Fall 2022 Over/Under-Enrollment at FCPS High Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suspect is any parts of WSHS are rezoned, it will be out to South Country or over to Lake Braddock.

I hope not. I'm shocked LB is listed so low. My kids can't get into a bathroom ever so have to get e=pass during class and neither got a locker they requested. I assumed we were way over and hoped they'd stop transfers in.

They had to rip the lockers out of McLean to create more space for students in the hallways. And no idea how they fit over 2900 kids into Chantilly, which has a much smaller footprint than Lake Braddock.

There is no room to expand Chantilly unless they build across the road. A new western HS is needed but that won’t happen ‘cause reasons.

I never realized quite how much I disliked Elaine Tholen until I listened to her pooh-pooh the idea that a new western high school would ever get built during the last brief School Board discussion of a CIP.

The Herndon area (more the part that feeds into Westfield than Herndon) could see an enormous increase in students if the growth associated with the new Silver Line stations materializes. Add to that the existing crowding at Centreville, Chantilly, and Oakton and it's a ticking time bomb.

But she felt duty-bound to toss cold water on the idea of a new high school because the one thing some people in Great Falls care about more than anything else is making sure that they never get moved back from Langley to Herndon, which theoretically could happen if a new school were built in western Fairfax and space opened up at Herndon. So then you end up with rich people at an under-enrolled, renovated school trying to dictate the decisions that affect kids miles away in overcrowded schools. It's obscene, and the likes of Tholen just roll over and play along.

Agreed. I’m the PP and a Herndon HS parent. Our school is fine, it’s the FCPS administration and SB that irk me. I’ll TRY to bite my tongue a bit re: the never Herndon people (it’s hard). The Herndon people don’t care one way or another about our pyramid boundaries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF is TJ underenrolled?

Change it to an Academy

They expanded the school when it was renovated and now they are increasing the class sizes (there are substantially more freshmen and sophomores than juniors and seniors). In two more years it will be closer to full capacity.

I don’t think this is correct. TJ has specialized rooms like labs so capacity is lower for the same physical area compared to other high schools. Not sure that’s reflected in the cup.

It is correct that TJ's capacity was expanded when it was renovated and that its freshmen and sophomore classes are bigger than its junior and senior classes.

It appears that TJ's enrollment will max out in a few years at about 2200, which would put it at about 92% of design capacity as opposed to the current 82%. FCPS generally measures utilization against design capacity rather than the adjusted program capacity, which in TJ's case may reflect things like lab space. That is appropriate, since the comparisons might otherwise imply TJ students are entitled to more space per student than students at other schools.

It is inappropriate to consider design capacity for a Governor’s school with specialized spaces. Program capacity is what’s relevant. The increases to the entering class size was not based in underenrollment but was part of changing the student body demographics.

Get over yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF is TJ underenrolled?

Change it to an Academy

They expanded the school when it was renovated and now they are increasing the class sizes (there are substantially more freshmen and sophomores than juniors and seniors). In two more years it will be closer to full capacity.

I don’t think this is correct. TJ has specialized rooms like labs so capacity is lower for the same physical area compared to other high schools. Not sure that’s reflected in the cup.

It is correct that TJ's capacity was expanded when it was renovated and that its freshmen and sophomore classes are bigger than its junior and senior classes.

It appears that TJ's enrollment will max out in a few years at about 2200, which would put it at about 92% of design capacity as opposed to the current 82%. FCPS generally measures utilization against design capacity rather than the adjusted program capacity, which in TJ's case may reflect things like lab space. That is appropriate, since the comparisons might otherwise imply TJ students are entitled to more space per student than students at other schools.

It is inappropriate to consider design capacity for a Governor’s school with specialized spaces. Program capacity is what’s relevant. The increases to the entering class size was not based in underenrollment but was part of changing the student body demographics.

You can colocate another program on the campus and keep the schools separate. It seems like they have plenty of space for an academy program

DP. What distinction are you trying to make between a Governor’s school and an academy? Governors schools are like FFRDC’s — they are operated by one entity on behalf of another. FCPS is the operator of TJ. Maybe you think LCPS should operate TJ and free up classroom space for FCPS students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF is TJ underenrolled?

