Is it true that the regular curriculum is the same as the AAP curriculum?

[Anonymous]

We just recently moved to the area. I know Fairfax county schools are supposed to be excellent. I'm really confused at all these different advanced programs (GT, AAP, Level III, Level IV, Young Scholars).

Can someone please explain the differences in layman's terms with no acronyms?
Is AAP the same as GT?

I'm from out of state. When I was young, I was in the gifted program. I want to say we started in 2nd grade. They pulled us out and we did various science projects, logic problems, etc. If I remember correctly, we usually attended the normal classes though. I believe math was the only class that we were separated in 3rd grade. There was advanced math, average math and remedial math. In 7th grade, we all got split into honors classes and non-honors. In high school, we were able to take a mix of honors and AP classes. I started taking AP classes in 10th grade and in 12th grade, all my classes were AP.

[Anonymous]

Yes, AAP is GT. And no, the curriculum is not the same. I have one child in AAP an one in general education and the curriculum, pace, and amount of SOL prep are very different.



All elementary schools in FCPS have Level I, II, and III AAP. These consist of differentiation and pull out programs.

Some FCPS elementary schools have Young Scholars, which is an early-identification GT program.


Some FCPS elementary schools have "Local Level IV" which is the same curriculum as the level IV center program, but at the base school. Local level IV classes consist of some kids who have been declared Level IV eligible and some kids that the principal places in the class.

Some FCPS Elementary Schools have an AAP Center Program. In the AAP Center classes there are only kids who are Level IV eligible. The curriculum is broader, deeper, and more accelerated than the curriculum in general ed. Math is taught at a minimum a year ahead, and up to algebra in elementary school.

In Middle School, there are AAP Honors Classes for those who are level IV eligible, regular honors classes for anyone who chooses them, and regular classes.

In High School, there are regular classes, honors classes, and some schools have AP classes while others have the IB diploma program.

There are plenty of opportunities for advanced instruction in FCPS, both for kids who are level IV AAP eligible and those who are not.

[Anonymous]

Great post 21:56!

All students can also access advanced mathematics, not just those in Level IV AAP.