Tell me about your experience with Frost Middle school...

[Anonymous]

Son with ADHD is heading here in the fall. Curious what people's experience with the school are. Anything you can share would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

OP here... just to clarify, this is the FCPS off Pickett Road near Woodson.

[Anonymous]

By the time you're getting use to it ~ you're out-of-there. Those 2 years just fly by. I would try to focus on what's ahead, on Woodson. Watch his math achievement as some kids get lost or have poor teachers especially in that area. Enrich were you can. Make sure your child is getting writing assignments. Start noticing where you could get a tutor if one is needed in the future - often needed in science and math AP's. Get a sense of your child's strengths. Try to start mapping a course of study for your child's high school years - and socially -are they going to be a band kid, an athlete, drama member, gamer, newspaper staff? Not saying kids don't change, but knowing what activities will become available to them will help the eventual transition.

[Anonymous]

We have very good experience at Frost. My DC loves the school and the teachers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By the time you're getting use to it ~ you're out-of-there. Those 2 years just fly by. I would try to focus on what's ahead, on Woodson. Watch his math achievement as some kids get lost or have poor teachers especially in that area. Enrich were you can. Make sure your child is getting writing assignments. Start noticing where you could get a tutor if one is needed in the future - often needed in science and math AP's. Get a sense of your child's strengths. Try to start mapping a course of study for your child's high school years - and socially -are they going to be a band kid, an athlete, drama member, gamer, newspaper staff? Not saying kids don't change, but knowing what activities will become available to them will help the eventual transition.

Woa, this sounds intense. Our kids will be heading to Frost in a few years. Is this what we need to prep for?

[Anonymous]

OP here... Thanks for the comments so far...but now I'm worried...

I'm looking more for some feedback about the 'feel' of the school, the responsiveness and competence of the admin team and the faculty, and peoples' satisfaction with thier children's experiences there.

Gosh, I'm so hoping its not a pressure cooker environment. Our kid is, honestly, pretty average all the way around, probably considered a bit of a struggler even, academically, athletically and socially.

Was hoping for some confidence that he would be 'okay' there.

[Anonymous]

I have an ADHD son at Frost. His counselor has been very responsive to my concerns. For the most part the teachers have been very supportive.

If your child has a 504 plan when you meet with the team (counselor and key teachers) to review the 504 plan make sure you have all the accomodations you think you will need. Seventh grade is much more difficult than 6th grade in terms of executive function skills.

One thing I found useful is that the teachers actually use Blackboard to post the assignments so I can followup with my son to make sure he is not falling too far behind in assignments. My son has had some difficulties adjusting, but overall it hasn't been too bad. It has required more oversight on my part to make sure he hasn't gotten so overwhelmed that he can't recover.

I think you and your son will like Frost. He should be okay there.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the kind response. Much appreciated

[Anonymous]

I have a daughter there now and a son entering in the fall and we LOVE Frost Middle school. We are a military family that moved from an out of state FABULOUS school district. We found the elementary school curriculum here a little disappointing but have nothing but GREAT things to say about Frost. The teachers have been very responsive and the principal is one of the best we have encountered in all our years of moving around. I think you will have a very positive experience. They make the transition very easy as well with lots of preparation of what to expect.

[Anonymous]

Anyone else?

[Anonymous]

DC is there and we are very happy with the school. Not only are we happy with the teachers and the administration, but also with DC's peers. Overall it feels like a very friendly, safe place to go to school.

[Anonymous]

Horrible horrible horrible. The administration is absolutely terrible. Some good teachers but the math department is terrible. Avoid if you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Horrible horrible horrible. The administration is absolutely terrible. Some good teachers but the math department is terrible. Avoid if you can.

Can specify or list examples as to what makes Frost a horrible school. What makes the administration and staff terrible? Why should parents avoid Frost Middle School?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Horrible horrible horrible. The administration is absolutely terrible. Some good teachers but the math department is terrible. Avoid if you can.

I am surprised. I have had nothing but great experiences with the math department at Frost.

[Anonymous]

OP, I had a child at Frost with learning issues and a 504. What I found is that parents whose kids are typical learners loved Frost. But most of us whose kids learn differently did not.

The whole Frost experience is very much dependent on what teacher your child gets. There are some very good ones and some very bad ones. Go to ratemyteacher.com to get an idea. Science is weakest of all. Administration seems unwilling to do anything about ineffective teachers and those who fail to follow the 504 plan. Sure, you'll have meetings with them. But from my experience, it was all just wasted time. 504 plans are worthless if teachers refuse to use them. I would guess this is probably the case with most middle schools in FCPS.