Haycock or Mt Daniel?

[Anonymous]

We're moving to the area and our daughter will be in 1st grade this fall. We're looking at homes in both of these districts. From what I can tell, they're both highly rated but Mt Daniel seems to be in need of major reno's. Any substantial difference in education (or anything else) with either of the schools?

[Anonymous]

There is a difference in the structure (i.e which grades are at the school). Also, Haycock is an AAP Center (which can be a positive or a negative, depending on who you talk to).

They are both good schools.

[Anonymous]

I though Reno was already on the books to occur at Mt. Daniel and Haycock is currently in the middle of one. Both are good schools. I'd look farther down the road towards high schools though if this is your house you plan to stay in for your child's education. There are a ton of posts here if you search this forum. Take it with a grain of salt what people say here though lots of opinions.

[Anonymous]

The renovations at Haycock are supposed to be substantially completed by the beginning of the next school year.

[Anonymous]

Haycock has a lot of AAP kids who compete in math and science competitions and the middle school is a big feeder to TJ, the magnet STEM high school. McLean HS is AP. George Mason in FCC is IB and Mt. Daniel also has the IB Primary Years Programme.

[Anonymous]

So, can't go wrong with either, or if you were me, would you lean towards one over the other?

[Anonymous]

Other things being equal, I'd pick a renovated school over one still in the middle of being renovated, but we're not you, OP. People who prefer a smaller school with a more nurturing reputation would probably pick Mt. Daniel. People interested in a more academically challenging school with a broader range of after-school programs might pick Haycock. But you really can't go wrong here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other things being equal, I'd pick a renovated school over one still in the middle of being renovated, but we're not you, OP. People who prefer a smaller school with a more nurturing reputation would probably pick Mt. Daniel. People interested in a more academically challenging school with a broader range of after-school programs might pick Haycock. But you really can't go wrong here.

The schools in FCC are becoming overcrowded due to the huge influx of people and no land to build additional schools.

[Anonymous]

Renovation at Mt. Daniel will be performed this coming school year and will substantially increase class space to address the overcrowding mentioned by the PP.

OP, both are excellent schools, and if I were you I would decide based on which home I preferred, not which school. But both offer tours if you call the offices. We found this very valuable -- and actually were reassured about the adequacy of the existing Mt. Daniel building after visiting, even though the renovation will help a lot.

The shorthand that most people I know use is that Mt. Daniel is a smaller school with a more close-knit community, while Haycock is a larger school with more variety in school resources.

Also, Mt. Daniel only covers kindergarten and 1st grade (as well as second grade post-renovation). If your kid is in first grade now you'll probably want to look at Thomas Jefferson ES, which is the older elementary school in Falls Church City.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, can't go wrong with either, or if you were me, would you lean towards one over the other?

If fewer snow days matter, then Falls Church wins. If a choice of AP or IB matter in HS, then Haycock wins. My family is a science and math family and AP works better for them, so I would choose Haycock.

[Anonymous]

If you are going to do Haycock neighborhood I would look very closely at how the AAP kids and parents interact with the non-AAP kids and parents. My information is pretty old- but I did not enjoy being a non-AAP kid at an AAP school and I would not want my kid to go through that. (I went to Haycock.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are going to do Haycock neighborhood I would look very closely at how the AAP kids and parents interact with the non-AAP kids and parents. My information is pretty old- but I did not enjoy being a non-AAP kid at an AAP school and I would not want my kid to go through that. (I went to Haycock.)

On the other hand, in the FCC schools, you have a small cohort of kids and families from K-12, which some people like and others do not. The "mean girl" in your daughter's fifth grade class could be in her 6th grade class and most of her 7th grade classes, too.

[Anonymous]

Also, Mt. Daniel only covers kindergarten and 1st grade (as well as second grade post-renovation). If your kid is in first grade now you'll probably want to look at Thomas Jefferson ES, which is the older elementary school in Falls Church City.

This is what I was going to say, OP - you should be comparing TJ Elementary to Haycock, since as of right now, your kid will be going to TJ for 2nd grade (depending on when reno's finish).

[Anonymous]

She'll be in 1st grade in the fall, so my understanding is one year at MD and then to TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She'll be in 1st grade in the fall, so my understanding is one year at MD and then to TJ.

No. If the renovation/expansion happens on schedule - construction to start this summer and go through next school year - the second grade will move back to MD year after next. So if she'll be in 1st this coming fall, she'll also attend 2nd at MD.

We're at MD now, and don't have a problem with the current condition of the school. Yes, it's past total capacity and needs upgrades, but the teachers and administration have done a great job with what they have. The renovation will of course be positive.