Moving to Va - which neighborhood/pyramid for great schools?

[Anonymous]

Really only Langley is equal to Churchill or witman. FCPS is a bit lumbering and over subscribed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

In most cases, FCPS would be as good or better than most in U.S.

Pretty naïve statement. There are many schools in FCPS that are below higher SES schools in other places. Hate to tell you, but it is not the system, but the economics that usually determine the rating of the schools. Fairfax generally has a higher rating because of the higher average. However, if OP is moving from a small, affluent system, it is likely that the schools there are just as good or better than FCPS.

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.

It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

In most cases, FCPS would be as good or better than most in U.S.

Pretty naïve statement. There are many schools in FCPS that are below higher SES schools in other places. Hate to tell you, but it is not the system, but the economics that usually determine the rating of the schools. Fairfax generally has a higher rating because of the higher average. However, if OP is moving from a small, affluent system, it is likely that the schools there are just as good or better than FCPS.

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.

It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes.

Thanks for sharing. You can go back to World of Warcraft now, but remember that tomorrow is a school day.

[Anonymous]

OP, there are lots of great schools in the area within close proximity of where you work. There is not one best school--and, if there were, it might not be the best for your child. Look for a neighborhood with a good feel to you and check out the schools--don't set your heart on a house until you know a little about the schools. The "Schools and Centers tab" on the FCPS website has lots of information about the schools. The home page of each school will tell you a little about the atmosphere of the school, and the profile page has tabs for membership which give you the demographics of a school.

When we were looking, I wanted a school with a community feel and a neighborhood with a community pool. I was not concerned about high school--although it turned out that we live in a neighborhood which feeds into a good one. From the buzz around here, I suspect high schools will be redistricted within the next five or six years--but then, we've been hearing that for a long time.

Other things may be more important to you. Some posters on here think that if you are not in Langley or McLean that you will be making a mistake. FWIW, I don't live in those areas and my kids (now out of high school) did great and had every opportunity they could want.

I would recommend many of the areas mentioned on here. I personally think Purcellville is great, but I would not want that commute. You know that traffic is a problem anywhere in the area, and it is nice to work close to where your kids are in school so that it is easy to manage extracurriculars and in school activities without taking a day off.

I would start by driving around the Reston area and the Oak Hill/Herndon zip (20171). I think you will get a feel for the area by doing that. There are some really good schools in both of those areas, and, you will find, a handful of schools that have their challenges. As a rule, the more expensive the house, the better the school district. There are some areas that have large houses on small lots and some that have small houses on big lots. You will find it all.

[Anonymous]

This house in Herndon is zoned for Langley HS. While it's over your 800-850K budget, you might be able to get the house to closer for $850K. ES is Forestville and MS is Cooper. Both great schools. Fairfax County Parkway is right outside this neighborhood and the Reston Town Center is less than a 10 minute drive.
http://frankly.com/FX8643617

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really can't go wrong in that budget. I'd look at Town of Vienna (zoned Madison), 22182 zoned for Marshall, and also Langley, but really any of these are great, within commuting range, and you can focus your search more based on neighborhood feel/house style.

There are equally nice neighborhoods in 22182 in OP's price range zoned for Madison and McLean.

Oh, look, a Marshall hater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vienna is a good choice with great schools. There won't be any vandalism and fights at the grocery store. That sounds awful, OP.

Agreed. The only vandalism we have had are the birds that make a whole in our trim to nest in the attack.

[Anonymous]

I live in Reston. No way in hell would I want to commute here from Brambleton or Purcellville.

Be very, very careful if you buy in Reston because the schools do vary.

With your budget I'd probably look in Vienna.

[Anonymous]

Really only Langley is equal to Churchill or witman. FCPS is a bit lumbering and over subscribed

Not true. As listed above, there are at least 6 schools in FFX that are as good as MoCo's best. Which, BTW, includes a few more Ws than just these two.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.


It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes

Based on what? Snob appeal? Maybe you should take a look at the recent ratings--USNews, even the VA Governors awards. Where are the Arlington high schools on those lists?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.


It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes

Based on what? Snob appeal? Maybe you should take a look at the recent ratings--USNews, even the VA Governors awards. Where are the Arlington high schools on those lists?

LOL. FC parents live off the snob appeal of TJ, AAP, etc. It's a huge rat race - only worried about ratings & #s. You probably won't believe this but not everyone wants that. Really.

(new poster)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.


It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes

Based on what? Snob appeal? Maybe you should take a look at the recent ratings--USNews, even the VA Governors awards. Where are the Arlington high schools on those lists?

LOL. FC parents live off the snob appeal of TJ, AAP, etc. It's a huge rat race - only worried about ratings & #s. You probably won't believe this but not everyone wants that. Really.

(new poster)

^ Should add that OP should live close to work to reduce commute. Take APS off the list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really can't go wrong in that budget. I'd look at Town of Vienna (zoned Madison), 22182 zoned for Marshall, and also Langley, but really any of these are great, within commuting range, and you can focus your search more based on neighborhood feel/house style.

There are equally nice neighborhoods in 22182 in OP's price range zoned for Madison and McLean.

Oh, look, a Marshall hater.

I'm picking up on some reading comprehension problems here.

But, if it makes you feel better, my earlier post with emphasis added:

"I'd be looking at areas in 22124 zoned for Oakton HS; areas in 22181 zoned for Madison HS; or areas in 22182 north of the Town of Vienna zoned for Madison, Marshall or McLean HS.

All are very good. Langley is generally more expensive than your price range, and you can live closer to Reston than the Woodson area."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.


It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes

Based on what? Snob appeal? Maybe you should take a look at the recent ratings--USNews, even the VA Governors awards. Where are the Arlington high schools on those lists?

Two-thirds of Arlington's high schools were in the top 20 of US News & World Report. 11 APS schools were 2015 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards. Williamsburg was a 2015 Governor’s Award of Educational Excellence Recipient. http://www.apsva.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=30073

In 2014, Arlington Public Schools (APS) was the recipient of the prestigious Medallion of Excellence Award presented by the U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Awards for Virginia and the District of Columbia (SPQA). The Medallion Award is SPQA’s highest award level for performance excellence. Since the award was established in 1983, APS is only the ninth school division in Virginia to receive it and the first school division in nearly a decade to be recognized.
http://www.apsva.us/Page/25718

So, you're just being silly trash-talking Arlington. Sit down and shut up already. You opinion isn't valid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

In most cases, FCPS would be as good or better than most in U.S.

Pretty naïve statement. There are many schools in FCPS that are below higher SES schools in other places. Hate to tell you, but it is not the system, but the economics that usually determine the rating of the schools. Fairfax generally has a higher rating because of the higher average. However, if OP is moving from a small, affluent system, it is likely that the schools there are just as good or better than FCPS.

Fairfax is a huge, lumbering, and somewhat decaying county. It's school system is a mixed bag. Tread wisely.

It is still stronger than any other public school system in the DC region, measured by both breadth of programs and average test scores. With OP's budget, they will also have no difficulty finding something in a strong pyramid.

Perhaps, but Arlington schools just seem better. But other threads indicate that S Arlington is going down the tubes.

Thanks for sharing. You can go back to World of Warcraft now, but remember that tomorrow is a school day.

I'm not sure what you are talking about, but anyway, relax. There are two statements there: Arlington just seems like it is a better school system overall. Of course, it is much, much smaller than the unwieldy FCPS. FCPS is a good, but overrated system in my opinion. And two, I have no dog in the fight, but I am concerned with all the posts about s Arlington. And, to be sure, Arlington has not handled overcrowding well, which is odd because they are supposedly the epitome of the data driven good government County.