Change it to an Academy

They expanded the school when it was renovated and now they are increasing the class sizes (there are substantially more freshmen and sophomores than juniors and seniors). In two more years it will be closer to full capacity.

I don’t think this is correct. TJ has specialized rooms like labs so capacity is lower for the same physical area compared to other high schools. Not sure that’s reflected in the cup.

It is correct that TJ's capacity was expanded when it was renovated and that its freshmen and sophomore classes are bigger than its junior and senior classes.

It appears that TJ's enrollment will max out in a few years at about 2200, which would put it at about 92% of design capacity as opposed to the current 82%. FCPS generally measures utilization against design capacity rather than the adjusted program capacity, which in TJ's case may reflect things like lab space. That is appropriate, since the comparisons might otherwise imply TJ students are entitled to more space per student than students at other schools.

It is inappropriate to consider design capacity for a Governor’s school with specialized spaces. Program capacity is what’s relevant. The increases to the entering class size was not based in underenrollment but was part of changing the student body demographics.

You can colocate another program on the campus and keep the schools separate. It seems like they have plenty of space for an academy program

DP. What distinction are you trying to make between a Governor’s school and an academy? Governors schools are like FFRDC’s — they are operated by one entity on behalf of another. FCPS is the operator of TJ. Maybe you think LCPS should operate TJ and free up classroom space for FCPS students?

To be clear I meant to say free up physical classroom space. If the governors school moved out of FCPS, then it could give reason to re-draw the boundaries and rebalance things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does everyone see how hard WS posters are fighting the suggestions that any WS kids ever get zoned to Lewis? Any of the other surrounding schools would be fine.

That is what happens when you concentrate all of the poor and ESL students.

FCPS needs a reckoning on this.

Sorry, but this is crazy.

There are several schools in the 30% overenrollment range.

Most of the schools are slightly below or slightly above capacity by 5% or so.

That is nominal, and an amount that will fluctuate up and down depending on class/grade size.

It is beyond silly to keep dragging WSHS into this discussion when it is in the same enrollmemt range as the majority of FCPS high schools, and when there is so much over capacity over in the other parts of the county

Focusing on one school that is at average enrollment, when there are several schools that are 30% over capacity, is really, really silly and misguided.

Nobody here saying that those grossly overcrowded schools don't need relief.

But there are also under utilized schools (like Lewis) facing issues. And the fact that FCPS chose to give WS a larger than approved renovation when there was space next door is telling.

Don't worry though. Nobody will be moved from WS to Lewis.

DP.

Can we all agree? - the current school board is entirely incompetent.

Vote out every one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF is TJ underenrolled?

Change it to an Academy

They expanded the school when it was renovated and now they are increasing the class sizes (there are substantially more freshmen and sophomores than juniors and seniors). In two more years it will be closer to full capacity.

I don’t think this is correct. TJ has specialized rooms like labs so capacity is lower for the same physical area compared to other high schools. Not sure that’s reflected in the cup.

It is correct that TJ's capacity was expanded when it was renovated and that its freshmen and sophomore classes are bigger than its junior and senior classes.

It appears that TJ's enrollment will max out in a few years at about 2200, which would put it at about 92% of design capacity as opposed to the current 82%. FCPS generally measures utilization against design capacity rather than the adjusted program capacity, which in TJ's case may reflect things like lab space. That is appropriate, since the comparisons might otherwise imply TJ students are entitled to more space per student than students at other schools.

It is inappropriate to consider design capacity for a Governor’s school with specialized spaces. Program capacity is what’s relevant. The increases to the entering class size was not based in underenrollment but was part of changing the student body demographics.

That's a really pedantic observation. Had TJ not been expanded during its renovation, the size of the entering classes would not have been increased, regardless of the School Board's decision to change the admissions process and draw students from more middle schools.

And every school has a design capacity and a program capacity, adjusted for various reasons. Assessing and comparing utilization based on design capacity is more sensible and what FCPS actually does.

