Which APS middle and high school for an anxious child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP, you didn't mention. Does your child have an IEP or 504 in place already?

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is OP. This was a mixed bag of responses! I should have said which neighborhood school, since this is really a question about where to look for housing. We can decide whether to apply for HB Woodlawn or not later. (Although I definitely appreciate that advice.) So of the neighborhood schools, which one(s) are best or good for her?

The lottery of HBW is a ridiculous long shot, so set that aside. I would actually aim for Williamsburg and Yorktown. They are not academic focused, because by and large it’s wealthy families who already have a path for their child and it doesn’t depend on grades. They are intense about sports though. But if your kid stays away from lacrosse and such it’s pretty chill.

WMS / YHS parent here with an ADHD kid who struggles with anxiety. Those schools are decidedly NOT chill. They do NOT want to help your kid. Their MO is to push as many SN kids as possible into private schools.

+1. I can’t speak to the autism part, but in our experience no one on the sped team at Williamsburg actually believes ADHD exists other than the school psychologist, and she alone cannot overrule everyone else on the team to get kids the supports they need.

This is OP. I’m very sorry this has been your experience. Thank you for letting me know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

It’s because anytime HB Woodlawn and ATS get mentioned on the board a bunch of haters show up.

As suggested by many people here, I would look into Dorothy Hamm. My friend’s DD is extremely shy and the school has worked out well for her. I think you should post your question on one to the Arlington Facebook groups (Arlington Education Matters and Arlington Parents for an Education). Yes there are lot of posters there but you need to have conversations with actual people - perhaps just ask a general question. Who has a kid with an IAP in middle and high school. What has their experience been? I wish I could help but my girls are neurotypical (and in elementary school). Best of luck finding the answers you need. Also for private perhaps look into the Sycamore School. I’ve heard good things about it. My coworkers friend’s daughter is there and is thriving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

It’s because anytime HB Woodlawn and ATS get mentioned on the board a bunch of haters show up.

As suggested by many people here, I would look into Dorothy Hamm. My friend’s DD is extremely shy and the school has worked out well for her. I think you should post your question on one to the Arlington Facebook groups (Arlington Education Matters and Arlington Parents for an Education). Yes there are lot of posters there but you need to have conversations with actual people - perhaps just ask a general question. Who has a kid with an IAP in middle and high school. What has their experience been? I wish I could help but my girls are neurotypical (and in elementary school). Best of luck finding the answers you need. Also for private perhaps look into the Sycamore School. I’ve heard good things about it. My coworkers friend’s daughter is there and is thriving.

This is OP. Thank you. I didn’t know about those Facebook pages. I will join them. Sycamore School looks great! But that was silly of me to ask. We can’t afford that. I need to stick with what’s realistic. We could move out of county but that sounds hard for my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

It’s because anytime HB Woodlawn and ATS get mentioned on the board a bunch of haters show up.

As suggested by many people here, I would look into Dorothy Hamm. My friend’s DD is extremely shy and the school has worked out well for her. I think you should post your question on one to the Arlington Facebook groups (Arlington Education Matters and Arlington Parents for an Education). Yes there are lot of posters there but you need to have conversations with actual people - perhaps just ask a general question. Who has a kid with an IAP in middle and high school. What has their experience been? I wish I could help but my girls are neurotypical (and in elementary school). Best of luck finding the answers you need. Also for private perhaps look into the Sycamore School. I’ve heard good things about it. My coworkers friend’s daughter is there and is thriving.

This is OP. Thank you. I didn’t know about those Facebook pages. I will join them. Sycamore School looks great! But that was silly of me to ask. We can’t afford that. I need to stick with what’s realistic. We could move out of county but that sounds hard for my kid.

What’s your budget, OP? This one is three bedrooms, and zoned for Glebe, Dorothy Hamm, and Yorktown. Glebe and Dorothy Hamm have pleasant administrations.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/1909-N-Woodley-St-22207/home/11234819?from_mobile_app=true

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

It’s because anytime HB Woodlawn and ATS get mentioned on the board a bunch of haters show up.

