Flint Hill vs. Louise Archer for AAP
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Anonymous
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DS was found eligible for AAP and we need to make a decision whether to stay at Flint Hill local level IV AAP class or move to Louise Archer.
Could anyone kindly provide their input on the differences between these two schools AAP programs? We are planning to attend the orientations for both schools but wanted to get input from others, especially those who have kids in these programs. They are about the same distance and school timings are not a factor us. Thank you |
Anonymous
| Altounian and Bailey at Fhes are incredible teachers. I haven't heard too much yet about the 6th grade teacher. But she came over from Colvin Run AAP. I'm pretty sure some of the grades are made up of only center eligible but that will just depend on how many stay vs. go. My kid has been thrilled and challenged there. I also don't like the later time at Louise Archer and there is no Spanish there but people also love it. I really think you can't go wrong between these 2 choices and it will just depend on your child. |
Anonymous
| Personally, I hear better things about Flint Hill. |
Anonymous
| We chose LA and would make the same decision again. When the AART at FH tries to tell you there is no difference between the programs, don't believe her. Not saying your child will be unhappy at FH (many people love it), but the programs are NOT the same. |
Anonymous
| Also, PP is right that there's no Spanish at LA, but the Spanish at FH is a joke (as it is at every FLES school). |
Anonymous
What does LA have that that the LLIV programs at Flint Hill or Wolftrap don't have? |
Anonymous
| I would stay. |
Anonymous
Thank you! As to your comments about it depending on the child, could you please elaborate? My son is talkative, grasps concepts very quickly, good in math and likes it a lot, good reader but reads mostly books about pokemon, minecraft, lego, etc. He is below average on most athletic activities. What would you recommend? Better yet if you could provide any color on the differences between the two programs it would help us to make up our mind. |
Anonymous
Could you please kindly provide any additional information on how or why you made the decision to go with LA? Could you please share what differences you find between the two programs? Thanks you! |
Anonymous
Could you please elaborate on good things that you heard? We are very happy with the school, but coming to AAP we are not sure what to look for in making the decision. Thank you! |
Anonymous
--Better community (school community, not neighborhood community) --Better administration (in handling any issues) --Better teacher communication with parents |
Anonymous
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OP, have you been to the AAP tour night that LA holds for families like yours, who are making a choice about AAP center or no center? They usually host a night where parents hear a presentation about AAP and get a tour, while their kids get a separate tour led by LA sixth graders. That night really cemented my kid's desire to change schools (full disclosure, we were coming from another ES, not Flint Hill). I hope you haven't missed that event -- not sure at what point in the spring it was held, back when we did it a couple of years ago.
If you have not had a chance to go tour the school in person, with your child, and talk with teachers, do it. If you choose to stay at FH, you will know that you did due diligence and got all the information available to you as you made your choice. It's worth asking at both schools how the LL IV or the center models are different from general ed (ask for specific examples of the work done -- everyone has the same curriculum, but ask how the LL IV and center classes handle that curriculum differently from how it might be presented in general ed at either school, and how expectations for students' homework and projects and papers etc. are different from general ed for the same material). Whether you stay at FH or go to LA, your kid will be in a good school. |
Anonymous
I won't lie, there is one dud third grade teacher at LA. However, there is also a dud in the LLIV lineup at FH (not one of the previously named teachers), so it evens out. The remaining AAP teachers at LA are wonderful. I prefer the administration at LA over those at FH. LA has better field trips (Jamestown in 4th grade, Camp Highroads - overnight for 2 nights - in 6th grade). FH has a better selection of afterschool activities, however I think both PTA work hard to make sure there are other events outside of school throughout the year. For me, there was no question after the info sessions. The fact that children were invited to and included in the LA session spoke volumes to me. Parking at both schools sucks, but Kiss & Ride is soooo much better at LA. 
Honestly, I think the biggest risk at FH is the fact that there is only one class, so you child is with the same cohort of kids for 4 years. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it isn't. There were two children from the current 4th class at FH that went to the Center after 3rd grade for this very reason. |
Anonymous
What do you like about the administration at LA? Also, is there a divide at all between AAP and GE at LA? |
Anonymous
| Don't all 4th graders go to Jamestown? |