Alexandria's ban on Thomas Jefferson magnet school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private.

But, I’m fine with ACPS doing it’s own thing. TJ has a 15% admit rate. There are plenty of smart, motivated FCPS kids to fill the slots ACPS isn’t using.

People do this, yes, but anyone who doesn't buy in Alexandria because of the TJ policy really needs a reality check.

Maybe Alexandria needs a reality check about how its anti-TJ policies repel many highly educated parents.

I'm all for educated parents staying in Alexandria, but you can take that extremist tiger-mom bullshit somewhere else.

There's nothing extremist about wanting TJ to be a potential option. You are part of the reason ACPS is so mediocre (at best).

And you're the reason why children become depressed and suicidal. Look, I'm not saying ACPS doesn't need to do a better job, but avoiding the city because of its TJ policy---in the unlikely chance that your child will get into TJ---strikes me as way over the top. But you do you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good for Alexandria. The jury is still out on whether TJ has had a positive or negative impact on other NoVa schools.

Like anyone whose kid gets into TJ is going to GAF about the effect on other NoVa schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private.

But, I’m fine with ACPS doing it’s own thing. TJ has a 15% admit rate. There are plenty of smart, motivated FCPS kids to fill the slots ACPS isn’t using.

People do this, yes, but anyone who doesn't buy in Alexandria because of the TJ policy really needs a reality check.

Maybe Alexandria needs a reality check about how its anti-TJ policies repel many highly educated parents.

I'm all for educated parents staying in Alexandria, but you can take that extremist tiger-mom bullshit somewhere else.

There's nothing extremist about wanting TJ to be a potential option. You are part of the reason ACPS is so mediocre (at best).

And you're the reason why children become depressed and suicidal. Look, I'm not saying ACPS doesn't need to do a better job, but avoiding the city because of its TJ policy---in the unlikely chance that your child will get into TJ---strikes me as way over the top. But you do you.

If you think children become depressed and suicidal merely because their parents decided to purchase a home in a jurisdiction that participates in TJ, it's no wonder TC and its feeders struggle.

Big difference between wanting the option and cramming TJ down a kid's throat. Alexandria forecloses the option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private.

But, I’m fine with ACPS doing it’s own thing. TJ has a 15% admit rate. There are plenty of smart, motivated FCPS kids to fill the slots ACPS isn’t using.

People do this, yes, but anyone who doesn't buy in Alexandria because of the TJ policy really needs a reality check.

Maybe Alexandria needs a reality check about how its anti-TJ policies repel many highly educated parents.

I'm all for educated parents staying in Alexandria, but you can take that extremist tiger-mom bullshit somewhere else.

There's nothing extremist about wanting TJ to be a potential option. You are part of the reason ACPS is so mediocre (at best).

And you're the reason why children become depressed and suicidal. Look, I'm not saying ACPS doesn't need to do a better job, but avoiding the city because of its TJ policy---in the unlikely chance that your child will get into TJ---strikes me as way over the top. But you do you.

If you think children become depressed and suicidal merely because their parents decided to purchase a home in a jurisdiction that participates in TJ, it's no wonder TC and its feeders struggle.

Big difference between wanting the option and cramming TJ down a kid's throat. Alexandria forecloses the option.

There's a big difference between purchasing a home in a jurisdiction that participates in TJ, and purchasing a home in a jurisdiction because it participates in TJ. A normal person will look for a school district that will help a child grow academically, recognizing that many places offer a chance for a student to get into an HYP (or whatever your goal is). A tightly-wound, extremist tiger-mom will only live in a district that participates in TJ and remind her child everyday that she has some expectations to meet. You somehow strike me as someone who belongs to the latter category, and not the former.

[Anonymous]

Wasn't Arlington considering dropping their participation? It was part of this year's proposed budget....

[Anonymous]

ACPS resident here who went to a magnet school comparable to TJ in another state (and ranked the same or higher in national high school rankings over the years). I am happy with the policy staying as it is even though I know it means my own kids won't have a shot at the magnet school experience I had.

To the poster looking for data v. anecdotes about high achieving students: to participate in TJ is not just $X per jurisdiction resident who gets in; it requires yearly lump sum payments to TJ (in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range) regardless of whether any Alexandria city resident kids get in/attend. Meaning, it is likely that some years ACPS would be transferring large sums of money to a school that serves no city residents. Even in years where city resident kids got in, the projected number last time I looked was potentially 2-4 students. That's a really small number of students for such a large outlay of taxpayer dollars.