As suggested by many people here, I would look into Dorothy Hamm. My friend’s DD is extremely shy and the school has worked out well for her. I think you should post your question on one to the Arlington Facebook groups (Arlington Education Matters and Arlington Parents for an Education). Yes there are lot of posters there but you need to have conversations with actual people - perhaps just ask a general question. Who has a kid with an IAP in middle and high school. What has their experience been? I wish I could help but my girls are neurotypical (and in elementary school). Best of luck finding the answers you need. Also for private perhaps look into the Sycamore School. I’ve heard good things about it. My coworkers friend’s daughter is there and is thriving.

OP, I think it's more complicated than you'd like. Hamm is probably a very good option - it's currently smaller and has an excellent principal, formerly an excellent AP at Jefferson and I was disappointed to lose her, but happy for her promotion. However, I suspect Wakefield would be a better fit for high school, based on your current concerns. I don't know what planet the poster saying Yorktown isn't academically rigorous or competitive is from.

Honestly, you're already in Arlington - surely you are aware of general differences between north and south Arlington and peoples' attitudes about the schools? I'm a south Arlington family whose kids went neighborhood schools all the way through; but in a neighborhood where kids scattered across the county and into private (as well as families moving north to escape south Arlington schools). So I've had lots of comparative conversations and have heard experiences and stories from a lot of places.

Gunston has a lot going on: overcrowded, Montessori program, immersion program, neighborhood kids. Close friends of ours have had rather concerning experiences with classmates at Gunston, now at Wakefield. While all middle schools have social concerns - they're middle schoolers after all! - I've been around about 15 years now and Gunston and Williamsburg would not be top on my list. They are opposite each other in many ways; so for different reasons.

If you're interested in the high school atmosphere, YHS and WL are somewhat different from each other (primarily in regard to diversity and, of course, the IB program at WL); but they are both very different atmospheres from wakefield. While there is room for improvement at Wakefield, it is absolutely not the overly stressful pressure cooker WL is. The kids generally are not so pressured by parents or counselors, but most definitely supported and encouraged and more gently pushed to challenge themselves.

I will admit that one of my kids with an IEP had an absolutely HORRIBLE case carrier their first year at Wakefield and I struggled with the IEP team that first year. Until then, I had never once had an issue with IEP teams - especially at Jefferson where we had an excellent director of counseling (no longer there) and excellent teachers. The principal is eh, but our experiences with the teaching staff with rare exception was excellent. Back to Wakefield, we were able to get another case carrier after that disastrous first year (case carrier-wise) and that person has been a complete 180 turn in responsiveness, rapport, understanding, cooperation, and encouragement.

I have had two children at Wakefield and the guidance counselors for both have generally been very responsive; and the one has built a really good rapport with my IEP student.

You may need to be on top of things yourself at any of the schools (especially high school), yet I think you'll have more responsiveness from Wakefield. I base that on my direct experience, the experience of a close friend with an IEP student at Wakefield, and anecdotes from the other schools.

I think the Jefferson or Kenmore/Wakefield zone would offer you the balance you're probably looking for, as well as a number of lovely neighborhoods and really nice neighbors!

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I’m a special education teacher and a mom of a student with 504 for adhd and anxiety. I had an awful experience at WMS. The team did not want ti give my daughter pretty much any accommodation for her anxiety such as small group testing or extra time. They said since she got good grades she didn’t need it even though I know legally that’s not the bar for a 504. I cried at the meeting and I’m a fellow teacher in APS! It was ridiculous. Fortunately we met at the start of high school with the team there and they were like of course she should have what she needs. If she’s already getting an A but about to have a breakdown because of the overstimulating environment it still has an impact.

OP, wherever you go, in the 2nd half of 5th grade you will meet with a special education representative from the middle school to review your iep and accommodations and make sure they work for middle school. This is where you need to be prepared to stand up for the needed accommodations to remain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

Because you think the school board has no idea?

Oh you misunderstood. As part of an equity lawsuit.

I’m OP and a lawyer and this Woodlawn debate is getting absurd. What evidentiary value do you think a print out from DCUM has in your lawsuit? Just stop. I’m trying to gather actual information here to help my actual child who is struggling. If you want to talk about Woodlawn, please start your own thread.

It’s because anytime HB Woodlawn and ATS get mentioned on the board a bunch of haters show up.

