Ashlawn or Campbell ES?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

Except...what I described is precisely what my two children experienced. Kids mocking them at recess for not having the latest expensive gear and clothes. So how about if you don't minimize that experience, and maybe realize that for some people, the experience is different from your own? You're also aware that Ashlawn is not just 22203? And the housing prices have gone up substantially in the past few years so that many of the homes are now $1.5 million plus, particularly with all the tear-downs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

Except...what I described is precisely what my two children experienced. Kids mocking them at recess for not having the latest expensive gear and clothes. So how about if you don't minimize that experience, and maybe realize that for some people, the experience is different from your own? You're also aware that Ashlawn is not just 22203? And the housing prices have gone up substantially in the past few years so that many of the homes are now $1.5 million plus, particularly with all the tear-downs.

Yes, quite aware as we lived there 15 years with multiple children attending the school. We also walk through the neighborhood often. Just because there’s a couple jerk kids doesn’t mean the entire community is that way. A girl bullied my child for multiple years and did not come from a high income home. Should that reflect the whole school? Sorry for your experience, but you are projecting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

Except...what I described is precisely what my two children experienced. Kids mocking them at recess for not having the latest expensive gear and clothes. So how about if you don't minimize that experience, and maybe realize that for some people, the experience is different from your own? You're also aware that Ashlawn is not just 22203? And the housing prices have gone up substantially in the past few years so that many of the homes are now $1.5 million plus, particularly with all the tear-downs.

A large chunk of the former Mckinley boundary in 22205 was redistricted to Ashlawn. Also Dominion Hills has always been zoned to Ashlawn. Most homes in the Ashlawn district surpass 1.5 mill. New builds are 2 mil and up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was trying to do anything to get my kid out of a horrid neighborhood school and Ashlawn was one of the ones I begged to get into because of its excellent reputation. Didn't work btw.

Yea, you can't beg to leave your school for another neighborhood school.... duh.

You can absolutely request transfers to other neighborhood schools. APS even has a list of the zones that can switch between certain neighborhood schools based on crowding. And I know parents who made the case to attend neighborhood schools not their own. They provide their own transportation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

Have you ever been to Barcroft or Fleet or Hoffman Boston or Drew or Claremont or Wakefield or Jefferson? It seems Arlington is more diverse than you think it is. Ashlawn's school profile stats will show you that it is not the most reflective school of the system's student demographics. WL is actually about the closest reflection of overall APS student body demographics.

[Anonymous]

Not sure why you’re an arguing demographics but Ashlawn is hardly a rich kid school. I grew up in a pretty poor area and some kids still made fun of everyone else wore, not wearing the right brand, etc. even though we were all poor! If the worst thing you can say about the school is that some parents are able to give money at an auction, and there were two jerks on the playground… I’d say that’s pretty tame.

[Anonymous]

I frequently hear that people are not huge fans of the principal, but that she is getting better. I think that's interesting. We will be entering the school system this year. I made the mistake of thinking the preschool director would not be a huge presence because my kids would be with the teachers, and yes that's true, but I end up dealing with the director all the time. Is it the same for principals. What specifically are the concerns there? Just want to be aware as an incoming family of what to look for

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of transferring back to Ashlawn after a miserable experience at a local parochial school. Can families share about their experience with gifted services offered at Ashlawn, and whether its upper elementary teaching is able to prepare kids well for middle school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I frequently hear that people are not huge fans of the principal, but that she is getting better. I think that's interesting. We will be entering the school system this year. I made the mistake of thinking the preschool director would not be a huge presence because my kids would be with the teachers, and yes that's true, but I end up dealing with the director all the time. Is it the same for principals. What specifically are the concerns there? Just want to be aware as an incoming family of what to look for

Why do you have to be dealing with a preschool Director on a regular basis? Does your child have behavioral issues, medical condition, special needs? I’m not trying to be rude but that seems a bit unusual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of transferring back to Ashlawn after a miserable experience at a local parochial school. Can families share about their experience with gifted services offered at Ashlawn, and whether its upper elementary teaching is able to prepare kids well for middle school?

Gifted services across APS are crap to be blunt. That being said, I regularly hear how respectful kids from Ashlawn are in middle school. Another issue with all elementary schools is they don’t do much in fifth grade to prepare children for the executive functioning skills needed to manage your own schedule, classes, tests in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of transferring back to Ashlawn after a miserable experience at a local parochial school. Can families share about their experience with gifted services offered at Ashlawn, and whether its upper elementary teaching is able to prepare kids well for middle school?

Gifted services across APS are crap to be blunt. That being said, I regularly hear how respectful kids from Ashlawn are in middle school. Another issue with all elementary schools is they don’t do much in fifth grade to prepare children for the executive functioning skills needed to manage your own schedule, classes, tests in middle school.

I believe this is because APS approaches 6th grade very much as a transition year and focuses more on these things in 6th rather than 5th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to know about Ashlawn is that they are very straightforward with social justice issues. My DC says they’ve been reading about hunger/food insecurity, and racism before that, and there is a food drive going on right now. If you don’t want to try to remember to send in a can of soup this week, or socks for the homeless shelter another week, it may not be a good match. Participation isn’t required of course, and nobody keeps track, but I would think you’d have to at least be supportive of that stuff even if you don’t remember to contribute something each time to feel like it’s a good match.

I've had two kids attend Ashlawn, and I have mixed feelings about this. GCP is great. I also like the teachers a lot. And numerically, it is a diverse school - particularly because of the large apartment complex in the school zone. But the wealth gap is huge, and that translates into alienation of the kids who don't live in the $1.5 million homes. There is some pretty obscene wealth at the school (look at what people paid at the recent auction), and, for some of the kids there, it translates into some snobby values. We're one of the few actually middle class families there, so we probably notice this more than other families.

This is hilarious. We used to live in that district and I found Ashlawn most reflective of Arlington as a whole when it comes to the range of socioeconomics and diversity. There are very few 1.5 million homes in that area of 22203. (and 1,.5 million is on the low end for a single-family home in Arlington unfortunately). There generous families that have a means to donate to the school which guess what… benefits everybody!

This post is just so funny because Ashlawn’s community is diverse in many ways just like… real life. And acting like it’s a bunch of snobby rich folks is so off-base especially when the neighboring schools have homes in the 2 to 3+ million range and veery few low income families.

Except...what I described is precisely what my two children experienced. Kids mocking them at recess for not having the latest expensive gear and clothes. So how about if you don't minimize that experience, and maybe realize that for some people, the experience is different from your own? You're also aware that Ashlawn is not just 22203? And the housing prices have gone up substantially in the past few years so that many of the homes are now $1.5 million plus, particularly with all the tear-downs.

At Ashlawn? Wow, I’m sorry you went through that and I really would not have expected that there, super surprised.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I frequently hear that people are not huge fans of the principal, but that she is getting better. I think that's interesting. We will be entering the school system this year. I made the mistake of thinking the preschool director would not be a huge presence because my kids would be with the teachers, and yes that's true, but I end up dealing with the director all the time. Is it the same for principals. What specifically are the concerns there? Just want to be aware as an incoming family of what to look for

I’m confused by this post as well, which preschools are at Ashlawn now? Montessori? VPI??

Fwiw I’ve only heard positive things about Ashlawn from families who went there.