Lower rated schools in Falls Church and Arlington

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

Kenmore looks great.

Kenmore is a palace and has an awesome arts focus.

Is the middle-school arts focus on reason why the high school students at Wakefield do so poorly on tests designed to measure math, reading and writing skills?

Not sure. Will have to ask the neighbor kids ( Wakefield grads) when they are home on break from Duke, Smith, and UVA.

That is not the norm for kids coming out of Wakefield. The reality is somewhere between the crazy poster who keeps asking about what mistakes result in your child being at Wakefield and the posters who insist that Wakefield is just as good as any more highly regarded school, despite test scores showing otherwise. The latter group always parades the exceptions who get into highly regarded colleges as if they are the norm. The reality is that (1) many successful people send their kids to Wakefield and (2) higher SES white and Asian kids at Wakefield as a whole underperform their counterparts at schools like Yorktown.

Do you understand that kids get into college based on their individual performance and qualifications, not the average of their high school? What difference does it make to me what the average is, if my kid is substantially above average and well-prepared for college based on both what APS offers and what enrichment is provided in the summers and outside of school (which we would we doing whether or not we were at Wakefield, Yorktown, H-B.....).

I guess I don't have this weirdly myopic view of what it takes to get into a top college (or be prepared for life, as it were) because I didn't grow up here. I grew up somewhere where most people went to state school and I was one of very few kids with a view towards a competitive college. I just don't see the school environment as the biggest factor--I see internal drive as being more important and, in the long run, more valuable anyhow. (Avoiding the "excellent sheep" problem.) But whatever, to each his own.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

Kenmore looks great.

Kenmore is a palace and has an awesome arts focus.

Is the middle-school arts focus on reason why the high school students at Wakefield do so poorly on tests designed to measure math, reading and writing skills?

Not sure. Will have to ask the neighbor kids ( Wakefield grads) when they are home on break from Duke, Smith, and UVA.

That is not the norm for kids coming out of Wakefield. The reality is somewhere between the crazy poster who keeps asking about what mistakes result in your child being at Wakefield and the posters who insist that Wakefield is just as good as any more highly regarded school, despite test scores showing otherwise. The latter group always parades the exceptions who get into highly regarded colleges as if they are the norm. The reality is that (1) many successful people send their kids to Wakefield and (2) higher SES white and Asian kids at Wakefield as a whole underperform their counterparts at schools like Yorktown.

I think that's probably about right. It just happens that the kids that aren't typical are my neighbors, and I have no reason to think my own child's experience will be different. They'll have less competition for their college of choice amongst their peer group. That's fine. We are hoping for a more relaxed high school experience. That it will be easier for my child to be the "exception"? That's fine. I have colleagues that pulled children out of 2 of the highly regarded high schools these past couple of years. They are great schools, but their children were sensitive to social and academic pressure. I know that is part of growing up and high school in general, but I really would like to dial it back for my child. I grew up around here and I am not crazy about the increased pressure cooker atmosphere. The looming Arlington student boom is going ratchet it up enough.

Why is it crazy to ask what mistakes the parents made that led to WF outcome for kids? You just admitted WF is inferior to the schools in the adjacent neighborhood. If these WF parents are successful, why are their kids at a third-rate school? Selfishness? Savvy real estate investing? No drive? What mistake was made that resulted in the sub-par education for the kids? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

Kenmore looks great.

Kenmore is a palace and has an awesome arts focus.

Is the middle-school arts focus on reason why the high school students at Wakefield do so poorly on tests designed to measure math, reading and writing skills?

Not sure. Will have to ask the neighbor kids ( Wakefield grads) when they are home on break from Duke, Smith, and UVA.

That is not the norm for kids coming out of Wakefield. The reality is somewhere between the crazy poster who keeps asking about what mistakes result in your child being at Wakefield and the posters who insist that Wakefield is just as good as any more highly regarded school, despite test scores showing otherwise. The latter group always parades the exceptions who get into highly regarded colleges as if they are the norm. The reality is that (1) many successful people send their kids to Wakefield and (2) higher SES white and Asian kids at Wakefield as a whole underperform their counterparts at schools like Yorktown.

