Does it matter that your kid is/is not in AAP once they get to HS?
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Anonymous
| I know someone whose son didn't get into the AAP program (very bright) who is thinking about appealing so that they might take AAP courses in middle school if they desire. This got me to thinking, setting math aside (I know you can take Algebra I in 7th grade if you test well in 6th grade, etc.) does any of it make a difference once you get to HS? Are there certain classes you can only get into if you took AAP courses in elementary/middle school? Is there any advantage to my friend's son if he takes AAP in middle school before HS? I'm certain he'll qualify for honors courses in middle school - won't that get him to the same starting place in HS as the AAP kids? |
Anonymous
| AAP ends after the 8th grade. It does not matter in HS |
Anonymous
|
I know AAP only goes through 8th grade. I'm just wondering if, once you get to HS, you only qualify to take certain course if you were an AAP student in elementary/middle school? I think the answer is no.
If the answer is no, I'm not sure I understand why people are so bent on getting their kids into AAP. (For instance, my friend's consideration of appealing even if her son won't take AAP until 7th & 8th grade). I feel like there must be some advantage that I'm missing? |
Anonymous
yeah, bragging rights. |
Anonymous
|
They are supposed to be accelerated classes to fit the type of kids in the program.
So, in theory, yes -- there is an advantage. The class learns more, and more in-depth, than the non-AAP equivalent. But that doesn't mean necessarily that you won't qualify for the same classes in HS, coming from either program. Your question is hard to answer directly. Yes and no. It can matter, if you kid gets more out of the program, and learns more. But no, it doesn't give you an automatic ticket to some magic classes in HS. |
Anonymous
|
AAP kids tend to be accelerated in math at the high school level. But it is not true for all AAP kids.
Also, there may be issues for math acceleration in the IB program (at least at some schools) for AAP kids that are advanced in math. |
Anonymous
Your friend's issue may be centered on accelerated math in middle and high school. |
Anonymous
| I think in the past a program like AAP would lead you better into honors classes but now those are open to everyone and the same for AP and IB. Perhaps the teacher might structure the class a little differently if she or he knew a majority of children came from AAP centers or might expect a little more from them. That is all I can imagine. The main think with AAP is that they are probably more prepared for these higher level classes in high school. |
Anonymous
| Not at all. |
Anonymous
| DC is in AAP and I don't see how it could help at all in HS. |
Anonymous
Do you think it puts DC at a disadvantage? If there is no gain, why not attend your base school? Wouldn't that be easier? |
Anonymous
Very good question. Parents need to think ahead. Even taking Algebra as a 7th grader does not make sense if the student could care less about a math related major in college and have no interest at all in taking a higher than AB or BC Calc in high school. Look at what is offered, both academic, after school, friends, class size, etc, at the base school and remember, if by the time they are in high school anyone can take Honors and AP classes, and be thankful for that! |
Anonymous
DD is in AAP and it has been great for her socially as she has peers that she can really relate to (and relate to her). I think the peer interactions she's had since 3rd grade will greatly help her by the time she gets to high school. AAP is not simply about course offerings. |
Anonymous
| Agree with PP. Peer group, and also learning style. Our rising 4th grade DD enjoys doing the research, projects, etc. in AAP. |
Anonymous
| Peer group was a key factor in my hoping that my DC would get into AAP. She's in a class with kids like herself, and they inspire each other. |