Good FCPS vs. Arlington schools

[Anonymous]

Can someone explain the difference between good schools in FCPS vs. good schools in Arlington county? Other than no waiting list for after school care in Arlington, I am just not seeing the difference...Would be interested to hear from those who have experienced both systems and the pros and cons.

[Anonymous]

You are correct - there isn't really a big difference in terms of quality of education. Each has some variation within the district, with some schools better than others. The biggest difference is that Arlington doesn't do the AAP craziness that Fairfax does - they keep kids within their own schools and do pullouts. Don't get me started on the ridiculousness of bussing elementary school-aged kids all over the place and the class structure it engenders. The percentage of kids who are so "gifted" that they can't function well in a traditional classroom with some tracking is far smaller than the AAP program.

The only other thing I've noticed is that Fairfax closes more often and longer for weather stuff.

So pick the location and the house that best suits you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are correct - there isn't really a big difference in terms of quality of education. Each has some variation within the district, with some schools better than others. The biggest difference is that Arlington doesn't do the AAP craziness that Fairfax does - they keep kids within their own schools and do pullouts. Don't get me started on the ridiculousness of bussing elementary school-aged kids all over the place and the class structure it engenders. The percentage of kids who are so "gifted" that they can't function well in a traditional classroom with some tracking is far smaller than the AAP program.

The only other thing I've noticed is that Fairfax closes more often and longer for weather stuff.

So pick the location and the house that best suits you.

Based on your post, I believe you live in Arlington. Your bias is showing.

[Anonymous]

I live near the McLean/Arlington border. Both North Arlington and Southern McLean schools are excellent. McLean schools are slightly more diverse, but not based on SES. If I were looking in these areas, I would not choose based on the schools. I would look at the individual neighborhoods and potential commutes. Don't buy based only on your current commutes as these can change. Offices have been known to move, people do change jobs - give some thought to potential commutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are correct - there isn't really a big difference in terms of quality of education. Each has some variation within the district, with some schools better than others. The biggest difference is that Arlington doesn't do the AAP craziness that Fairfax does - they keep kids within their own schools and do pullouts. Don't get me started on the ridiculousness of bussing elementary school-aged kids all over the place and the class structure it engenders. The percentage of kids who are so "gifted" that they can't function well in a traditional classroom with some tracking is far smaller than the AAP program.

The only other thing I've noticed is that Fairfax closes more often and longer for weather stuff.

So pick the location and the house that best suits you.

Based on your post, I believe you live in Arlington. Your bias is showing.

You are right, but I do think that both sets of schools are good. OP shouldn't waste a whole lot of worry and stress about picking one over the other.

[Anonymous]

White parents who don't think their kids can compete academically with Asian kids tend to end up in North Arlington calling the AAP programs in FCPS "crazy." As far as AAP programs go, FCPS programs are considered "best of breed."

[Anonymous]

Buy your house based on the neighborhood that you want. Yes schools are important, but they can change over time.

The joke in my family was that my Aunt, a life long Fairfax County, lived in the same house and all three of my cousins when to different high schools. My cousins are each only 3 years apart(it was the 70s).

I've also lived in the same house for 15 years and we are in a new school district now from when we bought. Also 6 years ago we started my DS in a program that was continued at our local High School. Well, things change and that program got discontinued at the high school and we are facing having to go out of bounds for high school if we want to keep with the program.

Buy your home for location! (yes schools are part of that, but the quality and exact school can change over time)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are correct - there isn't really a big difference in terms of quality of education. Each has some variation within the district, with some schools better than others. The biggest difference is that Arlington doesn't do the AAP craziness that Fairfax does - they keep kids within their own schools and do pullouts. Don't get me started on the ridiculousness of bussing elementary school-aged kids all over the place and the class structure it engenders. The percentage of kids who are so "gifted" that they can't function well in a traditional classroom with some tracking is far smaller than the AAP program.

The only other thing I've noticed is that Fairfax closes more often and longer for weather stuff.

So pick the location and the house that best suits you.

Based on your post, I believe you live in Arlington. Your bias is showing.

You are right, but I do think that both sets of schools are good. OP shouldn't waste a whole lot of worry and stress about picking one over the other.

I agree and posted as such.

[Anonymous]

Schools are comparable. There is more ethnic diversity, as a whole, in McLean schools. North Arlington schools tend to be more homogenous.

[Anonymous]

The PPs are right - choose based on what location works for you and your family.

We chose to stay in Arlington because it is closer to our friends and family and either location didn't make much of a difference in our commutes.

I get the sense that in general class sizes seem smaller in Arlington and no wait for after care is great for working parents, but neither of those would have been deal breakers if we had wanted to live in Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

Is it true that Arlington doesn't offer honors classes? Only regular and AP? So what do the smart kids do - all APs? Or IB program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it true that Arlington doesn't offer honors classes? Only regular and AP? So what do the smart kids do - all APs? Or IB program?

The more challenging classes are labeled "intensified." So yes there are no "honors" classes, just regular, intensified and AP/IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it true that Arlington doesn't offer honors classes? Only regular and AP? So what do the smart kids do - all APs? Or IB program?

The more challenging classes are labeled "intensified." So yes there are no "honors" classes, just regular, intensified and AP/IB.

Ok - but there is a middle option between regular and AP. There is an article in Arlington mag that says there isn't. Or maybe I just misread it.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it true that Arlington doesn't offer honors classes? Only regular and AP? So what do the smart kids do - all APs? Or IB program?

The more challenging classes are labeled "intensified." So yes there are no "honors" classes, just regular, intensified and AP/IB.

Ok - but there is a middle option between regular and AP. There is an article in Arlington mag that says there isn't. Or maybe I just misread it.

Thanks!

e.g. chemistry, intensified chemistry, AP chemistry. I don't think all courses have "intensified" levels. Foreign language classes are regular and then AP for the most advanced levels.

[Anonymous]

No TJ or Langley in APS.

Yorktown = McLean

W-L = Marshall/South Lakes

Wakefield = Mount Vernon