Thinking of moving to Longfellow/Cooper

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

DP, but you can find that at about any FCPS high school. PP was just saying they wanted their kids exposed to greater SES diversity than exists in the Langley pyramid. It helps kids understand what they have rather than what they don't have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

I think the problem is assuming that you will only find a group of peers who prioritize academics and ECs in a completely wealthy school. That’s very closed minded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

PP who made the original comment. We landed in a well-regarded pyramid with SES diversity (relatively, it’s still a little uppity IMO) and high quality academics and extra curriculars. Kids go to the full spectrum of colleges. To think that Longfellow/Cooper are the only schools kids can get all of what you mention is laughable and shows your own closed-mindedness.

[Anonymous]

Don't really get all of the mud-slinging and negativity aimed at OP. OP asked a straightfoward question about comparing certain middle schools. Whether one agrees or disagrees with OP's views/priorities is irrelevant (and unnecessary) to answering the question.

[Anonymous]

Cooper for sure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

OP, I wouldn’t hesitate to move to the McLean pyramids. We did and have been very satisfied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

+100
Finally, someone without a chip on their shoulder speaks the truth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

PP who made the original comment. We landed in a well-regarded pyramid with SES diversity (relatively, it’s still a little uppity IMO) and high quality academics and extra curriculars. Kids go to the full spectrum of colleges. To think that Longfellow/Cooper are the only schools kids can get all of what you mention is laughable and shows your own closed-mindedness.

DP. No one said that. The above comments are directly refuting YOUR OWN closed-mindedness. Maybe practice some introspection one of these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

+100
Finally, someone without a chip on their shoulder speaks the truth.

I didn't get the impression the former Cooper teacher had a chip on their shoulder, but instead was just sounding a cautionary note.

OP has a 6th grader that they're thinking of uprooting from their friends, which would be quite disruptive. I can't see any reason to think Cooper/Langley would provide any meaningful advantage for a student over Frost/Woodson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't really get all of the mud-slinging and negativity aimed at OP. OP asked a straightfoward question about comparing certain middle schools. Whether one agrees or disagrees with OP's views/priorities is irrelevant (and unnecessary) to answering the question.

OP here, thanks for helping to stay on topic. If someone could help me find the safety stats mentioned before that would be great!

Anonymous wrote:OP, I wouldn’t hesitate to move to the McLean pyramids. We did and have been very satisfied.

Thanks for your input - however do you have personal experience from other pyramids and therefore a strong preference to McLean pyramid? And why?

Anonymous wrote:I didn't get the impression the former Cooper teacher had a chip on their shoulder, but instead was just sounding a cautionary note.

OP has a 6th grader that they're thinking of uprooting from their friends, which would be quite disruptive. I can't see any reason to think Cooper/Langley would provide any meaningful advantage for a student over Frost/Woodson.

Yeah uprooting is one negative, the extra rent and the moving hassle are negatives as well. Of course the question is if accepting those negatives is worth it to get a (potentially) safer school, a (potentially) more moderate school w.r.t politics/culture wars and (potentially) more rigor in academics.
The answer to this question is obviously subjective and I'm not asking for that. Each one here has different criteria.
I am asking if those schools have indeed those (potential) characteristics I'm looking for and to what extent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Taught at Cooper a while back. OP, the issues you mention happen everywhere. One other thing you might consider is how your child will respond to being among peers with the wealth that is in the Cooper/Langley pyramid. For some kids this wouldn't be a challenge, but for others, "keeping up" can be a thing, so something you might want to be mindful of as you make this decision. It's true that not every kid/family there lives in a mega-mansion, but when the norm seems to be that most families take multiple trips each year/students receive elaborate gifts for holidays/students have access to whatever they want, that can influence the social atmosphere in ways that might not serve your child.

This is why we did not consider this. We aren’t poor and we did not want our children to have a misunderstanding of that based on what their friends would be doing.

Too bad for your kid that you’re close-minded. My own kids benefited greatly from other kids whose families prioritized strong academics and active, meaningful extracurricular activities. So the cohort took a rigorous course load, earned good grades (yes, tutors when necessary) and also excelled in track, dance, theater, orchestra, etc. They all took the search for the “right fit” college seriously and ended up spread across the U.S. and a couple in Canada and Europe. They’ve been well prepared for college. I wouldn’t throw all this away because someone went to the Vatican for Easter or skied in the Alps last winter. Priorities, yes.

Preach!!!! agree x1000

+100
Finally, someone without a chip on their shoulder speaks the truth.

I didn't get the impression the former Cooper teacher had a chip on their shoulder, but instead was just sounding a cautionary note.

OP has a 6th grader that they're thinking of uprooting from their friends, which would be quite disruptive. I can't see any reason to think Cooper/Langley would provide any meaningful advantage for a student over Frost/Woodson.

I transferred in the middle of 5th grade (parents were military) and hardly remember anything difficult in making new friends. My current best friend went to the same grad school with me. I chat with my high school and occasional MS friends. Primary? Even if we hadn’t moved, I’m not sure.

Quit a better school and same/more aspiring peers for people who would be gone from my life?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't really get all of the mud-slinging and negativity aimed at OP. OP asked a straightfoward question about comparing certain middle schools. Whether one agrees or disagrees with OP's views/priorities is irrelevant (and unnecessary) to answering the question.

OP here, thanks for helping to stay on topic. If someone could help me find the safety stats mentioned before that would be great!

Anonymous wrote:OP, I wouldn’t hesitate to move to the McLean pyramids. We did and have been very satisfied.

Thanks for your input - however do you have personal experience from other pyramids and therefore a strong preference to McLean pyramid? And why?

Anonymous wrote:I didn't get the impression the former Cooper teacher had a chip on their shoulder, but instead was just sounding a cautionary note.

OP has a 6th grader that they're thinking of uprooting from their friends, which would be quite disruptive. I can't see any reason to think Cooper/Langley would provide any meaningful advantage for a student over Frost/Woodson.

Yeah uprooting is one negative, the extra rent and the moving hassle are negatives as well. Of course the question is if accepting those negatives is worth it to get a (potentially) safer school, a (potentially) more moderate school w.r.t politics/culture wars and (potentially) more rigor in academics.
The answer to this question is obviously subjective and I'm not asking for that. Each one here has different criteria.
I am asking if those schools have indeed those (potential) characteristics I'm looking for and to what extent.

You're not moving from Anacostia, or even Mount Vernon. You won't notice a difference.

[Anonymous]

For disciplinary data, go to FCPS school profles, pick school you are interested in, click on "Safe and Secure" tab. Not sure this really gives you an impression of what is really going on in the school, but this is the kids who got cuaght!

For example, Carson MS

https://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:2:::NO:0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID,P0_EDSL:171,0