Given the huge needs for improved or new facilities in ACPS and our serious budget constraints in the city as a whole, I would much rather have that money invested in our own schools where we know Alexandria resident students will benefit. As a taxpayer, I would consider sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to TJ a misuse of funds. Indeed, in recent years TC improved science facilities and created a great STEM/Health Sciences program in collaboration with George Washington University. I'm glad our tax dollars went to those things - that will benefit lots of city resident students - than to TJ just for the possibility that a handful of students (my kids included) might get in.

Of course people can vote with their feet. I know people who moved to Fairfax in the elementary school years because of the ACPS policy. They wanted their kid to have a shot at TJ. Their kid didn't get in to TJ. I'm sure there are others who did the same with various levels of success. We're staying put because we love our community and because we know our kids can excel at TC.

[Anonymous]

Every child in Virginia who is capable should have the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend it's own state magnet school.

No tax receiveing as well as tax paying locality in Virginia should deny their constituents this. ACPS is just wrong and has been wrong on this for decades and it's not a good look for the Alexandria City.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private And you're the reason why children become depressed and suicidal. Look, I'm not saying ACPS doesn't need to do a better job, but avoiding the city because of its TJ policy---in the unlikely chance that your child will get into TJ---strikes me as way over the top. But you do you.

I made sure I lived in a place where my son could go to TJ. It was not over the top and he didn't need to be pushed at all. So I did me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private And you're the reason why children become depressed and suicidal. Look, I'm not saying ACPS doesn't need to do a better job, but avoiding the city because of its TJ policy---in the unlikely chance that your child will get into TJ---strikes me as way over the top. But you do you.

I made sure I lived in a place where my son could go to TJ. It was not over the top and he didn't need to be pushed at all. So I did me.

Cool story

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ACPS resident here who went to a magnet school comparable to TJ in another state (and ranked the same or higher in national high school rankings over the years). I am happy with the policy staying as it is even though I know it means my own kids won't have a shot at the magnet school experience I had.

To the poster looking for data v. anecdotes about high achieving students: to participate in TJ is not just $X per jurisdiction resident who gets in; it requires yearly lump sum payments to TJ (in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range) regardless of whether any Alexandria city resident kids get in/attend. Meaning, it is likely that some years ACPS would be transferring large sums of money to a school that serves no city residents. Even in years where city resident kids got in, the projected number last time I looked was potentially 2-4 students. That's a really small number of students for such a large outlay of taxpayer dollars.

Given the huge needs for improved or new facilities in ACPS and our serious budget constraints in the city as a whole, I would much rather have that money invested in our own schools where we know Alexandria resident students will benefit. As a taxpayer, I would consider sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to TJ a misuse of funds. Indeed, in recent years TC improved science facilities and created a great STEM/Health Sciences program in collaboration with George Washington University. I'm glad our tax dollars went to those things - that will benefit lots of city resident students - than to TJ just for the possibility that a handful of students (my kids included) might get in.

Of course people can vote with their feet. I know people who moved to Fairfax in the elementary school years because of the ACPS policy. They wanted their kid to have a shot at TJ. Their kid didn't get in to TJ. I'm sure there are others who did the same with various levels of success. We're staying put because we love our community and because we know our kids can excel at TC.

You're very cavalierly dismissing those peers who are no longer in ACPS. That's why ACPS should allow their residents to go to TJ. Not because of the 2-4 kids who might go to TJ but because of the many students who would attend TC but for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ and there are definitely highly educated parents with smart kids refusing to buy in Alexandria because of the schools in general and TJ policy specifically. As in, I personally know several people in my neighborhood who avoids ACPS when house hunting. Because the schools. TJ improves the AAP middle schools as kids work towards applying. And kids who just miss TJ attend Oakton, McLean, Langley, Chantilly and form a smart, motivated core in the top 10% of their class. (I have one of these kids too).

Not having access to TJ hurts ACPS and Alexandria property values. We are looking at moving to Alexandria— after our kids start college and we don’t have to put them in the school system or pay for private.

But, I’m fine with ACPS doing it’s own thing. TJ has a 15% admit rate. There are plenty of smart, motivated FCPS kids to fill the slots ACPS isn’t using.

People do this, yes, but anyone who doesn't buy in Alexandria because of the TJ policy really needs a reality check.

I just heard terrible things about the schools overall - especially TC Williams. I have friends that moved to get away from TC Williams.

