Arlington Traditional

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The most absurd are the parents who swear by the structure of ATS, then send their kids to HB.

How is this absurd? An elementary schooler’s needs are different than a middle schooler’s needs. After 5 years of structure some kids mature to the point they can handle a school like HB. Many students don’t apply to HB though.

Don't bother. There is either one persistent poster or a handful who pop up on these threads like clockwork to complain about ATS kids who then go on to H-B. They either can't understand or choose not to understand that kids have different needs at different ages. Or that kids who learn structured study skills early on at a place like ATS might crave the freedom of H-B and do well there because they can self-regulate. In any event, it's not worth trying to defend it to them. They're just upset that the choice schools exist, it seems.

have you considered that perhaps some people find difficulty with the same people getting into two highly-desired and small lotteries, taking places away from others who didn't get into the program their kid may need MORE than the apparently mature and academically-skilled ATS graduates? Maybe folks should be limited to one option program through their APS career to help ensure more students have the opportunity to benefit from one.

Yes, I have considered that, but that's an entirely different complaint. If you would like to argue with the county that families should be restricted to one choice school per child, go ahead and do so, but that's a different argument than saying that it's absurd that some families may be drawn to both ATS and H-B at different times in their child's life.

Not really, because the perception is that these families are just seeking the most elite programs for their children regardless of the pedagogy and appropriateness for their child's learning style or needs. It's not necessarily an entirely separate train of thought. And the notion that ATS is necessary for their less mature child and makes them all in need of a more independent, less-structured environment just in time for 6th grade insinuates that ATS is just some magic pill that makes all these kids mature and responsible and that they would not have experienced the same path if they had attended their neighborhood school. And even if they are ready for the HB environment, there are a lot of kids who NEED the HB environment. If the ATS kids are all so mature and responsible when they finish, then it's less likely they NEED HB.

I understand your point, but to paint all the families who seek both schools with the same brush just isn’t accurate. People seek out ATS and/or H-B for many different reasons. You are fixated on the idea that they are just seeking “elite” programs without taking into consideration any other possibilities and calling it out as “absurd” that they might be drawn to different things at different times as the kids mature. It’s not absurd. For one thing, when families apply to ATS their children are 5 years old and have only experienced preschool. You can’t know for sure what learning style your child has so you consider a curriculum and school atmosphere that sounds good, has a diverse population, and good results. If you’re fortunate enough to get in you give it a try. Should families subsequently pull their children from a school they know and like just because they would probably be just fine at their neighborhood school? Or, your child likes ATS but starts to chafing at the rules and structure by the time they reach 5th grade or their personality develops and it becomes clear they would like or thrive in at atmosphere with more freedom. Should they not apply to H-B just because you think it looks absurd? (I never suggested that ATS is some magic pill to fix kids so they can got to H-B by the way; I just pointed out that if they learn some study discipline there that it’s not crazy for parents to think they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom elsewhere.)

You can’t possibly know the circumstances that lead families to make that choice, yet you promote the “perception” that may not be accurate at all. I think you are not happy with the county policies, but are projecting that onto the families that operate within it.

I said "perception" that families are seeking elite programs. And, btw, I'm not the one who made the "absurd" assertion. I do agree that, on the surface, it seems illogical and incongruous; but not entirely far-fetched. Still, I just don't think the maturity gain is such that students develop to the point that an HB atmosphere is a "better" fit than any typical middle school - where all kids are given opportunity for more freedoms and responsibilities and self-governance. "...they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom...." Doesn't mean they "need" it. And I personally believe HB should give priority to students who demonstrate a need for the program/environment. In the past, it seemed a lot of ATS students made it into HB. Hopefully now that admissions has changed so option schools are given seats rather than option school students being in the lottery from their assigned neighborhood school, more kids who didn't attend ATS but for whom HB really is a better fit than their assigned MS will have the opportunity to attend HB.

I think this actually just brings us full circle. You confirm that the issue is the perception that parents are chasing elite schools when it’s incongruous. Yet, for years on this board I have seen and contributed to threads where parents who sought both schools have explained over and over their rationale, but there are apparently those who refuse to believe them and comment every single time that it doesn’t make sense. Hence my original comment to another PP not to waste their time trying to explain it yet again. If people want to cling to their perception, deliberately in the face of a contrary explanation, it lets me know that they were never really interested in the question at all. They just want to complain about it, regardless of what the truth is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The most absurd are the parents who swear by the structure of ATS, then send their kids to HB.

