APS - Traditional elementary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

[Anonymous]

14:01 here -- yes, that paragraph is a bit disjointed. I'm writing in between meetings and need to get back to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

It's a good school. I wish more students had access to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

Wow. You sound unhinged. People apply to ATS for various reasons. I don’t see anyone here insisting they ATS would have been good for kids not their own. All I hear is from parents who have kids at ATS saying that ATS has been a great school for their own kids and that they have had a good experience there (I’m sure there are other parents who felt the opposite and pulled their kid out).

All I’m asking as an ATS parent is not to make a judgment over why we decide to enroll our kids in ATS. You say that ATS parents send their kids to ATS because they think it’s an elite school. Why are you claiming to know the reason behind why parents send their kids to a certain school? I certainly don’t think ATS is an elite school. I sent my kids to ATS because it is diverse. Our neighborhood school, Jamestown, which is a great school from what I hear from the neighbors, has a very wealthy student population. If any school in Arlington is considered “elite” it’s Jamestown and the schools surrounding it. Tuckahoe, Jamestown, Nottingham etc have a relatively wealthy student population, an active pta (I mean tuckahoe has a home and garden show for instance), great enrichment programs and all that other good stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

Why did you care whether the school required music lessons? You're the parents, you can insist on music lessons if you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

Why did you care whether the school required music lessons? You're the parents, you can insist on music lessons if you want.

Why all the hostility? Maybe PP just likes music. Maybe PP’s daughter is really talented. Maybe she is in extended day and doesn’t have time to do music lessons after school. Maybe PP can’t afford to pay $50 plus an hour for private lessons. Also what you said can apply to anything. Why go to a school with a good arts program, or sports program, or a school that focuses on STEM. All can taught via private lessons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

Why did you care whether the school required music lessons? You're the parents, you can insist on music lessons if you want.

Why all the hostility? Maybe PP just likes music. Maybe PP’s daughter is really talented. Maybe she is in extended day and doesn’t have time to do music lessons after school. Maybe PP can’t afford to pay $50 plus an hour for private lessons. Also what you said can apply to anything. Why go to a school with a good arts program, or sports program, or a school that focuses on STEM. All can taught via private lessons.

DP. The part I don’t understand is why it matters that music lessons be mandatory. OP could sign her kid up for instrumental music at any elementary school and get the same lessons. Why is it important to pp that every other student in the class also go to music lessons?

[Anonymous]

OP: Your chances of getting into ATS your first year of K lottery is between 4% and 6%

Also, I sniff a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

My kid came from full day daycare that had a daily schedule that changed on the hour, and generally remained the same every day. She also was taught to read while there. She was a big rule follower and would get flustered when others didn't follow the rules. We found ATS to be a good fit for her. While she was a serious rule follower when she was younger, she also defied the "tucked in" rule on a regular basis when she hit 3rd grade or so -- she'd choose an oversized sweatshirt to wear, thus ensuring that Principal Hawthorne couldn't see the t-shirt hanging outside her jeans or leggings. When she was younger, she wore a lot of tunic tops with leggings -- those didn't have to be tucked in. We also definitely wanted a school that required music lessons. The arts program was also great when she was there. (She's a junior in high school now, and went to Kenmore Middle, so we definitely aren't hung up on "elite".)

Why did you care whether the school required music lessons? You're the parents, you can insist on music lessons if you want.

Why all the hostility? Maybe PP just likes music. Maybe PP’s daughter is really talented. Maybe she is in extended day and doesn’t have time to do music lessons after school. Maybe PP can’t afford to pay $50 plus an hour for private lessons. Also what you said can apply to anything. Why go to a school with a good arts program, or sports program, or a school that focuses on STEM. All can taught via private lessons.

DP. The part I don’t understand is why it matters that music lessons be mandatory. OP could sign her kid up for instrumental music at any elementary school and get the same lessons. Why is it important to pp that every other student in the class also go to music lessons?

