South Arlington elementary school boundary adjustments 2019

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

2/3 VPI preference.

Choice programs north of 50 = designed to benefit UMC
Choice programs south of 50 = designed to benefit working poor*

Not a bad thing, but it would be great if Alcova Heights, Douglas Park, Barcroft neighborhoods and other surrounding SFH neighborhoods were also being well served.

What choice program N of 50 are designed to benefit the UMC? The only option schools N of 50 are ATS, which is countywide, and Key, which serves N and S Arlington on the eastern half.

You aren’t looking at context. Science focus, Key, ATS, the team model was all set up to better serve upper middle class families when the demographics were different.
Ya know... when houses were 650k and there was a bit more diversity.

But they think it was all a mistake. Don't you see? They aren't looking to repeat that model. This doesn't mean I agree with them, but it is what it is.

It’s a mistake for THEM now. It’s the best path for US now. You advocate for your self interest. North Arlington just gave us a master class on that. It’s time to follow suit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

2/3 VPI preference.

Choice programs north of 50 = designed to benefit UMC
Choice programs south of 50 = designed to benefit working poor*

Not a bad thing, but it would be great if Alcova Heights, Douglas Park, Barcroft neighborhoods and other surrounding SFH neighborhoods were also being well served.

What choice program N of 50 are designed to benefit the UMC? The only option schools N of 50 are ATS, which is countywide, and Key, which serves N and S Arlington on the eastern half.

You aren’t looking at context. Science focus, Key, ATS, the team model was all set up to better serve upper middle class families when the demographics were different.
Ya know... when houses were 650k and there was a bit more diversity.

But they think it was all a mistake. Don't you see? They aren't looking to repeat that model. This doesn't mean I agree with them, but it is what it is.

If they don't want to repeat that model, they should just go ahead and allow ASFS to be countywide lottery. Let the people with spots already stay, open the rest to ALL of Arlington. There's no reason that it should only be a lottery school for half the county. That would go a long way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

I think closing the satellite locations is intentional and is an effort to retain preschoolers. They know that most families at the satellite locations were using them just for preschool and then switching over to the Option program or neighborhood school after K. So, if they're all located in one place that's probably less convenient for the families who were using the satellite locations, you've already selected out the families who aren't interested in Montessori for its pedagogy rather than its convenience. They think it means the preschool kids will be more likely to stay all the way through 5th. Not sure if this is how it'll pan out. But it does mean that there won't be any space for new people at the ES level. They're expanding from the bottom up. The program will grow, but if you're already at ES level, it's too late for you.

Montessori poster here. I don't follow your point, which I'm sure is my fault and not yours. We are a Drew family, so I don't understand the satellite programs as fully. I will say, though, that I had also previously had the impression that satellite preschoolers were also guaranteed Montessori through elem at Drew. That now is plainly different, and I don't know if I misunderstood initially or if the rule changed.

Students at the satellite locations do have a guarantee to attend the Montessori program at Drew to continue through ES. But not many opt not to continue in Montessori, preferring to attend the option/neighborhood school in which the satellites were located. So Montessori was "losing" students at 1st grade and therefore had some spots available to newcomers. However, now that satellites are closing, the theory is there won't be that same attrition. And I think they're correct. But that means you have to apply to Montessori at Henry if you want the chance at ES. They'll add more preschool classrooms at the new school and the school will "grow" from the preschool upward.

I think I see what you're saying as it applies to future students: preschoolers can now only get access to Montessori while at Henry, so they're likely to then continue at Henry having already made that commitment to go outside their neighborhood (as opposed to attending Montessori at a satellite location). But parents of current students seem to be upset, as though they are no longer guaranteed access to Montessori coming from a satellite site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

I think closing the satellite locations is intentional and is an effort to retain preschoolers. They know that most families at the satellite locations were using them just for preschool and then switching over to the Option program or neighborhood school after K. So, if they're all located in one place that's probably less convenient for the families who were using the satellite locations, you've already selected out the families who aren't interested in Montessori for its pedagogy rather than its convenience. They think it means the preschool kids will be more likely to stay all the way through 5th. Not sure if this is how it'll pan out. But it does mean that there won't be any space for new people at the ES level. They're expanding from the bottom up. The program will grow, but if you're already at ES level, it's too late for you.

