there any real difference in the curriculum between fairfax app and the regular stream - other than math being 1 grade ahead adn the kids "smarter" I don't see much of a difference. Tell me that is worth switching schools for the program and what they will learn that they wouldn't in the regular stream? Is the grading harder/more demanding? more projects - what is the curicullar component of those projects other than more arts/crafts work? Is english/language arts more demanding? science / social studies? etc...

[Anonymous]

This question was asked to our AART (who we think is great) at a recent parent meeting on AA services.

The bottom line answer was YES, there is a difference in the curriculum even if your local school provides the advanced math in 4-6th grade. The AAP center goes faster and more in depth in all areas, even compared to the advanced (compressed) math (not all local schools offer this). The AAP uses different text books as well.

That said, I think my bright, but not off the charts child will get a lot out of our base school program (especially with the advanced math offering). In theory, the base offerings looked good, but will they actually provide what they say????? --- that is the question that remains -- what is actually put into practice?

[Anonymous]

08:56 - are you comparing AAP Center with Local Level 4 class at base school or AAP Center without LL4 class, but with Advanced Math curriculum?

[Anonymous]

Comparing it to a base school without local level 4, but WITH advanced math.

[Anonymous]

I'd say it's more in depth and more interesting. They learn more through activities and projects. It's more work, too, and fewer mindless worksheets. I think it depends on the child. If your child is intellectually curious, he or she will probably like it even though it's more work.

[Anonymous]

Exactly. My dd is loving the projects....she gets to be creative. I didn't hear that last year. Too many "boring" worksheets. I've had to stop the kid from working past bedtime a couple of times, she was really into what she was doing!

[Anonymous]

The AAP Center curriculum is more in-depth and is based on more "extensions" than the general ed curriculum. This occurs throughout including all of the language arts components, science, social studies, and of course in math. The other big difference is the peer group. (The peer group is also what makes AAP Centers different from local level 4.)

[Anonymous]

I agree with the comment about the peer group. That is really what makes it different.

Once kids get to middle school, honors is open enrollment, so all are on equal footing for honors classes.

[Anonymous]

It's different - basically what's said above plus at our AAP - latin stem study and doing some of the 4th grade science curriculum in 3rd etc., less review for SOLs is needed. Peer group is definitely a plus - great for our DS to see he's not as smart as he thinks he is while for DD, not feeling so different and apart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the comment about the peer group. That is really what makes it different.

Once kids get to middle school, honors is open enrollment, so all are on equal footing for honors classes.

I thought AAP program is through the middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the comment about the peer group. That is really what makes it different.

Once kids get to middle school, honors is open enrollment, so all are on equal footing for honors classes.

Honors in middle school is open enrollment, but AAP is not. They are two different curriculums.