[Anonymous]

Chantilly parent here. It’s like irs never dawned on Pekarsky that she represents Chantilly. I’ve literally never heard her address the overcrowding. It ended up being McLaughlin, who sent even the Rep, who sorted out outdoor lunch to reopen during COVID.

[Anonymous]

Isn't Pekarsky in the Chantilly pyramid? Tholen is a TJ/Langley parent, and really only cares about those two schools, but I thought Pekarsky had kids in the Chantilly pyramid.

The School Board as a whole has the attention span of a gnat when it comes to operations and facilities. It doesn't get their juices going like renaming schools or telling Youngkin to shove it when it comes to gender issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't Pekarsky in the Chantilly pyramid? Tholen is a TJ/Langley parent, and really only cares about those two schools, but I thought Pekarsky had kids in the Chantilly pyramid.

The School Board as a whole has the attention span of a gnat when it comes to operations and facilities. It doesn't get their juices going like renaming schools or telling Youngkin to shove it when it comes to gender issues.

She has kids in the Westfield pyramid. I don't think anyone wants to touch the boundaries in Western Fairfax after Kathy Smith and her cronies botched it so badly last time.

[Anonymous]

All three of the seriously overcrowded high schools have large Asian populations. It’s another example of the disrespect shown towards that community by the School Board. Maybe two Asian parents will step up to challenge Pekarsky and Tholen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All three of the seriously overcrowded high schools have large Asian populations. It’s another example of the disrespect shown towards that community by the School Board. Maybe two Asian parents will step up to challenge Pekarsky and Tholen.

As long as their priorities are around education and addressing over/under crowding reasonably (which will require boundary changes and/or a. Es western school) in a reasonable and timely manner, they have my support. Tholen theoretically represents my school region but is laser focused on Great Falls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps a good first step for FCPS before even entertaining rezoning or building additions would be to require all students to confirm their residency before they can register for classes.

I could be wrong, but I suspect there are many kids attending the over enrolled schools who do not actually live within the school zone.

Requiring a current utility bill every year at registration might fix the enrollment at schools in the 2-7% over capacity.

I'm a FCPS HS teacher. And a parent of a kid in a DC charter school. For my kid's enrollment, I have to prove residency EVERY year.

My students don't. And there are LOADS of them who cheat on residency to be in a "better" school. I don't get why FCPS doesn't verify every year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's crazy McLean's enrollment is now almost as large as Woodson's given the disparities in facilities (both size and condition). Tholen has been a big disappointment, but maybe no one should ever have expected a Langley parent to ever do any heavy lifting on McLean's behalf. Hope she is finally gone next year.

Maybe McLean should run a viable candidate one of these days. Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps a good first step for FCPS before even entertaining rezoning or building additions would be to require all students to confirm their residency before they can register for classes.

I could be wrong, but I suspect there are many kids attending the over enrolled schools who do not actually live within the school zone.

Requiring a current utility bill every year at registration might fix the enrollment at schools in the 2-7% over capacity.

I'm a FCPS HS teacher. And a parent of a kid in a DC charter school. For my kid's enrollment, I have to prove residency EVERY year.

My students don't. And there are LOADS of them who cheat on residency to be in a "better" school. I don't get why FCPS doesn't verify every year.

Because your kid is in a charter and the parents have to apply in the first place so they will fill out a form every year to keep their spot. They were savvy and together enough to fill out the charter application in the first place. FCPS would have kids who never enroll because it is an actual public school that has to take everyone, so it would waste TONS of manpower and time not to mention months of a child’s education while the kids who really NEED to be in school aren’t enrolled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't Pekarsky in the Chantilly pyramid? Tholen is a TJ/Langley parent, and really only cares about those two schools, but I thought Pekarsky had kids in the Chantilly pyramid.

The School Board as a whole has the attention span of a gnat when it comes to operations and facilities. It doesn't get their juices going like renaming schools or telling Youngkin to shove it when it comes to gender issues.

She has kids in the Westfield pyramid. I don't think anyone wants to touch the boundaries in Western Fairfax after Kathy Smith and her cronies botched it so badly last time.

But she represents Chantilly too. Just not well.