Montessori poster here. I don't follow your point, which I'm sure is my fault and not yours. We are a Drew family, so I don't understand the satellite programs as fully. I will say, though, that I had also previously had the impression that satellite preschoolers were also guaranteed Montessori through elem at Drew. That now is plainly different, and I don't know if I misunderstood initially or if the rule changed.

Students at the satellite locations do have a guarantee to attend the Montessori program at Drew to continue through ES. But not many opt not to continue in Montessori, preferring to attend the option/neighborhood school in which the satellites were located. So Montessori was "losing" students at 1st grade and therefore had some spots available to newcomers. However, now that satellites are closing, the theory is there won't be that same attrition. And I think they're correct. But that means you have to apply to Montessori at Henry if you want the chance at ES. They'll add more preschool classrooms at the new school and the school will "grow" from the preschool upward.

So if we don't get a spot at the preschool level, we can't get in. If we do get a spot, we pay the tuition, struggle with summer daycare and aftercare programs, all to get a spot in the elementary. I doubt the county looks at it this way, but this sure seems like a recipe to discourage middle class working families from enrolling. We're a two income household and with kids, full day programs are the backbone of our existence. I'm not saying we would not make the sacrifice if we decided we wanted the spot, but it does irritate me that public school is such a goat rope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

2/3 VPI preference.

Choice programs north of 50 = designed to benefit UMC
Choice programs south of 50 = designed to benefit working poor*

Not a bad thing, but it would be great if Alcova Heights, Douglas Park, Barcroft neighborhoods and other surrounding SFH neighborhoods were also being well served.

What choice program N of 50 are designed to benefit the UMC? The only option schools N of 50 are ATS, which is countywide, and Key, which serves N and S Arlington on the eastern half.

You aren’t looking at context. Science focus, Key, ATS, the team model was all set up to better serve upper middle class families when the demographics were different.
Ya know... when houses were 650k and there was a bit more diversity.

But they think it was all a mistake. Don't you see? They aren't looking to repeat that model. This doesn't mean I agree with them, but it is what it is.

If they don't want to repeat that model, they should just go ahead and allow ASFS to be countywide lottery. Let the people with spots already stay, open the rest to ALL of Arlington. There's no reason that it should only be a lottery school for half the county. That would go a long way.

Huh? No, ASFS isn't an option school any more. It's a neighborhood school only. No more transfers from anywhere. It will probably have a different boundary, but it's not an option unless you live within that boundary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

2/3 VPI preference.

Choice programs north of 50 = designed to benefit UMC
Choice programs south of 50 = designed to benefit working poor*

Not a bad thing, but it would be great if Alcova Heights, Douglas Park, Barcroft neighborhoods and other surrounding SFH neighborhoods were also being well served.

What choice program N of 50 are designed to benefit the UMC? The only option schools N of 50 are ATS, which is countywide, and Key, which serves N and S Arlington on the eastern half.

You aren’t looking at context. Science focus, Key, ATS, the team model was all set up to better serve upper middle class families when the demographics were different.
Ya know... when houses were 650k and there was a bit more diversity.

But they think it was all a mistake. Don't you see? They aren't looking to repeat that model. This doesn't mean I agree with them, but it is what it is.

It’s a mistake for THEM now. It’s the best path for US now. You advocate for your self interest. North Arlington just gave us a master class on that. It’s time to follow suit.

As long as we have at-large representation it won't matter. It's shouting into the wind. Even the SB and CB member who live in s Arlington work for n Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ on the Montessori point, my child is in the Drew program and got in as a preschooler. At the time we applied, it was my understanding that entrance as a 3 year old was the only way to guarantee access to Montessori as an elementary student. That hasn't changed and I don't know why it would change simply because Montessori is going to a new building. I don't think there's anything being "designed" to retain preschoolers more than in prior years, unless maybe people think that the Henry location is more convenient and therefore are less likely to re-route their kids to their home elem starting in K. Frankly, I was confused as to why so many parents seemed to think otherwise at the Montessori meeting the other night.

