Looking for honest reviews of Oakton High School

[Anonymous]

The ratings seem good, but we are moving into the area and do not know anyone there. My daughter is introverted, academically strong in all subjects, and would likely want to join marching band. I know that there is an interim principal now and a renovation coming up. Having driven by the school when we were house hunting, I was not impressed. It is also much larger than the schools in our area. Is it very competitive to get good grades? For any recent graduates, did you feel prepared for college? What is the social scene like?

[Anonymous]

I have heard complaints about bullying at Oakton from 3 people with kids there or recently graduated. One had a special ed kid on the high-function end of the spectrum, and some of the athletes were just cruel to her. Her mom complained to the administration several times with no change, and she was really glad when graduation finally rolled around. Hopefully the new principal will do better on that front, particularly with such a large school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The ratings seem good, but we are moving into the area and do not know anyone there. My daughter is introverted, academically strong in all subjects, and would likely want to join marching band. I know that there is an interim principal now and a renovation coming up. Having driven by the school when we were house hunting, I was not impressed. It is also much larger than the schools in our area. Is it very competitive to get good grades? For any recent graduates, did you feel prepared for college? What is the social scene like?

If she is into marching band, Madison has a much stronger program. The schools around here do not look great, but inside, they are mostly fine.
(My DD is also academically focused, introverted and in the Marching Band; she will be a Soph. next year.

[Anonymous]

Oakton Marching band is fine. Oakton is a less insular school than Madison as well.

[Anonymous]

Oakton is great and the marching band community is great too. Since band camp starts before school, she will get a chance to meet people before school starts. I know several kids who go there and are in the marching band from our congregation- haven't heard any complaints and lots of praise - from the students and the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The ratings seem good, but we are moving into the area and do not know anyone there. My daughter is introverted, academically strong in all subjects, and would likely want to join marching band. I know that there is an interim principal now and a renovation coming up. Having driven by the school when we were house hunting, I was not impressed. It is also much larger than the schools in our area. Is it very competitive to get good grades? For any recent graduates, did you feel prepared for college? What is the social scene like?

If she is into marching band, Madison has a much stronger program. The schools around here do not look great, but inside, they are mostly fine.
(My DD is also academically focused, introverted and in the Marching Band; she will be a Soph. next year.

Wasn't there a very negative issue that happened within the band just a few months ago? It involved an act on anti-X (I won't mention the X). Oakton has had no such issue with our band. Just saying,

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback about the band. We might not move in time for her to do that now that I see how early it starts. Any other feedback about academic or social issues? We are researching private schools with availability as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the feedback about the band. We might not move in time for her to do that now that I see how early it starts. Any other feedback about academic or social issues? We are researching private schools with availability as well.

Academically it is in the DCUM top 5 FCPS HS. It is definitely college prep and then some. From where are you moving?

[Anonymous]

My kids are multicultural. My DC has many friends from OHS and JMHS. DC tells me that kids at OHS are much friendlier and less cliquey compared to JMHS. Academically both schools are similar. OHS ranks higher in US News.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are multicultural. My DC has many friends from OHS and JMHS. DC tells me that kids at OHS are much friendlier and less cliquey compared to JMHS. Academically both schools are similar. OHS ranks higher in US News.

I have a hard time seeing why that's the case, unless it's just a function of the kids your child happens to know. There just isn't that much difference between Oakton and Madison.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have heard complaints about bullying at Oakton from 3 people with kids there or recently graduated. One had a special ed kid on the high-function end of the spectrum, and some of the athletes were just cruel to her. Her mom complained to the administration several times with no change, and she was really glad when graduation finally rolled around. Hopefully the new principal will do better on that front, particularly with such a large school.

I've heard the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The ratings seem good, but we are moving into the area and do not know anyone there. My daughter is introverted, academically strong in all subjects, and would likely want to join marching band. I know that there is an interim principal now and a renovation coming up. Having driven by the school when we were house hunting, I was not impressed. It is also much larger than the schools in our area. Is it very competitive to get good grades? For any recent graduates, did you feel prepared for college? What is the social scene like?

If she is into marching band, Madison has a much stronger program. The schools around here do not look great, but inside, they are mostly fine.
(My DD is also academically focused, introverted and in the Marching Band; she will be a Soph. next year.

Wasn't there a very negative issue that happened within the band just a few months ago? It involved an act on anti-X (I won't mention the X). Oakton has had no such issue with our band. Just saying,

That one kid is representative of the entire band.

[Anonymous]

Nothing great, nothing that bad. Meh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are multicultural. My DC has many friends from OHS and JMHS. DC tells me that kids at OHS are much friendlier and less cliquey compared to JMHS. Academically both schools are similar. OHS ranks higher in US News.

I have a hard time seeing why that's the case, unless it's just a function of the kids your child happens to know. There just isn't that much difference between Oakton and Madison.

Oakton pulls from several middle schools so naturally it's just less cliquey. It's also a little more diverse socioeconomically.

[Anonymous]

Both my kids have done well at OHS and we are happy with the school. The parents I've spoken with have said that their DS/DD was well prepared for college. The college enrollment list is very impressive.
I'm surprised by the above bullying comment - from everything I've seen, the school is very caring and inclusive of students with intellectual disabilities. The best buddies program is extremely active.