Talk to me about Dpuglas McArthur & George Mason Elementary

[Anonymous]

Have done some research and like the areas that would presumably feed in to either of these 2 elementaries.

In my research I found Alexandria City Public Schools "Modified Open Enrollment" policy which my understanding of it is that even if you live next door to one of these schools and are slated to be 'in boundry' you have virtually no guarantee to attend due to over crowding.

Well, WTF?

That would be the whole point in moving to VA for us!!!

I DO plan to call both schools and set up tours and will pose this question to them as well but in the mean time -

For parents at these schools or in these areas, if we purchase a home that supposedly is in bounds for one of these elementaries, then what are my DC's chances of actually attending? (DC is only 1 right now so we have some time but am trying to do research now)

Like 90%? Because I would be willing to risk that....but if there is a seriosu chance that DC may be bussed to some less desirable school then I am not sure that's a risk I would be willing to take.

Anyone with experience??

TIA

[Anonymous]

ETA typing from BB - please excuse typos.

[Anonymous]

It is impossible to say if your child is only 1. More schools could be built, people come and go really quickly around here so the pressure on schools is going to change, staff at either of these schools could change over the next four years making one or the other more or less desirable, etc. etc. Even if your child was going to Kinder. next year, I doubt anyone could tell you now what your chaces are of getting into either school. I'm fairly sure everyone who applied got a spot at MacArthur this year.

Go take a tour, see what you think. Schools are probaby more reliably good in Arlington or Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have done some research and like the areas that would presumably feed in to either of these 2 elementaries.

In my research I found Alexandria City Public Schools "Modified Open Enrollment" policy which my understanding of it is that even if you live next door to one of these schools and are slated to be 'in boundry' you have virtually no guarantee to attend due to over crowding.

Well, WTF?

That would be the whole point in moving to VA for us!!!

I DO plan to call both schools and set up tours and will pose this question to them as well but in the mean time -

For parents at these schools or in these areas, if we purchase a home that supposedly is in bounds for one of these elementaries, then what are my DC's chances of actually attending? (DC is only 1 right now so we have some time but am trying to do research now)

Like 90%? Because I would be willing to risk that....but if there is a seriosu chance that DC may be bussed to some less desirable school then I am not sure that's a risk I would be willing to take.

Anyone with experience??

TIA

I lived in the MacArthur district for several years. My DD attended K, 1 and 2 and my other DD attended K.

You misunderstand Modified Open Enrollment. The most blunt explanation of this policy is: First come, first served. So, if you speak English and are at least moderately organized to register, you'll get in if you live within boundaries. If school hits its maximum (and there was only 1 student turned away last year, sent to Barrett), then you miss out. The reality is the people who register last are either 1) ESL 2) Blacks in the projects or 3) New renters/homebuyers.

MacArthur is considered to be one of the best schools in the ACPS. But it's not THAT fabulous. The school nurse has a discretion problem, the library is really rigid in terms of which grades can check out books where, and it doesn't have the technology (i.e., Whiteboards, etc) found in other schools. But, it does have a very engaged and wealthy PTA and is heads and is top tier for ACPS and has some most excellent teachers.

Ultimately, however, MacArthur isn't your problem. By First Grade you'll be fretting about what to do about the middle schools.

[Anonymous]

I have a son at MacArthur. Has no problems registering him for class there. Have been generally happy with the school. Plan on sending him to public middle, despite all the fraidy cats on this website.

[Anonymous]

I am currently interning at GW Middle School (I'm not paid), and I can assure you that the teachers are great and that there is a good cohort of very intelligent, motivated students who will challenge and engage your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I am currently interning at GW Middle School (I'm not paid), and I can assure you that the teachers are great and that there is a good cohort of very intelligent, motivated students who will challenge and engage your child.

I realize people will rationalize anything, but the problem with what you said here that a child has to find a cohort of intelligent and motivated students who are mutually challening and engaging. Some of us would rather have our kids in an environment where these characteristics are the rule and not the exception. Nothing "fraidy cat" about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I am currently interning at GW Middle School (I'm not paid), and I can assure you that the teachers are great and that there is a good cohort of very intelligent, motivated students who will challenge and engage your child.

I realize people will rationalize anything, but the problem with what you said here that a child has to find a cohort of intelligent and motivated students who are mutually challening and engaging. Some of us would rather have our kids in an environment where these characteristics are the rule and not the exception. Nothing "fraidy cat" about it.

Ditto.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I am currently interning at GW Middle School (I'm not paid), and I can assure you that the teachers are great and that there is a good cohort of very intelligent, motivated students who will challenge and engage your child.

I realize people will rationalize anything, but the problem with what you said here that a child has to find a cohort of intelligent and motivated students who are mutually challening and engaging. Some of us would rather have our kids in an environment where these characteristics are the rule and not the exception. Nothing "fraidy cat" about it.

+1000

[Anonymous]

The cul-de-sac is SOOO scary!

[Anonymous]

My child is at George Mason Elementary School and it is an excellent school - very involved parents, nice kids, challenging classes etc. Very friendly neighborhood, parents usually walking their kids to school, educated but not snooty. Really a great school and nice place to live.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The cul-de-sac is SOOO scary!

I'll make sure there will be a nice place in Ashburn for all of you, especially with the Republican Board of Supervisors.