That said, I also think it's pretty clear from the Montessori meeting and from the reality of Arlington's school-age population that the Montessori program will expand once located at Henry. They have done projections to expand it out to 700+ students, from its current status at around 460 students. It's not going to happen next year, so doesn't do parents of current private/sattelite Montessori programs any good, but it seems inevitable that it will expand down the line.

I think closing the satellite locations is intentional and is an effort to retain preschoolers. They know that most families at the satellite locations were using them just for preschool and then switching over to the Option program or neighborhood school after K. So, if they're all located in one place that's probably less convenient for the families who were using the satellite locations, you've already selected out the families who aren't interested in Montessori for its pedagogy rather than its convenience. They think it means the preschool kids will be more likely to stay all the way through 5th. Not sure if this is how it'll pan out. But it does mean that there won't be any space for new people at the ES level. They're expanding from the bottom up. The program will grow, but if you're already at ES level, it's too late for you.

Montessori poster here. I don't follow your point, which I'm sure is my fault and not yours. We are a Drew family, so I don't understand the satellite programs as fully. I will say, though, that I had also previously had the impression that satellite preschoolers were also guaranteed Montessori through elem at Drew. That now is plainly different, and I don't know if I misunderstood initially or if the rule changed.

Students at the satellite locations do have a guarantee to attend the Montessori program at Drew to continue through ES. But not many opt not to continue in Montessori, preferring to attend the option/neighborhood school in which the satellites were located. So Montessori was "losing" students at 1st grade and therefore had some spots available to newcomers. However, now that satellites are closing, the theory is there won't be that same attrition. And I think they're correct. But that means you have to apply to Montessori at Henry if you want the chance at ES. They'll add more preschool classrooms at the new school and the school will "grow" from the preschool upward.

I think I see what you're saying as it applies to future students: preschoolers can now only get access to Montessori while at Henry, so they're likely to then continue at Henry having already made that commitment to go outside their neighborhood (as opposed to attending Montessori at a satellite location). But parents of current students seem to be upset, as though they are no longer guaranteed access to Montessori coming from a satellite site.

Honestly, that may be the case. I don't know, I wasn't at the meeting and haven't been following that closely. Our school was just informed that the satellite location was being dissolved. Most kids are younger siblings who had no intention of moving to Drew (or even Henry when it opens). So I don't really know whether they've even looked into whether their kids have a spot for next year or a promise to attend the Montessori ES after preschool. I thought, based on APS recommendations, that the plan was to move all the preschool classes over to the new school to grow the program from the preschool up for a few reasons: attrition and fidelity to the Montessori method (which I guess was maybe not as stringent at the satellite locations). It seemed to me like the complaint that students can't get in at ES (coming from private) would not addressed by the way in which they intend to grow the program. But maybe I've misunderstood. Maybe they are going to add more 1-5 grade classes.

[Anonymous]

This isn’t NVD’s SB anymore. I think Bab’s is willing to entertain possibilities.
O’Grady loves choice
Reid literally lives in the Randolph neighborhood


This is as good as we could possibly hope. I don’t think it’s outlandish to consider this ( VERY SMALL) boundary adjustment. It’s barely a change at all.
But I do hope people are getting some clarity about this situation.
We all won’t be at Fleet.
We all won’t make it into Henry/Montessori
We might have slots at Key ( have fun with that drop off)
If we keep things as they are Randolph and Barcroft both continue to have crappy demographics.
We might be able to boost one.
Pick your poison.

[Anonymous]

^^^ Montessori again, sorry if this is a derailment. It appears to be correct that they are going to grow the program from the younger ages, and maybe add 6th grade as well. None of that is decided yet, but seems to be the way they're leaning. It just doesn't help parents of current Montessori satellite/private students.

