Would you force your happy kid to switch to private from FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely not. You are about to go to middle school where opportunities to do all sorts of extras exist. Honors classes, clubs, writing for the newspaper, etc. A happy teenager is a gift--don't rock that boat.

+1 Middle school will be different/ harder and several opportunities to select something that could improve LA( besides the class) If that is an interest of your child.

[Anonymous]

I think you would get different answers if you put this in the Private School Forum. You could take him to look at some private schools, and talk about the positives, but ultimately if he is dead set against it, I wouldn't do it.

[Anonymous]

I think the school you’re considering would be a major factor in the advice I’d give. I’d be leaning towards the “no way” camp, but I’d possibly budge for certain schools. It would depend on your kid’s personality, goals and the school you’re considering.

It would be a definite no for a parochial school, most non-DC independent schools or a k-8 school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you would get different answers if you put this in the Private School Forum. You could take him to look at some private schools, and talk about the positives, but ultimately if he is dead set against it, I wouldn't do it.

OP already posted this in the private school forum and they told her to post here to get a different view.

[Anonymous]

Do you like their friends and think they and their families are a good influence? If so, maybe that's better than the people you might meet in private.

[Anonymous]

I would not do this if you have a happy, successful kid and you think their friend group is a positive influence. What middle school pyramid are you in? If you think writing in general is weak (and it’s something I think could be better in FCPS) enroll in an AOPS enrichment course, or do a Ffx collegiate or writings writing class in the summer, etc…that could be your “deal” with the kid, stay in public with some language arts enrichment each year. There are s lot of great programs available to work on writing, public speaking, etc…

Middle school changes a lot and then HS even more with honors and especially AP classes. My student in mostly APs jr year was definitely challenged.

[Anonymous]

That should have said Writopia writing class

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do this if you have a happy, successful kid and you think their friend group is a positive influence. What middle school pyramid are you in? If you think writing in general is weak (and it’s something I think could be better in FCPS) enroll in an AOPS enrichment course, or do a Ffx collegiate or writings writing class in the summer, etc…that could be your “deal” with the kid, stay in public with some language arts enrichment each year. There are s lot of great programs available to work on writing, public speaking, etc…

Middle school changes a lot and then HS even more with honors and especially AP classes. My student in mostly APs jr year was definitely challenged.

We went this route and if I had the money which this person does, I would have done private but would have found a friend for my child to attend and carpool with. Junior year is too late, and summer is best for other things than Fairfax Collegiate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP. I will add onto my comment above. You are the parent. He is 12. You obviously have a good reason to think fcps may not be the best option for your kid. No one likes change but sometimes change is necessary so we can reach our full potential. In the end, you will have to go with your gut and do what you think is in the best interest of your kid and your family. Good luck!

Do they though? I haven't read anything other than a vague desire for something "more," which seems to drive a lot of discussion on the FCPS forum.

[Anonymous]

Who wants the work of reeducating your children? The school should do that. Instead they remove homework, reading of novels, and final exams to name a few, unless your student is taking IB or AP classes.

My student is not taking very many AP classes, mostly honors, and has much fewer expectations. I did not take AP classes in high school, yet had to read books, turn in hw on time (which included papers much longer than a couple paragraphs) and had final exams on all material I learned that year.

There was a recent article in WP I think about a father from Baltimore concerned about his younger kids after his eldest nearly straight A daughter nearly flunked out of college. This is where FCPS is headed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a very happy social sixth grade son. He is a solid student, is part of student council, plays multiple sports, has lots of friends and all around good kid. We have not been happy with FCPS since Covid. There is little learning happening in the class, especially in language arts. I don’t think DS has progressed much since before Covid.

He is adamant that he does not want to switch schools and leave his friends.

Would you force him to switch?

I know he will make new friends immediately. We would like him to switch and can always return back to public.

Would you switch to private if you could easily afford it?

We have a seven figure income and can afford tuition.

FCPS has "Restorative Justice" - which allows the troublemakers to trouble everyone else. So, no - given a choice you should stay at private, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. I will add onto my comment above. You are the parent. He is 12. You obviously have a good reason to think fcps may not be the best option for your kid. No one likes change but sometimes change is necessary so we can reach our full potential. In the end, you will have to go with your gut and do what you think is in the best interest of your kid and your family. Good luck!

Do they though? I haven't read anything other than a vague desire for something "more," which seems to drive a lot of discussion on the FCPS forum.

Why else would they move then? Heck if I made a million bucks I for sure would not send my kid to fcps where they are in classes of 30+.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a very happy social sixth grade son. He is a solid student, is part of student council, plays multiple sports, has lots of friends and all around good kid. We have not been happy with FCPS since Covid. There is little learning happening in the class, especially in language arts. I don’t think DS has progressed much since before Covid.

He is adamant that he does not want to switch schools and leave his friends.

Would you force him to switch?

I know he will make new friends immediately. We would like him to switch and can always return back to public.

Would you switch to private if you could easily afford it?

We have a seven figure income and can afford tuition.

FCPS has "Restorative Justice" - which allows the troublemakers to trouble everyone else. So, no - given a choice you should stay at private, OP.

Yes exactly which is why the problematic kids get put right back in the classroom with little to no consequences. OP, if I had your income, it would be a no brainer. Consider yourself lucky that you have this option that most of us either don't have or would have to stretch a lot to make happen.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Switch him.

My parents switched me in 7th Grade to the most expensive pvt school in our area. I am guessing this was primarily for the improved academic learning environment and probably for the extra social connections. 7-12th is more than enough time for him to develop a new circle of friends. He will always have that elementary circle of friends to connect with if he chooses. Put learning first.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who has the means and does not take their child out of FCPS and place them in a quality private school is doing their child a disservice.

With very few exceptions FCPS does not do a good job preparing kids with the critical thinking, writing and math skills they will need for a top US or UK university.

If you stay in FCPS you will need to supplement your child’s education with tutors and outside educational activities.

As others have mentioned most of your child’s friends won’t be in classes or at lunch anyway. Make the effort to keep the friendships you want outside of school time.