How is this absurd? An elementary schooler’s needs are different than a middle schooler’s needs. After 5 years of structure some kids mature to the point they can handle a school like HB. Many students don’t apply to HB though.

Don't bother. There is either one persistent poster or a handful who pop up on these threads like clockwork to complain about ATS kids who then go on to H-B. They either can't understand or choose not to understand that kids have different needs at different ages. Or that kids who learn structured study skills early on at a place like ATS might crave the freedom of H-B and do well there because they can self-regulate. In any event, it's not worth trying to defend it to them. They're just upset that the choice schools exist, it seems.

have you considered that perhaps some people find difficulty with the same people getting into two highly-desired and small lotteries, taking places away from others who didn't get into the program their kid may need MORE than the apparently mature and academically-skilled ATS graduates? Maybe folks should be limited to one option program through their APS career to help ensure more students have the opportunity to benefit from one.

Yes, I have considered that, but that's an entirely different complaint. If you would like to argue with the county that families should be restricted to one choice school per child, go ahead and do so, but that's a different argument than saying that it's absurd that some families may be drawn to both ATS and H-B at different times in their child's life.

Not really, because the perception is that these families are just seeking the most elite programs for their children regardless of the pedagogy and appropriateness for their child's learning style or needs. It's not necessarily an entirely separate train of thought. And the notion that ATS is necessary for their less mature child and makes them all in need of a more independent, less-structured environment just in time for 6th grade insinuates that ATS is just some magic pill that makes all these kids mature and responsible and that they would not have experienced the same path if they had attended their neighborhood school. And even if they are ready for the HB environment, there are a lot of kids who NEED the HB environment. If the ATS kids are all so mature and responsible when they finish, then it's less likely they NEED HB.

I understand your point, but to paint all the families who seek both schools with the same brush just isn’t accurate. People seek out ATS and/or H-B for many different reasons. You are fixated on the idea that they are just seeking “elite” programs without taking into consideration any other possibilities and calling it out as “absurd” that they might be drawn to different things at different times as the kids mature. It’s not absurd. For one thing, when families apply to ATS their children are 5 years old and have only experienced preschool. You can’t know for sure what learning style your child has so you consider a curriculum and school atmosphere that sounds good, has a diverse population, and good results. If you’re fortunate enough to get in you give it a try. Should families subsequently pull their children from a school they know and like just because they would probably be just fine at their neighborhood school? Or, your child likes ATS but starts to chafing at the rules and structure by the time they reach 5th grade or their personality develops and it becomes clear they would like or thrive in at atmosphere with more freedom. Should they not apply to H-B just because you think it looks absurd? (I never suggested that ATS is some magic pill to fix kids so they can got to H-B by the way; I just pointed out that if they learn some study discipline there that it’s not crazy for parents to think they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom elsewhere.)

You can’t possibly know the circumstances that lead families to make that choice, yet you promote the “perception” that may not be accurate at all. I think you are not happy with the county policies, but are projecting that onto the families that operate within it.

I said "perception" that families are seeking elite programs. And, btw, I'm not the one who made the "absurd" assertion. I do agree that, on the surface, it seems illogical and incongruous; but not entirely far-fetched. Still, I just don't think the maturity gain is such that students develop to the point that an HB atmosphere is a "better" fit than any typical middle school - where all kids are given opportunity for more freedoms and responsibilities and self-governance. "...they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom...." Doesn't mean they "need" it. And I personally believe HB should give priority to students who demonstrate a need for the program/environment. In the past, it seemed a lot of ATS students made it into HB. Hopefully now that admissions has changed so option schools are given seats rather than option school students being in the lottery from their assigned neighborhood school, more kids who didn't attend ATS but for whom HB really is a better fit than their assigned MS will have the opportunity to attend HB.

I think this actually just brings us full circle. You confirm that the issue is the perception that parents are chasing elite schools when it’s incongruous. Yet, for years on this board I have seen and contributed to threads where parents who sought both schools have explained over and over their rationale, but there are apparently those who refuse to believe them and comment every single time that it doesn’t make sense. Hence my original comment to another PP not to waste their time trying to explain it yet again. If people want to cling to their perception, deliberately in the face of a contrary explanation, it lets me know that they were never really interested in the question at all. They just want to complain about it, regardless of what the truth is.