I think that's probably about right. It just happens that the kids that aren't typical are my neighbors, and I have no reason to think my own child's experience will be different. They'll have less competition for their college of choice amongst their peer group. That's fine. We are hoping for a more relaxed high school experience. That it will be easier for my child to be the "exception"? That's fine. I have colleagues that pulled children out of 2 of the highly regarded high schools these past couple of years. They are great schools, but their children were sensitive to social and academic pressure. I know that is part of growing up and high school in general, but I really would like to dial it back for my child. I grew up around here and I am not crazy about the increased pressure cooker atmosphere. The looming Arlington student boom is going ratchet it up enough.

Why is it crazy to ask what mistakes the parents made that led to WF outcome for kids? You just admitted WF is inferior to the schools in the adjacent neighborhood. If these WF parents are successful, why are their kids at a third-rate school? Selfishness? Savvy real estate investing? No drive? What mistake was made that resulted in the sub-par education for the kids? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.

Wow, I'm glad I'm not your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

Kenmore looks great.

Kenmore is a palace and has an awesome arts focus.

Is the middle-school arts focus on reason why the high school students at Wakefield do so poorly on tests designed to measure math, reading and writing skills?

Not sure. Will have to ask the neighbor kids ( Wakefield grads) when they are home on break from Duke, Smith, and UVA.

That is not the norm for kids coming out of Wakefield. The reality is somewhere between the crazy poster who keeps asking about what mistakes result in your child being at Wakefield and the posters who insist that Wakefield is just as good as any more highly regarded school, despite test scores showing otherwise. The latter group always parades the exceptions who get into highly regarded colleges as if they are the norm. The reality is that (1) many successful people send their kids to Wakefield and (2) higher SES white and Asian kids at Wakefield as a whole underperform their counterparts at schools like Yorktown.

I think that's probably about right. It just happens that the kids that aren't typical are my neighbors, and I have no reason to think my own child's experience will be different. They'll have less competition for their college of choice amongst their peer group. That's fine. We are hoping for a more relaxed high school experience. That it will be easier for my child to be the "exception"? That's fine. I have colleagues that pulled children out of 2 of the highly regarded high schools these past couple of years. They are great schools, but their children were sensitive to social and academic pressure. I know that is part of growing up and high school in general, but I really would like to dial it back for my child. I grew up around here and I am not crazy about the increased pressure cooker atmosphere. The looming Arlington student boom is going ratchet it up enough.

Why is it crazy to ask what mistakes the parents made that led to WF outcome for kids? You just admitted WF is inferior to the schools in the adjacent neighborhood. If these WF parents are successful, why are their kids at a third-rate school? Selfishness? Savvy real estate investing? No drive? What mistake was made that resulted in the sub-par education for the kids? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.

Nowhere above does it say I believe Wakefield to be inferior. I believe it to be the superior choice of the three, for all the reasons I've listed.

[Anonymous]

My kids went to a "10" school in N. Arlington.

We purchased near Abingdon Elem when my 1st kid was on the way. Abingdon is a great school with strong teachers.
However, my 2nd child, based on pre-natal testing, was going to need serious special needs support.

We needed more space for kid 2 and wanted a yard. We also were committed to staying APS b/c the special ed staffers I knew were amazing and the resources for special ed are plentiful (which is NOT to say the system in perfect or that resources fall from tree...I know people struggle with this.)

In the end, my "typical kid" tanked in a 10 school.
Other kid hit developmental milestones and didn't need services by kinder.

We got a very small house to be near a school my kids no longer attend.

For a few hundred $$ a month, they attend a small private school that meets our family's needs.

Sometimes I wish I had gone for the bigger kitchen and the 2 extra bathrooms to buy around Columbia Pike.

However, since MOST people seem to use those school rankings as a factor in buying homes our tiny house has increased in value over time by a large # so use your best judgement.

APS is always changing. Schools get bigger. Programs for kids with special needs move. Teachers retire or leave the system. Our kids needed a school similar to a small liberal arts college, not a "university" feel with a million options, so our mindset is different.

Something to consider.

I know a lot of people in the Lake Barcroft area who are quite happy with their purchase. Sleep Hollow area is great.

We also looked at how much time we'd have to spend on the commute, as parents, so we'd spend less on childcare and could attend soccer games or whatever, in the evenings.

If you are a 2-income family, think about what will minimize your stress.

Good luck and congrats on the baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

Kenmore looks great.

Kenmore is a palace and has an awesome arts focus.

