FCPS High School Poverty and Enrollment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

It seems specious to me, as opposed to trying to improve base schools. But I also don’t know the exact numbers availing of this special option within the county.

If the Foreign Service kids get to attend $$$boarding schools on the taxpayer dime when their families obtain documentation that post schools are “inadequate,” then military kids should have at least some pupil placement options!

That logic doesn’t seem very compelling. They could pupil place like anyone else but instead they are getting preferential treatment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

It seems specious to me, as opposed to trying to improve base schools. But I also don’t know the exact numbers availing of this special option within the county.

If the Foreign Service kids get to attend $$$boarding schools on the taxpayer dime when their families obtain documentation that post schools are “inadequate,” then military kids should have at least some pupil placement options!

That logic doesn’t seem very compelling. They could pupil place like anyone else but instead they are getting preferential treatment.

They are not here forever. It is a short period of time usually. And, it does not affect that many kids. Not only that, but those who move into quarters may have been renting in a different school district earlier. There is usually a wait list to get into quarters. So, that would add another school transfer to military kids in addition to their geographical move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

It seems specious to me, as opposed to trying to improve base schools. But I also don’t know the exact numbers availing of this special option within the county.

If the Foreign Service kids get to attend $$$boarding schools on the taxpayer dime when their families obtain documentation that post schools are “inadequate,” then military kids should have at least some pupil placement options!

That logic doesn’t seem very compelling. They could pupil place like anyone else but instead they are getting preferential treatment.

Belvoir is zoned to the worst school in the county and one of the worst in the state. FCPS does everything possible to give people, military or not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

VDOE 22-23:
Mount Vernon military 317=88 disadvantaged+ 229 non disadvantaged
West Springfield 508 military and dis range 1 to 9.

No clue how many military but you can find all per grade level on VDOE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

VDOE 22-23:
Mount Vernon military 317=88 disadvantaged+ 229 non disadvantaged
West Springfield 508 military and dis range 1 to 9.

No clue how many military but you can find all per grade level on VDOE.

Don't know if I am interpreting this properly, but with 777 no fee waivers on FARMS at Mt. Vernon, that means almost 1/3 were military affiliated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - the simple fact is that the gap between certain neighboring schools in FCPS has become so large that the prospect of boundary changes is essentially off the table.

West Springfield - Lewis - not going to happen. Langley - Herndon - not going to happen. Woodson - Annandale - not going to happen.

And then you have West Potomac and Mount Vernon - it could have happened. A boundary change made perfect sense. Extra space at Mount Vernon and too many students at West Potomac. Both schools have a pretty high F/R lunch rate, but West Potomac's is a bit lower and it has a better reputation (and AP courses). If they didn't change those boundaries, you better believe they are never going to make those other changes.

Up until 2000, maybe 2005, you could probably have made any of those changes. Parents would have grumbled but would have sucked it up and moved on. Now it would implode parents' minds.

To through gasoline on the fire: this is one of the reasons I support school choice: the gridlock when it comes to changing boundaries, building new schools, allowing development, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - the simple fact is that the gap between certain neighboring schools in FCPS has become so large that the prospect of boundary changes is essentially off the table.

West Springfield - Lewis - not going to happen. Langley - Herndon - not going to happen. Woodson - Annandale - not going to happen.

And then you have West Potomac and Mount Vernon - it could have happened. A boundary change made perfect sense. Extra space at Mount Vernon and too many students at West Potomac. Both schools have a pretty high F/R lunch rate, but West Potomac's is a bit lower and it has a better reputation (and AP courses). If they didn't change those boundaries, you better believe they are never going to make those other changes.

Up until 2000, maybe 2005, you could probably have made any of those changes. Parents would have grumbled but would have sucked it up and moved on. Now it would implode parents' minds.

To through gasoline on the fire: this is one of the reasons I support school choice: the gridlock when it comes to changing boundaries, building new schools, allowing development, etc.

