Abingdon and Claremont - differences?

[Anonymous]

I've heard so many good things from parents here about both schools. Can anyone share what the kindergarten class sizes and teacher + assistant ratio has been?
Did anyone have a choice between the two schools and choose the other and if so, why?
Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

That stuff is the same at both - there will be year to year variation based on enrollments. Both are Title I and get the same extra resources.

This will really be a personal choice whether you prefer your neighborhood school or a school with Claremont's philosophy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That stuff is the same at both - there will be year to year variation based on enrollments. Both are Title I and get the same extra resources.

This will really be a personal choice whether you prefer your neighborhood school or a school with Claremont's philosophy.

Claremont is not a Title 1 school. See the list here -
http://www.apsva.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2109

[Anonymous]

The major difference is immersion. Both are great schools, similar ratios, etc. But if you don't want/care about/want to support the immersion piece then maybe Abingdon is a better fit. Immersion *can* work for just about any kid, however, if the parents aren't really on bored then maybe it's not worth it. However, if it's something you think is valuable then it's a great option.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any 2018 updates on this question? Deciding between Abingdon and Claremont elementary. Abingdon provides some Spanish in Kindergarten- Claremont is Spanish immersion. Any other big factors to consider? Both are fairly close to home though Abingdon is walkable.

We are leaning toward Abingdon because we like the neighborhood concept, but it also pains me to turn down an immersion opportunity.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any 2018 updates on this question? Deciding between Abingdon and Claremont elementary. Abingdon provides some Spanish in Kindergarten- Claremont is Spanish immersion. Any other big factors to consider? Both are fairly close to home though Abingdon is walkable.

We are leaning toward Abingdon because we like the neighborhood concept, but it also pains me to turn down an immersion opportunity.

Thank you.

My child is entering first grade at Abingdon and it is fine. I don't like the emphasis on technology and ipads and if we were going to stay in the area I'd probably be looking at other schools. We decided to stay in our neighborhood school because we had recently moved back to the area and wanted out son to make friends he could easily play with after school. I have friends and colleagues with students at Claremont and they seem happy with it. I would say that about half of the kids I meet in Fairlington go there.

[Anonymous]

(OP) Thanks PP- i wonder if Claremont’s focus on technology is similar to Abingdon’s since all APS kids get IPADs now?

Also neither parent speaks Spanish so wondering if homework will get too complicated at Claremont...

[Anonymous]

Can parents opt out of the Ipads? Seems crazy that 1st graders have them- I don't want to pay $600 to replace the damn thing when it gets dropped!

[Anonymous]

Abingdon had an issue with overcrowding, but that's been alleviated now that the new addition is open. It's a nice-looking school. I think Abingdon has adopted the Ipads to a greater degree than Claremont - which you may love or hate. Claremont is known to have a pretty robust PTA, as well as a lot of outdoor woodsy open space. I think the overall quality of the schools is about the same. They're similar enough that the decision really comes down to Immersion, and whether that interests you & your child.

[Anonymous]

(OP) and one follow-up on the re-zoning discussions- I know Claremont has been discussed as a possible school to relocate (and not Abingdon). I know this is the million dollar question- but what kind of odds would you put on Claremont moving- 50/50? If I knew for certain it was moving (even further from our home and a longer bus ride), it might push us toward Abingdon. Thanks-

[Anonymous]

(OP) Thank you PP - good to know re: overall quality being the same.

One follow-up on the re-zoning discussions- I know Claremont has been discussed as a possible school to relocate (and not Abingdon). I know this is the million dollar question- but what kind of odds would you put on Claremont moving- 50/50? If I knew for certain it was moving (even further from our home and a longer bus ride), it might push us toward Abingdon. I know no one knows the real answer, but I guess I'm asking: given the APS situation, and if it were you, would you go to Claremont if you didn't want to have to move schools?

Thanks-

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:(OP) Thanks PP- i wonder if Claremont’s focus on technology is similar to Abingdon’s since all APS kids get IPADs now?

Also neither parent speaks Spanish so wondering if homework will get too complicated at Claremont...

If you have an average iq the homework won’t be too difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can parents opt out of the Ipads? Seems crazy that 1st graders have them- I don't want to pay $600 to replace the damn thing when it gets dropped!

They use them in class in the early grades. My kid’s teacher used technology sparingly which I appreciated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That stuff is the same at both - there will be year to year variation based on enrollments. Both are Title I and get the same extra resources.

This will really be a personal choice whether you prefer your neighborhood school or a school with Claremont's philosophy.

Claremont is not a Title 1 school. See the list here -
http://www.apsva.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2109

Everyone assumes if it's in South arlington, it's Oakridge or Title I.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:(OP) Thank you PP - good to know re: overall quality being the same.

One follow-up on the re-zoning discussions- I know Claremont has been discussed as a possible school to relocate (and not Abingdon). I know this is the million dollar question- but what kind of odds would you put on Claremont moving- 50/50? If I knew for certain it was moving (even further from our home and a longer bus ride), it might push us toward Abingdon. I know no one knows the real answer, but I guess I'm asking: given the APS situation, and if it were you, would you go to Claremont if you didn't want to have to move schools?

Thanks-

Out of curiosity, what is it about changing buildings that is worrisome? Distance, or something else? IF Claremont immersion moves, I would bet it goes to Carlin Springs. It's a comparably sized building and a logical location for a Spanish immersion program. I do believe, based on conversations I've had with APS staff members, that option school location schools will probably be incremental rather than all at once. So, question is - will they start by moving Key immersion or Claremont immersion?