WOW! This AAP thing is interesting.
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Anonymous
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I just started looking at this forum (and all of the discussion regarding AAP) in prepping for a move from VA Beach to NOVA next year (Husband is a Military Officer and we will be transferring up there). Things are done a little differently in Virginia Beach. AAP doesn't start until High School, before that the program is called GT. Our older child attends Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented (a magnet school for 2-5th graders) for general studies and for dance one full day a week (we also have a pull out one day per week art program here). Our other elementary child has been identified for gifted services and will receive them at our neighborhood school (was not accepted into ODC). We have two younger children who will be starting elementary in the next few years. Around here, there isn't any intense prepping or comparing of scores as it seems like you have. Either your kids gets in or not, no biggie. All first and fifth graders are tested (no outside tests are accepted) and kids are identified gifted and may qualify for the elementary and/or middle magnet school. There are academy programs at the high school level that kids can also apply for other than their home school... this to me, seems more balanced. I want to say that about 5% of kids test gifted around here.
ODC ranks one or two statewide as far as elementary school, not sure about the Kemps Landing Middle (never checked it) and our local elementary school ranks 89 in the state. From what I am seeing on this board, Fairfax (where we would like to live) scores well, but I am not sure I want my kids in schools where other kids are so aware of test scores etc. As a military spouse I am always ready to homeschool if a duty station provides us with not so great alternatives. I didn't think Fairfax would fall in that category, but maybe it will. Thoughts? I have very social, smart, happy kids right now. I don't want them to be in a high stress school environment that only looks at test scores and from what I am seeing there seems to be an undo amount of stress on that in NOVA. |
Anonymous
| 90% of FCPS students in AAP received no prepping for the test. |
Anonymous
Good luck with your relocation to NoVA! |
Anonymous
I had heard it was 37%. Can you please cite your source? |
Anonymous
| I saw it on an internet site |
Anonymous
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My kids in AAP are very social and happy with no stress.
Why because they are smart (top 1% according to test scores with minimal prepping) and AAP is a program for them. |
Anonymous
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Certain parts of the county are more intense (obsessed) with AAP than others. There are plenty of people (and schools) that are not focussed on AAP. Really.
If you move to areas like Burke, Springfield or Alexandria, you will not experience what you are seeing on this board. |
Anonymous
| If you move to Vienna, McLean, or Great Falls and ignore the forums you will not see the reported activity. |
Anonymous
| DC got in with a 115 CogAt and is thriving!!! |
Anonymous
| Keep in mind this board (and internet forums in general) attracts a particular type of person. Your real life experiences in NoVa will be much different. |
Anonymous
Case in point: This poster jumps at a chance to mention her kid got in, when it really has nothing to do with the OP and her concerns. In real life, this poster hasn't embroidered her DC's score on her cardigan for the world to see (or have you?). It's this forum that brings out the worst in people. |
Anonymous
Well stated. This board is chock full of us folks that are overbearing parents. And to think that I *GASP* had to take full responsibility for my education and schooling when I was going through public schools. |
Anonymous
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There is a subset of parents in northern VA who will scheme, prep, and beg to get their kids into the GT (AAP "advanced academics") program...but most parents are normal and most kids are there on their own merit with valid test scores in the top 1-2%.
It may be a good idea to be in contact with FCPS's AAP office before your move to assure that your children are placed appropriately without having to switch schools once the school year has started. If you can ignore the nuts, the AAP center schools are really the best place to be. And if you move to a home that is slated for a school that is an AAP center, all of your kids can attend school together. Those who qualify will be in classrooms that are exclusively AAP kids and those who don't will be in general ed classes at the same school. |
Anonymous
| Or, you can just move to Arlington where they differentiate within the classroom with a few pullout services. I've never had a single conversation with another parent about gifted services or any of that stuff. |
Anonymous
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Hi, my family was in the same boat (so to speak) a while back- military officer dad and family moving here from Norfolk. First of all, what they are now calling AAP here is the same as what they call GT in the Tidewater area. AAP (Advanced Academic Program) may have made you think of AP (Advanced Placement) which, you are right, is a high school program, but they are two different things.
There are lots of military people around here, so you will not feel out of place. Lots of us settle in the Burke, West Springfield, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station areas. You'll find good schools and nice neighborhoods with lots of community organizations and activities for you and your children. When you know where you'll be living, you can make an appointment and take your children's records into the school. They'll help you sort out the best classroom situation for each child. A PP gave good advice to look for a house that feeds to a school with a GT/AAP center- it would be easier to have all your kids in one school. Be sure to look ahead at the middle school and high school for the area also, even if you think you'll have moved on by then. We thought that too and ended up liking it here well enough to retire here! Welcome and good luck! Feel free to ask more questions as you think of them! |