How does school choice work in your ideal world? If you have a right to attend in bounds (like DCPS), then that's what we already have. Any kid can try to pupil place anywhere that has room. If you don't give in bounds rights, how do you deal with kids who get bad lottery numbers and are suddenly looking a a hour drive to school? What would you do with a kid who lives near Mason Neck and misses out on South County?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - the simple fact is that the gap between certain neighboring schools in FCPS has become so large that the prospect of boundary changes is essentially off the table.

West Springfield - Lewis - not going to happen. Langley - Herndon - not going to happen. Woodson - Annandale - not going to happen.

And then you have West Potomac and Mount Vernon - it could have happened. A boundary change made perfect sense. Extra space at Mount Vernon and too many students at West Potomac. Both schools have a pretty high F/R lunch rate, but West Potomac's is a bit lower and it has a better reputation (and AP courses). If they didn't change those boundaries, you better believe they are never going to make those other changes.

Up until 2000, maybe 2005, you could probably have made any of those changes. Parents would have grumbled but would have sucked it up and moved on. Now it would implode parents' minds.

To through gasoline on the fire: this is one of the reasons I support school choice: the gridlock when it comes to changing boundaries, building new schools, allowing development, etc.

How does school choice work in your ideal world? If you have a right to attend in bounds (like DCPS), then that's what we already have. Any kid can try to pupil place anywhere that has room. If you don't give in bounds rights, how do you deal with kids who get bad lottery numbers and are suddenly looking a a hour drive to school? What would you do with a kid who lives near Mason Neck and misses out on South County?

FCPS (and parents) don't seem in a rush to address the 115% capacity at Chantilly, and it took them quite a while to get anything in the plan for Centerville.

It's more than unfair that some schools close their doors at 100% capacity when clearly schools can operate for a decade with hundreds of kids more than designed. So, up the enrollment limit to 115%. Guarantee spots for in bounds but let another ~400 kids in if they're willing to make the drive. It feels like we're being cheated out of the opportunity to pupil place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - the simple fact is that the gap between certain neighboring schools in FCPS has become so large that the prospect of boundary changes is essentially off the table.

West Springfield - Lewis - not going to happen. Langley - Herndon - not going to happen. Woodson - Annandale - not going to happen.

And then you have West Potomac and Mount Vernon - it could have happened. A boundary change made perfect sense. Extra space at Mount Vernon and too many students at West Potomac. Both schools have a pretty high F/R lunch rate, but West Potomac's is a bit lower and it has a better reputation (and AP courses). If they didn't change those boundaries, you better believe they are never going to make those other changes.

Up until 2000, maybe 2005, you could probably have made any of those changes. Parents would have grumbled but would have sucked it up and moved on. Now it would implode parents' minds.

To through gasoline on the fire: this is one of the reasons I support school choice: the gridlock when it comes to changing boundaries, building new schools, allowing development, etc.

How does school choice work in your ideal world? If you have a right to attend in bounds (like DCPS), then that's what we already have. Any kid can try to pupil place anywhere that has room. If you don't give in bounds rights, how do you deal with kids who get bad lottery numbers and are suddenly looking a a hour drive to school? What would you do with a kid who lives near Mason Neck and misses out on South County?

FCPS (and parents) don't seem in a rush to address the 115% capacity at Chantilly, and it took them quite a while to get anything in the plan for Centerville.

It's more than unfair that some schools close their doors at 100% capacity when clearly schools can operate for a decade with hundreds of kids more than designed. So, up the enrollment limit to 115%. Guarantee spots for in bounds but let another ~400 kids in if they're willing to make the drive. It feels like we're being cheated out of the opportunity to pupil place.

That makes no sense at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

VDOE 22-23:
Mount Vernon military 317=88 disadvantaged+ 229 non disadvantaged
West Springfield 508 military and dis range 1 to 9.

No clue how many military but you can find all per grade level on VDOE.