Is the middle-school arts focus on reason why the high school students at Wakefield do so poorly on tests designed to measure math, reading and writing skills?

Not sure. Will have to ask the neighbor kids ( Wakefield grads) when they are home on break from Duke, Smith, and UVA.

That is not the norm for kids coming out of Wakefield. The reality is somewhere between the crazy poster who keeps asking about what mistakes result in your child being at Wakefield and the posters who insist that Wakefield is just as good as any more highly regarded school, despite test scores showing otherwise. The latter group always parades the exceptions who get into highly regarded colleges as if they are the norm. The reality is that (1) many successful people send their kids to Wakefield and (2) higher SES white and Asian kids at Wakefield as a whole underperform their counterparts at schools like Yorktown.

I think that's probably about right. It just happens that the kids that aren't typical are my neighbors, and I have no reason to think my own child's experience will be different. They'll have less competition for their college of choice amongst their peer group. That's fine. We are hoping for a more relaxed high school experience. That it will be easier for my child to be the "exception"? That's fine. I have colleagues that pulled children out of 2 of the highly regarded high schools these past couple of years. They are great schools, but their children were sensitive to social and academic pressure. I know that is part of growing up and high school in general, but I really would like to dial it back for my child. I grew up around here and I am not crazy about the increased pressure cooker atmosphere. The looming Arlington student boom is going ratchet it up enough.

Why is it crazy to ask what mistakes the parents made that led to WF outcome for kids? You just admitted WF is inferior to the schools in the adjacent neighborhood. If these WF parents are successful, why are their kids at a third-rate school? Selfishness? Savvy real estate investing? No drive? What mistake was made that resulted in the sub-par education for the kids? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.

Did you not make the basketball team at Wakefield or something? You shouldn't be bitter about that, they are one of the best in the state.

[Anonymous]

The "mistakes" poster has posted regarding Wakefield before. If it's the person I think it is, his mommy used to teach at Kenmore, but couldn't hack it. He also associated with some not so stellar students at Wakefield ( his peer group?) and I guess has some regrets. I know people say " seek therapy " a lot around here, but he really should. He has some unresolved issues that need to be worked through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The "mistakes" poster has posted regarding Wakefield before. If it's the person I think it is, his mommy used to teach at Kenmore, but couldn't hack it. He also associated with some not so stellar students at Wakefield ( his peer group?) and I guess has some regrets. I know people say " seek therapy " a lot around here, but he really should. He has some unresolved issues that need to be worked through.

Maybe he also hasn't finished college by 22?

[Anonymous]

Did OP ever return and post her budget?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did OP ever return and post her budget?

Nope.

[Anonymous]

Op's budget is 450k so none of this matters anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

My son went to Kenmore and it's a wonderful school. Not sure what your problem is? You must have grown up poor and made it "big" so you like to flaunt your wealth via real estate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The question was posed hours ago, but still no response:what poor life decisions lead to the embarrassment of having kids at Wakefield or worse still, Kenmore?? Matriculation from a second-rate university? Lack of drive? Divorce? Stupidity? Savvy real estate investing? Can someone explain?

Why do you believe that it is a mistake for people to send their kids to Wakefield or Kenmore? What is wrong with Wakefield and Kenmore?

You have never been to Kenmore or WF or you wouldn't be asking this question. Go visit and then see if you still have this question.

My son went to Kenmore and it's a wonderful school. Not sure what your problem is? You must have grown up poor and made it "big" so you like to flaunt your wealth via real estate.

I don't get a vibe of success from "mistakes" poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why is it crazy to ask what mistakes the parents made that led to WF outcome for kids? You just admitted WF is inferior to the schools in the adjacent neighborhood. If these WF parents are successful, why are their kids at a third-rate school? Selfishness? Savvy real estate investing? No drive? What mistake was made that resulted in the sub-par education for the kids? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.

It could be they are in the neighborhood they are in because no homes were available in your perfect area when they had to move. It could be they moved up from truly dire circumstances. It could be they were given the home by a mysterious stranger who is incredibly generous.

The real question is why do you believe anyone who doesn't live in your neighborhood made bad decisions? What made you decide to spend so much time on this board repeating that question? Do you have no one to talk to? Bad schooling decisions so you have time to waste? What mistake was made that resulted in repeating a ridiculous question and wasting so much time waiting for an answer? By sharing you will help others not to repeat those mistakes.