You just described DCUM and most of social media

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a point of comparison between ATS and the immersion schools? We like the idea of strong academics and diversity. We are also interested in our child speaking Spanish. Wondering how the communities at those schools differ

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have a point of comparison between ATS and the immersion schools? We like the idea of strong academics and diversity. We are also interested in our child speaking Spanish. Wondering how the communities at those schools differ

You should have a sense of what people think about ATS and its community from this thread. You might consider posing your immersion question as a new thread.

I was not an ATS parent; but every ATS parent I knew confirmed the pressure the PTA puts on them to, not just show up, but take on a committee role or take responsibility for something. A number of parents I knew learned quickly which roles to sign up for early so they wouldn't be hounded about signing up for something the rest of the year.

You'll hear a lot more Spanish in the immersion program, obviously. So there will be more Hispanic "culture" inherent within the community and school activities.

Both programs offer a strong education....immersion can continue through high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I think this actually just brings us full circle. You confirm that the issue is the perception that parents are chasing elite schools when it’s incongruous. Yet, for years on this board I have seen and contributed to threads where parents who sought both schools have explained over and over their rationale, but there are apparently those who refuse to believe them and comment every single time that it doesn’t make sense. Hence my original comment to another PP not to waste their time trying to explain it yet again. If people want to cling to their perception, deliberately in the face of a contrary explanation, it lets me know that they were never really interested in the question at all. They just want to complain about it, regardless of what the truth is.

The families I know who applied to both were all white families looking to get out of their South Arlington schools. It's not a big sample size, but it affects my perception.

On the tour of HB, back when you had to take one to apply, the guide had gone to ATS and said she/her family wanted her to go to "the best" school and that was ATS and HB. I don't think she came up with that perception on her own. I think that's what her parents were peddling.

(My kid didn't get into HB, and that was fine. Our neighborhood school worked out. But it pissed me off when ATS or HB parents complain about full classes or lack of something or other. There's a waiting list a mile long for each. If you're unhappy, leave.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have a point of comparison between ATS and the immersion schools? We like the idea of strong academics and diversity. We are also interested in our child speaking Spanish. Wondering how the communities at those schools differ

You should have a sense of what people think about ATS and its community from this thread. You might consider posing your immersion question as a new thread.

I was not an ATS parent; but every ATS parent I knew confirmed the pressure the PTA puts on them to, not just show up, but take on a committee role or take responsibility for something. A number of parents I knew learned quickly which roles to sign up for early so they wouldn't be hounded about signing up for something the rest of the year.

You'll hear a lot more Spanish in the immersion program, obviously. So there will be more Hispanic "culture" inherent within the community and school activities.

Both programs offer a strong education....immersion can continue through high school.

LOL "every ATS parent I know." You must only know white parents. The rest of us don't give a crap about the PTA, play dates etc.

[Anonymous]

There's no pressure from the PTA. That's ridiculous.
- Current ATS parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's no pressure from the PTA. That's ridiculous.
- Current ATS parent

Further proof that not everyone's experience at a school is the same.

[Anonymous]

^^ no PTA pressure at all. No HB cult-love either. Nor any crazy TJSSTS goals either.

[Anonymous]

The PTA sent out an announcement seeking candidates for PTA positions. That happens at all schools, I believe. That was the only solicitation that I can remember this past year asking for any help from the PTA. Pretty typical and not what I would call "pressure".

[Anonymous]

kids have to have their shirts tucked in . Priorities!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:kids have to have their shirts tucked in . Priorities!

It's an inside joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have a point of comparison between ATS and the immersion schools? We like the idea of strong academics and diversity. We are also interested in our child speaking Spanish. Wondering how the communities at those schools differ

Completely different schools.

[Anonymous]

Maybe the better answer is to make all elementary school like ATS and make option schools the ones that are not like ATS giving parents who don't want that type of school the ability to opt out for an option school.

H-B Woodlawn should just go. And I never equate "elite" kids with H-B. Never. In my mind it's a school for kids who can't handle mainstream middle and high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe the better answer is to make all elementary school like ATS and make option schools the ones that are not like ATS giving parents who don't want that type of school the ability to opt out for an option school.

H-B Woodlawn should just go. And I never equate "elite" kids with H-B. Never. In my mind it's a school for kids who can't handle mainstream middle and high school.

As a parent who has kids at ATS I definitely agree. There is nothing unique about ATS other than the fact that it uses proven methods of teaching that actually deliver results (at least with reading and writing - I think math is on par with other schools). Parents who don’t like the reading and writing curriculum and prefer something more progressive should be able to opt out and send their kids to an option school with a different philosophy.