Don't know if I am interpreting this properly, but with 777 no fee waivers on FARMS at Mt. Vernon, that means almost 1/3 were military affiliated.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/data-reports/statistics-reports/enrollment-demographics
build a table
17% is military connected - total school is 1847. Relevant to me is the fact that FCPS has created long term burdens on military families and students with a ratmaze of beaurocratic transfers and inconsistencies for those who are willing to serve. No bus for pupil placement and it is a complete disgrace that out of the 317 military connected that 26% are FARMS.

Far higher % than those who pupil place out. So lower ranks or new to base stuck?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

VDOE 22-23:
Mount Vernon military 317=88 disadvantaged+ 229 non disadvantaged
West Springfield 508 military and dis range 1 to 9.

No clue how many military but you can find all per grade level on VDOE.

Don't know if I am interpreting this properly, but with 777 no fee waivers on FARMS at Mt. Vernon, that means almost 1/3 were military affiliated.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/data-reports/statistics-reports/enrollment-demographics
build a table
17% is military connected - total school is 1847. Relevant to me is the fact that FCPS has created long term burdens on military families and students with a ratmaze of beaurocratic transfers and inconsistencies for those who are willing to serve. No bus for pupil placement and it is a complete disgrace that out of the 317 military connected that 26% are FARMS.

Far higher % than those who pupil place out. So lower ranks or new to base stuck?

What? You call the principal of the school you want your kid to attend and say that you're going to PCS to Belvoir and that your kid would like to attend. It could not be easier

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand FCPS may just be following state or federal law with respect to allowing military families on base to transfer to other schools, but what is the policy rationale? It’s not like FCPS didn’t invest heavily in at least the elementary schools at Fort Belvoir.

Perhaps, military retiring, leaving family behind, or, otherwise refusing a transfer in some way-- instead of moving to a place with undesirable schools.

Probably doesn't affect that many high schools as most military kids are younger.

VDOE 22-23:
Mount Vernon military 317=88 disadvantaged+ 229 non disadvantaged
West Springfield 508 military and dis range 1 to 9.

No clue how many military but you can find all per grade level on VDOE.

Don't know if I am interpreting this properly, but with 777 no fee waivers on FARMS at Mt. Vernon, that means almost 1/3 were military affiliated.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/data-reports/statistics-reports/enrollment-demographics
build a table
17% is military connected - total school is 1847. Relevant to me is the fact that FCPS has created long term burdens on military families and students with a ratmaze of beaurocratic transfers and inconsistencies for those who are willing to serve. No bus for pupil placement and it is a complete disgrace that out of the 317 military connected that 26% are FARMS.

Far higher % than those who pupil place out. So lower ranks or new to base stuck?

What? You call the principal of the school you want your kid to attend and say that you're going to PCS to Belvoir and that your kid would like to attend. It could not be easier

FCPS has a separate category under transer for on base Ft Belvoir housing and categories like relocation into FCPS duriing the schoool year which would be for those moving in and not in on base housing. No transportation provided to non base school. So how many military connected are transferring out of Mount Vernon? https://www.fcps.edu/registration/student-transfer-information

Transportation is not provided by FCPS for students attending schools on approved student transfers.[b] and note volume farms military at MV.

[Anonymous]

The military should understand that it is not desirable to live in a neighborhood that is that transient for people who want to live here long term. Having a few military families as friends and part of the school is great. Having most of the school military is not. They are cliquey and transient. It is not desirable.

[Anonymous]

The military created this by closing so many bases. They shouldn't have done so and would better integrate with the US. Now they have these mega bases which end up isolating them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The military should understand that it is not desirable to live in a neighborhood that is that transient for people who want to live here long term. Having a few military families as friends and part of the school is great. Having most of the school military is not. They are cliquey and transient. It is not desirable.

Go up the river from Belvoir and there are elementary schools that are heavily military and seen as desirable