what are the best elementary schools in Fairfax Co?

[Anonymous]

You are looking at 5 year old articles. Haycock has already been approved and is in process of renovations over the next couple of years. Once complete, forget about buying in to this fabulous school district at a relatively affordable price.

Anonymous wrote:Link to Haycock PTA overcrowding talking points memo from 2009
http://haycockpta.org/files/Haycocks_overcrowding_talking_points.pdf

Link to the May 2009 Mclean Connections newspaper includes an article on page 4 of the pdf. titled. Haycock Elementary Looks for Relief: PTA at old, overcrowded, un-renovated school demand answers" The problems have only worsened since 2009.
http://connectionarchives.com/PDF/2009/052009/McLean.pdf

Another article
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2007/jan/24/parents-oppose-boundary-change-adjustment/

[Anonymous]

From last month: Haycock Renovation, we’re on our way! Our planning team, which consists of teachers, administrators, and parents, met with the architects a few weeks ago and began the dialogue of our wants, hopes and wishes for a new building. We’re about 2 years from demolition, but it’s exciting to begin the process. Once we have finalized the architectural plans, we’ll share them with the community.

[Anonymous]

Where will the students go during the renovation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where will the students go during the renovation?

They'll move into modulars/trailers during the renovation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are looking at 5 year old articles. Haycock has already been approved and is in process of renovations over the next couple of years. Once complete, forget about buying in to this fabulous school district at a relatively affordable price.

It will still be more affordable than McLean or parts of North Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From last month: Haycock Renovation, we’re on our way! Our planning team, which consists of teachers, administrators, and parents, met with the architects a few weeks ago and began the dialogue of our wants, hopes and wishes for a new building. We’re about 2 years from demolition, but it’s exciting to begin the process. Once we have finalized the architectural plans, we’ll share them with the community.

The school is 300 students over capacity now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are looking at 5 year old articles. Haycock has already been approved and is in process of renovations over the next couple of years. Once complete, forget about buying in to this fabulous school district at a relatively affordable price.

Anonymous wrote:Link to Haycock PTA overcrowding talking points memo from 2009
http://haycockpta.org/files/Haycocks_overcrowding_talking_points.pdf

Link to the May 2009 Mclean Connections newspaper includes an article on page 4 of the pdf. titled. Haycock Elementary Looks for Relief: PTA at old, overcrowded, un-renovated school demand answers" The problems have only worsened since 2009.
http://connectionarchives.com/PDF/2009/052009/McLean.pdf

Another article
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2007/jan/24/parents-oppose-boundary-change-adjustment/

What has actually improved since these articles are so old? The overcrowding has increased and the school is still 2 years away from demolition.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I don't see myself choosing this school anytime soon. Two years until demolition and then who knows how many spent cramped in trailers in a construction zone. No thanks!!!!

[Anonymous]

And no after school actitives during the construction. I wouldn't be surprised if they drop or limit specials as well.

[Anonymous]

Haycock may be seriously crowded, but it has never felt crowded. And the teachers my child has had there are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. I would happily drop my kids off at a trailer in the middle of a sea of orange cones and construction equipment if it means that they will continue to receive the education they are currently receiving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And no after school actitives during the construction. I wouldn't be surprised if they drop or limit specials as well.

So many posts obviously by the same poster taking pot shots at Haycock? Why the obvious resentment?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There really are a lot of factors. Schools that look the best due to high test scores sometimes just have an AAP (gifted and talented) program in their school that draws top students from all the neighboring schools. Or they are schools that draw from only wealthy neighborhoods. Schools that have low test scores sometimes have amazing extra programs such as special consortiums with the arts, businesses, etc. that aren't available in the "great" schools.

Your child might do well in smaller classes which may not be available at a choice school. While, a Title 1 school will have lower student teacher ratios.

Or he may be fascinated by Chinese culture which is available as a program in certain schools. Or he may shine in chess, which some schools offer as a competitive club.

He may thrive with peers who are down to earth and represent many cultures and incomes and he may feel left out among all students from high income families.

And really, from the "best" schools to the "worst" schools and everything in between, your kid can get stuck with a lousy teacher or have an exellent one, which often makes or breaks your kid's school year.

But yeah, if you want the "best" elementary schools with the highest test scores, look in McLean.

I like pp's responses but I have heard that schools in McLean are crowded.

OP, have you checked Greatschools.org? It shows school ratings by parent and student reviews.

[Anonymous]

These look to be fair criticisms. Why would PP characterize the information as pot shots?

[Anonymous]

Ohh... Greatschools.org has just the most wonderful true perspective on the best schools; it is so truthful and provides useful informationa that tells the complete story about each rated school.

[Anonymous]

I think the school is great. If there is an overcrowding issue, that is a system concern.