As suggested by many people here, I would look into Dorothy Hamm. My friend’s DD is extremely shy and the school has worked out well for her. I think you should post your question on one to the Arlington Facebook groups (Arlington Education Matters and Arlington Parents for an Education). Yes there are lot of posters there but you need to have conversations with actual people - perhaps just ask a general question. Who has a kid with an IAP in middle and high school. What has their experience been? I wish I could help but my girls are neurotypical (and in elementary school). Best of luck finding the answers you need. Also for private perhaps look into the Sycamore School. I’ve heard good things about it. My coworkers friend’s daughter is there and is thriving.

This is OP. Thank you. I didn’t know about those Facebook pages. I will join them. Sycamore School looks great! But that was silly of me to ask. We can’t afford that. I need to stick with what’s realistic. We could move out of county but that sounds hard for my kid.

PP here. I forgot the word crazy lol. Meant to say there are a lot of crazy posters on these two Facebook groups (kind of like the types you are seeing here) but there are a lot of ppl who will give you useful information. Best of luck OP! And yes we can’t afford private either

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I’m a special education teacher and a mom of a student with 504 for adhd and anxiety. I had an awful experience at WMS. The team did not want ti give my daughter pretty much any accommodation for her anxiety such as small group testing or extra time. They said since she got good grades she didn’t need it even though I know legally that’s not the bar for a 504. I cried at the meeting and I’m a fellow teacher in APS! It was ridiculous. Fortunately we met at the start of high school with the team there and they were like of course she should have what she needs. If she’s already getting an A but about to have a breakdown because of the overstimulating environment it still has an impact.

OP, wherever you go, in the 2nd half of 5th grade you will meet with a special education representative from the middle school to review your iep and accommodations and make sure they work for middle school. This is where you need to be prepared to stand up for the needed accommodations to remain.

DP.

Would you happen to know what sort of accommodations a 5th grader could get that will help for the transition to middle school? The transition for my older kid with ADHD from elementary to middle was brutal and I think a 504 in elementary would have helped, but since DS has no homework, no grades, does need extra time with tests, and doesn't have behavior issues, I don't know what I could possibly ask for.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, we had a child who recently graduated from Yorktown and who received excellent supports through their autism program. DC also received good supports at Swanson. We always felt that the schools met our child’s needs and that the IEP process was truly collaborative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

do you also think it's inequitable that WL and TJ students can access IB curriculum but the rest of the county does not? or do you just hate HB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

do you also think it's inequitable that WL and TJ students can access IB curriculum but the rest of the county does not? or do you just hate HB?

W-L is not overcrowded. Its size is similar to other Northern VA high schools. And the public process for took place over a number of years. Surrounding neighborhoods wanted to stay in the walkable W-L zone (even as many others were shifted from W-L to Yorktown). W-L also has a county-wide IB program. The solution after a few years of discussions and a public process was to expand the school into the former Ed Center, which would also allow the school to get rid of the trailers, have access to another full size athletic field, and keep most of it's walk zone intact. Wakefield is the only technically overcrowded high school right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HB Woodlawn may be small, sure, but it’s pretty intense academically and really isn’t a place for kids with special needs. I think she’d be better off in one of the neighborhood schools, probably Wakefield.

Haha no, it follows the same curriculum as the rest of APS, with similar academic pathways. Just in a not overcrowded school in a gorgeous building

Two of my kids went to HB. I believe I know more about the school than you do.

So a random lottery school somehow ends up academic more advanced without any admission criteria? You are full of BS. It’s not a magnet, it’s lottery ticket.

Are you for real?

Yes, the academic profile of the average HB student is higher than the average at any of the neighborhood high schools, not because it’s a magnet school with admissions criteria, but because it tends to attract higher achievers as lottery applicants. It’s not like every 5th grader in the county applies to HB; the large majority don’t, and I suspect some families have never even heard of it.

It’s not that complicated, idiot.

It's not only the kids, it's the schedule. Kids take I think one more class than regular middle schools, so they only have each class four days instead of five. So they have less time to get through the same curriculum, which means the pace is quicker.

Oh, wow I’m going to print this and send to school board since the inequity that is HBW is just yawning wider. WL is overcrowded and being supersized, while HB students are capped in size with a academic enrichment. Holy absolute F.

do you also think it's inequitable that WL and TJ students can access IB curriculum but the rest of the county does not? or do you just hate HB?

WL accepts almost ALL IB applicants and has for years.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely not recommend Williamsburg for any child with an IEP or 504. They are not accommodating at all and they were very hard to work with.