School is not giving what was expected

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

...and also from the fact that 20 years ago it actually was a good school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

...and also from the fact that 20 years ago it actually was a good school system.

+100% Agree, a lot of the reputation stems from decades ago when FCPS probably was one of the outperforming systems. The transition from GT to AAP is one such trajectory into the bottomless pit that FCPS has fallen into and between the career administrators at Gatehouse and School Board, I don't see this changing unless parents across the county launch a full on assault on the education level in ES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Privates may not be a happy option due to the heavy load of homework. Is there any doable option in between?

Huh?? What a dumb comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

No way, can it be that bad? I thought Haycock AAP has the reputation of being the #1 elementary school in FCPS. They even have lots of kids that do well in math competitions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

No way, can it be that bad? I thought Haycock AAP has the reputation of being the #1 elementary school in FCPS. They even have lots of kids that do well in math competitions.

I'm not the PP who posted about their review of the FCPS curriculum with kid(s) in Haycock, but we are a Haycock family and two of my three kids have moved onto Longfellow and McLean High. The math curriculum is OK in Level IV AAP, especially since Haycock tiers the Level IV AAP math as well--there are several tiers within Level IV. BUT don't be fooled with the reputation. Like the PP noted, it stems mostly from parents getting uber involved, and not because the teaching quality and level is something to hold up.

[Anonymous]

We're in a very good elementary school - one that consistently rates a 10 on great schools, if you care about that. For the most part, our teachers have been very good. But there were two years out of six where we did not like the teachers. They just weren't a good fit for our kid. I'm not one of those people who's going to agitate to switch classes, because my kid needs to learn to adapt to teachers and others who may not be her style or who may not appreciate her particular gifts/issues.

If we had only a year of experience in this school and it was one of those teachers, we might see it as a school problem. Luckily we had the history to know that it was probably a blip and would improve the next year.

If you like your neighborhood, maybe try to see the good where you can. I'm sure your school has pluses. If you worry your kid is falling behind, maybe supplement with tutoring or other activities. Have you heard good things about the middle school, at least?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

...and also from the fact that 20 years ago it actually was a good school system.

+100% Agree, a lot of the reputation stems from decades ago when FCPS probably was one of the outperforming systems. The transition from GT to AAP is one such trajectory into the bottomless pit that FCPS has fallen into and between the career administrators at Gatehouse and School Board, I don't see this changing unless parents across the county launch a full on assault on the education level in ES.

+1 Agree. I was born and raised in Fairfax Co. It's not the same school system. In fairness, the surrounding local counties are no better. There are many reasons, e.g., population increase to more emphasis on SOLS, the decline of text books and iPads in elementary school, the 'push ahead' math curriculum w/out substance behind it, an influx of non-native speakers and mainstreaming special needs that add more challenge for the schools/teachers, the writing (or lack thereof), etc. People argue about APS vs FCPS vs MCPS, etc.. There is no difference locally. They are equivalent and suffer the same issues.

[Anonymous]

I've already decided that my grandchildren are going to private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

...and also from the fact that 20 years ago it actually was a good school system.

+100% Agree, a lot of the reputation stems from decades ago when FCPS probably was one of the outperforming systems. The transition from GT to AAP is one such trajectory into the bottomless pit that FCPS has fallen into and between the career administrators at Gatehouse and School Board, I don't see this changing unless parents across the county launch a full on assault on the education level in ES.

+1 Agree. I was born and raised in Fairfax Co. It's not the same school system. In fairness, the surrounding local counties are no better. There are many reasons, e.g., population increase to more emphasis on SOLS, the decline of text books and iPads in elementary school, the 'push ahead' math curriculum w/out substance behind it, an influx of non-native speakers and mainstreaming special needs that add more challenge for the schools/teachers, the writing (or lack thereof), etc. People argue about APS vs FCPS vs MCPS, etc.. There is no difference locally. They are equivalent and suffer the same issues.

+1, Concise and spot on. Don't forget the lack of autonomy in the classrooms with teachers not being allowed to teach anything that strays from the set curriculum, as well as the lack of quality teacher training to help them gain more expertise in subjects they teach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

Yes, probably FCPS. People have higher expectations there, so also you’re more likely to see more grousing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

Yes, probably FCPS. People have higher expectations there, so also you’re more likely to see more grousing.

Higher than APS ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

Yes, probably FCPS. People have higher expectations there, so also you’re more likely to see more grousing.

Higher than APS ?

I am in FCPS and most people I know in real life are pretty happy in APS. Yes, they have their big picture bitching about crowding and boundaries. But on the ground, their class sizes are smaller and they retain teachers better than we do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

Yes, probably FCPS. People have higher expectations there, so also you’re more likely to see more grousing.

Higher than APS ?

I am in FCPS and most people I know in real life are pretty happy in APS. Yes, they have their big picture bitching about crowding and boundaries. But on the ground, their class sizes are smaller and they retain teachers better than we do.

Student performance in APS peaks in elementary school, declines in middle school, and declines more in high school. Overall it pinches well below its weight, and some of us moved to escape APS’s mediocrity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Nope probably FCPS McLean area. I've heard many people say that about FCPS. Class sizes are pretty big now in FCPS.

Yes, probably FCPS. People have higher expectations there, so also you’re more likely to see more grousing.

Higher than APS ?

I am in FCPS and most people I know in real life are pretty happy in APS. Yes, they have their big picture bitching about crowding and boundaries. But on the ground, their class sizes are smaller and they retain teachers better than we do.

APS parent here. In my six years in the system as a parent, I know of only one parent who switched to private because she was unhappy with the school. Everybody else I know has their complaints but overall are content. Myself included.