Kilmer MS
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Anonymous
| We have one more year until DS enters MS and if we stay in the area, he will go to Kilmer. While DS is in AAP and does pretty good academically, he is also a special needs kid. I heard Kilmer is really big and my DS can get frustrated in large crowds. How does that school handle smart SN kids or would you recommend we start looking for a private school? |
Anonymous
| We had two kids there and didn't like Kilmer very much. I think it's good for some AAP kids or kids with severe disabilities but not for kids who don't fit easily into a category. It is also very big and does not have a friendly atmosphere. Some of the teachers are bullies who see it as their role in life to cut kids from nice neighborhoods down to size, regardless of whether they also have special needs. It does not sound like a great place for your son if he's on the sensitive side. |
Anonymous
| OP here. DS is not on a sensitive side, far from it. But I don't want him to be bullied, especially by adults. Looks like private school is becoming a reality in 2015-2016 school year. |
Anonymous
| We are zoned to Kilmer too (and then Madison) - is there a way to transfer to Thoreau? |
Anonymous
You make this decision based on one anonymous unsubstantiated post? |
Anonymous
|
Kilmer is excellent and much better than thoreau. Look at the TJ stats. A lot of bitter haters on here.
http://vienna.patch.com/groups/schools/p/kilmer-remains-top-feeder-school-for-tj |
Anonymous
| OP here. I don't particularly care about DS getting into TJ. |
Anonymous
I guess you'll fit in fine at Thoreau OHH SNAP!!! JK |
Anonymous
I posted earlier. I know Kilmer gets kids into TJ. Last year it was about 38 students out of over 600 eighth graders. I expect most of their parents would say good things about Kilmer. Our kids were not TJ-bound, and Kilmer was not a great experience for them. 7th grade was too easy, 8th grade was too stressful, and a lot of the teachers just seemed over-burdened and not very caring. It doesn't make me a bitter hater. It did leave me an unimpressed parent. |
Anonymous
And what's that supposed to mean? |
Anonymous
I've heard about this happening in other FCPS. Honestly, I don't know why this is not addressed. But I've dealt with bullies on the school board as well, so there's that. |
Anonymous
It means that a lot of us here are correct about the obnoxious parents in this area 
OP, I think it's GREAT you don't care about your kid getting into TJ. And even better that you are considering your child's needs in choosing the next step for him. If there is room at any other public school and you can provide the transportation, your child is usually welcome to go there. |
Anonymous
Seriously! Why would "TJ stats" make one middle school better than another? For a lot of parents, TJ is not the goal. |
Anonymous
Consider The New School of Northern VA. They do a great job with academics, and also with kids with SN. The way they teach there seems to work for all kids, and the SN aren't as pronounced. My first son is learning disabled and did well there - didn't need accommodations either due to the way they taught. They have small classes, are very hands-on, and very interactive. |
Anonymous
Me again - keep in mind that the JK in her post means "Just kidding". I think she agrees that you are doing a good thing for your child. |