Let's talk about the lower performing schools in FFX

[Anonymous]

Due to budget and commute, we are looking to buy in (most likely) one of the lower performing pyramids (Falls Church, Edison, Lee, Annadale, Hayfield, or West Potomac). I am looking for real reviews or experiences with schools in these pyramids beyond saying it's a high FARMS or ESOL school. Anything more substantive?

[Anonymous]

I think you need to go to the school and talk withthe Principal. Hang out after school and talk to people picking up their children. Walk around the neighborhood you are interested and talk to your would be neighbor's. This is true wherever you may be looking, but I don't think you get the inofrmatiomtion you seek here.

The HS and MS are big enough that there are enough serious students (can be very diverse in many different ways) that most students can get an excellent education and be fully prepared for college or whatever is next.

[Anonymous]

We're currently in the Pine Spring/Jackson/Falls Church pyramid. Although our DDs are still pre-K, I've heard nothing but good reviews from the families in our neighborhood with kids who are school-aged. Many of the elementary kids go to Mantua for AAP, but those at Pine Spring seem to be equally pleased.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to go to the school and talk withthe Principal. Hang out after school and talk to people picking up their children. Walk around the neighborhood you are interested and talk to your would be neighbor's. This is true wherever you may be looking, but I don't think you get the inofrmatiomtion you seek here.

The HS and MS are big enough that there are enough serious students (can be very diverse in many different ways) that most students can get an excellent education and be fully prepared for college or whatever is next.

+1 Agree with this. You have to look beyond the numbers. Do your own on the ground research and make your decision based on that.

[Anonymous]

A friend's child recently graduated from the Stuart IB program and was accepted at an ivy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to go to the school and talk withthe Principal. Hang out after school and talk to people picking up their children. Walk around the neighborhood you are interested and talk to your would be neighbor's. This is true wherever you may be looking, but I don't think you get the inofrmatiomtion you seek here.

The HS and MS are big enough that there are enough serious students (can be very diverse in many different ways) that most students can get an excellent education and be fully prepared for college or whatever is next.

Umm no, all of that sounds weird and stalkerish

[Anonymous]

School's about out so it will be hard to see kids in school until fall.

We're in the West Potomac pyramid and there are all types because both high and low income plus recent immigrants, lots of high level military and govt types send their kids there. It's been fine - they offer something for everyone and your kids will see a wide swath of humanity. Living near the Potomac is great and the commute is not bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A friend's child recently graduated from the Stuart IB program and was accepted at an ivy.

Great but what happens after getting in, was the child well prepared?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend's child recently graduated from the Stuart IB program and was accepted at an ivy.

Great but what happens after getting in, was the child well prepared?

She declined, but seems to be doing quite well elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

I teach at one of the schools listed. I've also taught in a favorite mid level school on here (Robinson/LB/WS/SC level).

A child coming from an involved home will be completely fine at the schools you listed. In my experience, the teachers were more involved in students' lives at the lower schools--there's a more lively after school tutoring program, mentoring opportunities, students hanging out with staff for lunch, etc. At the other school, the culture was very much, "If you want something, you have to seek me out and ask for it--it's not my job to figure out what you need." Maybe the school I taught at was just a dud.

The downside at the lower schools is there are less elective choices, because a lot of resources go to remedial classes. Instead of jazz band/orchestra/guitar/choir/marching band, there may only be 2 musical options. Instead of 20 sports teams, there may only be 10 or 12.

[Anonymous]

Of the ones listed, I'd say go for falls church, the area - specifically mosaic and around the Dunn Lori g metro is greatly improving, and your investment will probably pay off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of the ones listed, I'd say go for falls church, the area - specifically mosaic and around the Dunn Lori g metro is greatly improving, and your investment will probably pay off.

+1

[Anonymous]

What about the part of Annandale that feeds into Lake Braddock? Too far?


https://www.redfin.com/VA/Springfield/5513-Ravenel-Ln-22151/home/9742591 looks like it's going to need a lot of work and is priced accordingly)

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Springfield/5642-Inverchapel-Rd-22151/home/9742654

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about the part of Annandale that feeds into Lake Braddock? Too far?


https://www.redfin.com/VA/Springfield/5513-Ravenel-Ln-22151/home/9742591 looks like it's going to need a lot of work and is priced accordingly)

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Springfield/5642-Inverchapel-Rd-22151/home/9742654

No part of Annandale feeds into Lake Braddock. Annandale feeds into Annandale, Falls Church, Stuart and Woodson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend's child recently graduated from the Stuart IB program and was accepted at an ivy.

Great but what happens after getting in, was the child well prepared?