Cuz it creates a culture in the school where the focus is on music. My kids aren’t at APS and I understand this. I would absolutely love a school where all students are forced to garden and grow their own plants. Part of the curriculum and not just some gardening club where no one joins. The forced nature of it and the fact that everyone is doing it makes it more likely my kid will know how to grow his own vegetables. Sure I can teach him but it’s even better if the school did and forced everyone to do it with him. Now everyone who applied to ATS clearly doesn’t mind the music program and the forced nature of it. People who don’t believe kids should be forced to play an instrument don’t have to apply to the school.

[Anonymous]

It seems like ATS and ATS parents can do nothing right in some people's minds. ATS is made up of 700 students, each from a unique family with unique reasons for sending their kids there. Keep an open mind about the ATS community and don't be such a hater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like ATS and ATS parents can do nothing right in some people's minds. ATS is made up of 700 students, each from a unique family with unique reasons for sending their kids there. Keep an open mind about the ATS community and don't be such a hater.

I too don’t get all the APS hate. Crazy insane parents exist in every school not just ATS. I mean our neighborhood school PTA is full of them. The rest of us just shake our heads. Our neighbors kids go to APS. Family are recent immigrants to the US. When we asked them why the applied to APS they said that someone told them a lot of immigrant kids go there and they felt that would make the transition to the US less difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

Actually, the kind of environment that is good for one child isn't that unique. There isn't a big difference in the way children learn on a cognitive level, and all kids do well with some movement, some social interaction, some outside time, clear expectations, etc. It's not like one kid is going to do best at a kid where they make him tuck in his shirt and the other isn't.

Also the idea that ATS doesn't foster independence while other schools do is just not true. I don't have experience with ATS but your typical elementary school isn't fostering independence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Also the idea that ATS doesn't foster independence while other schools do is just not true. I don't have experience with ATS but your typical elementary school isn't fostering independence.

Our elementary school talked a lot about how to make good decisions and solve problems. It stressed developmental appropriateness. I don't care if parents love rules, but rule-following is not the same thing as discipline

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Also the idea that ATS doesn't foster independence while other schools do is just not true. I don't have experience with ATS but your typical elementary school isn't fostering independence.

Our elementary school talked a lot about how to make good decisions and solve problems. It stressed developmental appropriateness. I don't care if parents love rules, but rule-following is not the same thing as discipline

So does ATS. Like all APS schools we have wonderful kind teachers and two excellent counselors. Socio emotional learning is emphasized throughout. At BTSN yesterday my first grader’s teacher emphasized the importance of allowing children to make mistakes and making sure that they know mistakes are okay, fostering independence (one of her major goals of the year), making sure children feel safe in the classroom (emotionally as well as physically)… I can go on. What bothers me about all these anti-ATS posts is that they come from people who had no experience with the school. Why make assumptions about a school you have no experience with? And why make assumptions about what an ATS parent thinks or believes when you aren’t actually that person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how parents INSIST that the ATS system is better for their kid - and usually their other kids - when the kids have never been in formal school and they have no idea what education their kid(s) will respond to.

If it is going to be a program that is different than any other school, or provide (some, maybe) value, kids should be evaluated by a the school’s administration for admission.

Parents generally send their kids there because they think it’s elite, not because it is better for the kid.

Actually, the kind of environment that is good for one child isn't that unique. There isn't a big difference in the way children learn on a cognitive level, and all kids do well with some movement, some social interaction, some outside time, clear expectations, etc. It's not like one kid is going to do best at a kid where they make him tuck in his shirt and the other isn't.

Also the idea that ATS doesn't foster independence while other schools do is just not true. I don't have experience with ATS but your typical elementary school isn't fostering independence.

To expound on this a bit:

When I think of fostering independence, I think of teachers expecting kids to self-advocate (and telling parents to back off), allowing kids to experience the consequences of their own actions instead of telling them everything they need to be doing, teaching kids to keep track of their assignments and due dates, etc.

As far as I could see, there wasn't a lot of this going on at our neighborhood school. Some, for sure, but the big focus was just teaching the kids the curriculum. And since they didn't have any homework or grades there wasn't a lot of practice being independent with anything. My oldest is at HBW and now I see the what it looks like when a school tries to foster independence.

This isn't too say I am not happy with my neighborhood school (I would be if it wasn't for the principal), it's just that I see no reason to assume that one's neighbhood school is better than ATS for fostering independence.