ATS in Arlington

[Anonymous]

I hear so much about ATS in Arlington, and I'm just curious. I have a DC who will be in APS K next year and am wondering why everybody has such a strong opinion of ATS -- both good and bad. I know nothing about their curriculum and would be interested to hear feedback from parents of children who go there or others who chose not to go there and why. Based on what I have heard I feel like there is a divide between ATS and the other public schools in Arlington and I'm curious why?

[Anonymous]

Part of the tension stems from neighborhood children who could walk to the school not being given any preference in admission/entry. Also with the recent boundary issues - the 'perception' is that ATS is above being touched to come to a solution. Overall though it is a respected school with a "traditional" approach. Rumor has it though that kids with special needs/learning differences are counseled out. Parents are very active. But so are most Arlington school parents. We applied, were on the WL and by the time we were offered a spot in 2nd grade our son was well established at his current school so it did not make sense to move him. Friends of ours are current students and love the school, other friends have left as it was not a good fit for their child. You have a chance to tour and go to an open house - go and see if it is a good fit for you and your child. Arlington is wonderful to have choices like the spanish immersion, science focus, etc. - good luck.

[Anonymous]

We have neighbors whose 2 kids attend ATS and love it. We didn't like the intensity and emphasis on homework -- not that we oppose homework or anything, but the ethos of the school seemed too serious. A friend of ours checked it out for her son and she said what struck her was that none of the kids seemed to be smiling. An exaggeration, I'm sure, but it does speak to the intensity of the place...

[Anonymous]

I went to the open house last year and all I could say was WOW! I felt like I was touring a private school given the programs offered, the diversity of the students, and the structure given to the kids. And it's a public school. I think why you're hearing more about ATS is because of the current boundary issues. ATS students apply by lottery from the whole county. What makes it unique is that they don't take ANY neighborhood kids, making it equal footing for just about every kid in Arl Co.That's why ATS fights so hard for itself, it feels that it is equal opportunity for every child and that it offers something special (like the other 'special' schools in the county; Science Focus, the spanish immersion school, etc). I do think there's a very loud and very negative vocal minority towards the school.

Consider touring the open house next year to see how you like it and cross your fingers that you get in.