Funny, I've heard nothing but good things about TC Williams. They seem to do a good job supporting motivated, high-achieving students. It's the middle school that's the weakest link.

And a pathway to TJ would encourage smart kids to stay in the MS and work hard.

Plus when you praise tC, I’m assuming your kid is on the Yale track, and not the equally large jail track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every child in Virginia who is capable should have the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend it's own state magnet school.

No tax receiveing as well as tax paying locality in Virginia should deny their constituents this. ACPS is just wrong and has been wrong on this for decades and it's not a good look for the Alexandria City.

And it’s reflected in the shitty schools. Alexandria has made its choice. They can live with it. More slots for other jurisdictions.

As to the hundreds of thousands of dollars PP, that’s just BS. There is an upcharge for non-FCPS schools to help pay off the bonds that funded the renovation. It’s aboit $1000-$2000 per pupil. loudoun sends a bunch of kids an may well be looking at $100,000. If ACPs sent 2 kids a year, it would be less than $15,000.

[Anonymous]

ACPS decided they could do it better and so they created the STEM academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACPS resident here who went to a magnet school comparable to TJ in another state (and ranked the same or higher in national high school rankings over the years). I am happy with the policy staying as it is even though I know it means my own kids won't have a shot at the magnet school experience I had.

To the poster looking for data v. anecdotes about high achieving students: to participate in TJ is not just $X per jurisdiction resident who gets in; it requires yearly lump sum payments to TJ (in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range) regardless of whether any Alexandria city resident kids get in/attend. Meaning, it is likely that some years ACPS would be transferring large sums of money to a school that serves no city residents. Even in years where city resident kids got in, the projected number last time I looked was potentially 2-4 students. That's a really small number of students for such a large outlay of taxpayer dollars.

Given the huge needs for improved or new facilities in ACPS and our serious budget constraints in the city as a whole, I would much rather have that money invested in our own schools where we know Alexandria resident students will benefit. As a taxpayer, I would consider sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to TJ a misuse of funds. Indeed, in recent years TC improved science facilities and created a great STEM/Health Sciences program in collaboration with George Washington University. I'm glad our tax dollars went to those things - that will benefit lots of city resident students - than to TJ just for the possibility that a handful of students (my kids included) might get in.

Of course people can vote with their feet. I know people who moved to Fairfax in the elementary school years because of the ACPS policy. They wanted their kid to have a shot at TJ. Their kid didn't get in to TJ. I'm sure there are others who did the same with various levels of success. We're staying put because we love our community and because we know our kids can excel at TC.

You're very cavalierly dismissing those peers who are no longer in ACPS. That's why ACPS should allow their residents to go to TJ. Not because of the 2-4 kids who might go to TJ but because of the many students who would attend TC but for that.

And God knows TC could use the help. 9 of the top 11 HSs in VA are FCPS in the New US News rankings.. 23 of the 25 FCPS high schools were in the top 100 in VA, with Lee and Mt. Vernon missing the cut. (But Lee only barely missing it at #122). Mt. Vernon is #211. It has a daycare center on the school property for students’ children, grants fewer than 5 IB diplomas a year, and any parents with education or money AP place their kids out or send their kids to private.

Arlington Schools came in: 13 (Yorktown), 23 (WL) and 69 (Wakefield).

FC Public Schools (Mason) was 12th


Loudoun has 15 schools ranked 16 to 157.

I excluded “adult” and “alternative” HSs from all jurisdictions.

Then we get to ACPS. TC Williams was ranked #259 in VA. By far the worst of any school in APS, Falls Church Public Schools, FCPS or LCPS With proficiency tests and graduation rate noted as “well below state median”. Also, ranked 130 places below any other NOVA HS except Mt. Vernon. This is where you want to send your kid? Because in the battle for Yale vs Jail, it looks like jail is winning. I certainly wouldn’t send my kid there . 83% graduation rate? 74 percent non-Asian minority?, 46% low income? 46% not proficient in math and 31% not proficient in English?

Alexandria is an easy commute to DC and has some good housing stock. It’s baffling that their schools suck so badly.
Because they should be attracting smart, affluent parents. Encouraging smart kids to stay by making TJ an option, and making Tac desirable to TJ finalists not chosen would probably help.

But hey, if you are fine with your kid going to the 259th best high school in VA (out of 330 schools ranked) good for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ACPS decided they could do it better and so they created the STEM academy.

And they are ranked below 200. So, how’s that working out for them?