Why does APS even have option schools?

[Anonymous]

Why can't they just turn ATS into a neighborhood and get rid of all of the other option schools? We don't need them.

[Anonymous]

You must have a lot of free time to kill if this is how you're choosing to spend it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can't they just turn ATS into a neighborhood and get rid of all of the other option schools? We don't need them.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Another vote for eliminating them. Or at least the ones that aren't really distinct options. Like ATS & Campbell. Let's do it!

[Anonymous]

I agree. Option schools were a good idea in the days when the schools were underpopulated. But that's long passed. No need for immersion (the Hispanic kids can learn English), HB, ASFS, Drew and ATS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You must have a lot of free time to kill if this is how you're choosing to spend it.

No, a lot of my free time has been spent worrying about my kids' school being turned into an option school, and I'm wondering why we even have them. They don't seem necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Option schools were a good idea in the days when the schools were underpopulated. But that's long passed. No need for immersion (the Hispanic kids can learn English), HB, ASFS, Drew and ATS.

Uh, you must not keep up. Science Focus isn't an option school. And Montessori isn't going to be at Drew any longer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for eliminating them. Or at least the ones that aren't really distinct options. Like ATS & Campbell. Let's do it!

A quick Google search shows that there is a national EL curriculum. Can't speak to ATS, but EL has a recognized distinct curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Option schools were a good idea in the days when the schools were underpopulated. But that's long passed. No need for immersion (the Hispanic kids can learn English), HB, ASFS, Drew and ATS.

Uh, you must not keep up. Science Focus isn't an option school. And Montessori isn't going to be at Drew any longer.

Whatever. ASFS is a "team" school and once upon a time kids from Taylor, Jamestown and I think one other could freely transfer in. So, it may not be a county-wide option school but it definitely was an "option" school for some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Option schools were a good idea in the days when the schools were underpopulated. But that's long passed. No need for immersion (the Hispanic kids can learn English), HB, ASFS, Drew and ATS.

Uh, you must not keep up. Science Focus isn't an option school. And Montessori isn't going to be at Drew any longer.

Whatever. ASFS is a "team" school and once upon a time kids from Taylor, Jamestown and I think one other could freely transfer in. So, it may not be a county-wide option school but it definitely was an "option" school for some.

But not any more. No transfers, no team schools.

[Anonymous]

They should be eliminated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They should be eliminated.

Well, they aren't. So why not work within the established framework? No option programs want to move to your neighborhood either.

[Anonymous]

I agree, so unnecessary!

[Anonymous]

APS is incredibly segregated both racially and socioeconomically. Studies have shown that all kids do better at socioeconomically integrated schools. This is tough in a time of shrinking budgets, lack of transportation options and growing student enrollment, but I believe that APS should use option schools, choice and other programs to incrementally increase integration.

[Anonymous]

Ha. arlington would be more integrated without options. They pull middle class kids out of s arl neighborhoods.
Options help segregate Arlington right now.