Anyway. It doesn't much matter in the scheme of APS and the boundary re-draws, and it certainly doesn't go far to address the other issues in the South Arlington schools. As a PP pointed out, to take advantage you have to both hit the lottery and be willing to incur large additional costs for the PK years. We were, but it required us to get a nanny at a significant premium over what our daycare costs were. I'm sure not every family is willing or able to do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^^ Montessori again, sorry if this is a derailment. It appears to be correct that they are going to grow the program from the younger ages, and maybe add 6th grade as well. None of that is decided yet, but seems to be the way they're leaning. It just doesn't help parents of current Montessori satellite/private students.

Anyway. It doesn't much matter in the scheme of APS and the boundary re-draws, and it certainly doesn't go far to address the other issues in the South Arlington schools. As a PP pointed out, to take advantage you have to both hit the lottery and be willing to incur large additional costs for the PK years. We were, but it required us to get a nanny at a significant premium over what our daycare costs were. I'm sure not every family is willing or able to do that.

Punishing young middle class families is Arlington’s favorite past time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This isn’t NVD’s SB anymore. I think Bab’s is willing to entertain possibilities.
O’Grady loves choice
Reid literally lives in the Randolph neighborhood


This is as good as we could possibly hope. I don’t think it’s outlandish to consider this ( VERY SMALL) boundary adjustment. It’s barely a change at all.
But I do hope people are getting some clarity about this situation.
We all won’t be at Fleet.
We all won’t make it into Henry/Montessori
We might have slots at Key ( have fun with that drop off)
If we keep things as they are Randolph and Barcroft both continue to have crappy demographics.
We might be able to boost one.
Pick your poison.

So let me get this straight, you're advocating that the SB bus all the poor kids that live in your neighborhood to a different neighborhood school? Okay. Have fun with that.

Also, if you're going to pick a school to boost, you might want to start with the one that already has a significantly lower fr/l rate, is in better physical condition, and has a higher PTA budget. Seems like you're going for the more challenging turn around. I wonder why that is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This isn’t NVD’s SB anymore. I think Bab’s is willing to entertain possibilities.
O’Grady loves choice
Reid literally lives in the Randolph neighborhood


This is as good as we could possibly hope. I don’t think it’s outlandish to consider this ( VERY SMALL) boundary adjustment. It’s barely a change at all.
But I do hope people are getting some clarity about this situation.
We all won’t be at Fleet.
We all won’t make it into Henry/Montessori
We might have slots at Key ( have fun with that drop off)
If we keep things as they are Randolph and Barcroft both continue to have crappy demographics.
We might be able to boost one.
Pick your poison.

So let me get this straight, you're advocating that the SB bus all the poor kids that live in your neighborhood to a different neighborhood school? Okay. Have fun with that.

Also, if you're going to pick a school to boost, you might want to start with the one that already has a significantly lower fr/l rate, is in better physical condition, and has a higher PTA budget. Seems like you're going for the more challenging turn around. I wonder why that is.

I am not zoned to Randolph. I’m looking at the map and trying to figure out how you turn the ship around. It was said up thread that we focus on one school at a time. I think this is a sound idea. I’m not sure where you are getting “ bus all the poor kids that live in my neighborhood” from. Please look at the map (you don’t seem very familiar). There is plenty of Barcroft Apartments- not to mention Quebec, Westmont garden, Oakland’s, and eventually the new CAF’s project going up at The Presbyterian Church that would remain in bounds.
What other school are you suggesting we target, and how do we get there?
The goal being farms rate under 60%.

[Anonymous]

With the new Presbyterian church development Barcroft will be closer to Randolph in demographics.

[Anonymous]

^^ I would add farms with below 60% farms and everyone has access.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With the new Presbyterian church development Barcroft will be closer to Randolph in demographics.

I suspect I’ve been conversing with a Barcoft parent. It’s hard to accept what happened over there. That school was on an upward trajectory. It was poised to be the next Henry. What the county did is inexcusable, but I think we have to move past that now.