How are things going at Walls this year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. It feels like the Wilson experience is all about extracurriculars and electives. I’m not seeing any argument that the core courses are worthwhile, just that you can take other (frankly pretty random) courses as well. Am I missing something? Would anyone defend the intrinsic value of freshman English as currently taught at Wilson?

This. A few fluff AP courses does not comprise a rigorous curriculum to challenge the higher performing students.

9th grade it’s only math, 10th grade a few fluff courses and math.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the earlier posters with experience at Walls and Wilson...since this thread is supposed to be about Walls I'll re-center the discussion.

The curriculum is not really different between the two schools...if you don't think your kid is going to be challenged at Wilson they are unlikely to be challenged at Walls. Both DCPS with all the limitations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the earlier posters with experience at Walls and Wilson...since this thread is supposed to be about Walls I'll re-center the discussion.

The curriculum is not really different between the two schools...if you don't think your kid is going to be challenged at Wilson they are unlikely to be challenged at Walls. Both DCPS with all the limitations.

They are equally bad?

[Anonymous]

DC left private, considered Wilson, went to Walls. Deal breaker was lack of tracking for 9th grade classes at Wilson.

PROS:
1. Comparable teachers and curriculum in English/History (compared to sibling in private)
2. # of clubs/student ratio is similar to private (many leadership opportunities)
3. GW class enrollment is seamless and easy to fit in student’s schedule w/location across the street

PRO/CON:
1. Math/Science (beyond AP Bio/Chem/Physics, etc.) may require enrollment in GW courses due to min required enrollment which varies in demand each semester
2. Ratio of College Guidance counselor/student is not as good as private (put this as pro/con as DC was admitted to 1st choice/reach so not sure it matters in the end)

CONS:
1. Language courses at Walls not as good as private (DC still managed to score 4 on the AP exam)
2. Sports teams (except maybe soccer?) not as good as Wilson/privates
3. Part of larger, dysfunctional DCPS system (this includes things like firing principal mid-yr, cutting staff positions, changing entrance requirements, making it difficult/delaying hiring of replacement teachers, the list could go on and on)

DC has been very happy at Walls. Also has friends very happy at Wilson and private. Great education can be had at any of them for bright, motivated students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1000. Those who defend the practice have no pity on teachers trying to teach a bunch of 9th graders who read and write at a middle school level sitting alongside classmates who work at a college level.

Far too many Wilson families are left scrambling to furnish their own challenge for 9th and 10th graders, particularly for humanities.

Are people really doing this? I have a bright, unchallenged student at Wilson (no APs yet) and I just don’t have the time or inclination to supplement my child’s humanities education. We travel, encourage reading, and have great dinner time discussion. But formal supplementation? WAY too tired for that!!

[Anonymous]

Those who have followed this thread will also be interested in/entertained by the Wilson thread in the private school forum. Sounds like the grass is always greener!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the earlier posters with experience at Walls and Wilson...since this thread is supposed to be about Walls I'll re-center the discussion.

The curriculum is not really different between the two schools...if you don't think your kid is going to be challenged at Wilson they are unlikely to be challenged at Walls. Both DCPS with all the limitations.

I also have had one at Walls and one at Wilson. Very comparable educations overall. Both my kids got into "top 20" colleges and did fine there.

The advantages I saw with Walls were: 1) the behavior of the student body; 2) all students have to take AP research; and 3) all students have to do an internship. However, for #s 2 and 3, these are opportunities that are 100 percent available at Wilson (AP research is offered at Wilson and juniors and seniors can do internships for credit--it just takes some self advocacy).

The advantages I saw with Wilson were: 1) overall quality of teachers (particularly upperclass and AP teachers); 2) STEM classes (except physics, which is a weak link); 3) club opportunities like debate and model UN (yes, they might exist at Wall but they are so much better at Wilson).

FWIW, my Wilson kid took a class at American--any DCPS high school student can take classes for free from several DC colleges. It is certainly easier to do at GW from Walls but it is doable from Wilson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the earlier posters with experience at Walls and Wilson...since this thread is supposed to be about Walls I'll re-center the discussion.

The curriculum is not really different between the two schools...if you don't think your kid is going to be challenged at Wilson they are unlikely to be challenged at Walls. Both DCPS with all the limitations.

I also have had one at Walls and one at Wilson. Very comparable educations overall. Both my kids got into "top 20" colleges and did fine there.

The advantages I saw with Walls were: 1) the behavior of the student body; 2) all students have to take AP research; and 3) all students have to do an internship. However, for #s 2 and 3, these are opportunities that are 100 percent available at Wilson (AP research is offered at Wilson and juniors and seniors can do internships for credit--it just takes some self advocacy).

The advantages I saw with Wilson were: 1) overall quality of teachers (particularly upperclass and AP teachers); 2) STEM classes (except physics, which is a weak link); 3) club opportunities like debate and model UN (yes, they might exist at Wall but they are so much better at Wilson).

FWIW, my Wilson kid took a class at American--any DCPS high school student can take classes for free from several DC colleges. It is certainly easier to do at GW from Walls but it is doable from Wilson.

Just fyi Walls offers AP Research but definitely has never required that students take it.