APS How F’ed are the schools with MM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

Make an effort to take a look at the design for the campus. There will be nowhere to put trailers. Parking will be in an above ground parking deck. So one day you can feel as annoyed about Arlington Tech as you do about HB. Yes, the enrollment will be capped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

I suspect those kids may be URMs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

I suspect those kids may be URMs.

Sorry, I don't now what URM is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

I suspect those kids may be URMs.

DP. You know that arl tech is less diverse than Wakefield right? PPs are right. APS is marketing this program and getting buyers. It’s going to be the next HB. I’ll be happy to send a kid there and let APS pay for the first two years of college. Kids are coming out with an associates in hand and getting into great schools. And It will be a third of the size of our HSs?

I’ll bet APS renames it when it opens to get ride or the “tech”
Stigma.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

I suspect those kids may be URMs.

DP. You know that arl tech is less diverse than Wakefield right? PPs are right. APS is marketing this program and getting buyers. It’s going to be the next HB. I’ll be happy to send a kid there and let APS pay for the first two years of college. Kids are coming out with an associates in hand and getting into great schools. And It will be a third of the size of our HSs?

I’ll bet APS renames it when it opens to get ride or the “tech”
Stigma.

Yep. Families zoned for Wakefield will try to get into HB. And when they don’t, they’ll gladly take AT as a backup. Doesn’t matter that they are completely different programs. Wakefield is so screwed with no plan for the overcrowding other than to open spots at AT. Or let kids who can get up there transfer to Yorktown. But god forbid we say the emperor has no clothes in APS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

+1 They publish a list of where students were accepted: https://careercenter.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Brag-Sheets.pdf

Yes, lots of in-state schools (just like all the other APS HS's) but also places like Harvard, Duke, U of Chicago, GA Tech are on the list.

I suspect those kids may be URMs.

DP. You know that arl tech is less diverse than Wakefield right? PPs are right. APS is marketing this program and getting buyers. It’s going to be the next HB. I’ll be happy to send a kid there and let APS pay for the first two years of college. Kids are coming out with an associates in hand and getting into great schools. And It will be a third of the size of our HSs?

I’ll bet APS renames it when it opens to get ride or the “tech”
Stigma.

what's wrong with the name? Arlington Tech is a good name IMO

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are older and almost out of APS. But I would not chose to stay in Arlington now if my kids were young. MM is just one of many problems here. I am feeling grouchy today, but that's the truth.

Arlington has no space to build a 4th HS and no money to do additions. Plus the planning process here takes decades. Not going to happen in the 8 years before your kid gets there.

So which district would you move into? I will find you an FCPS parent whose unhappy and will tell you about it.

Private

I will never not laugh at those of you who think “I’m going private” is 100% up to you and not subject to the whims of an arbitrary admissions department.

But good luck!

But…but…their kids are SPECIAL! And BRILLIANT! Admissions reps will be falling all over themselves to admit them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

BS. I went to a rural school district and our vocational program was call “Cowtown Tech” and was it’s own separate campus.

Btw PP that’s the problem with the “Tech” moniker. TJ is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

But most vocational schools are call vo-tech schools, and then co-locating it at Career Center really muddies the message.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational-technical_school

PP is right. It will be swamped with applicants desperate to leave Wakefield, so it will be as “popular” as HB.

But they will expand the size. You can build modular trailers on a rooftop surface lot. They can increase class size or make career center students do night shift. Don’t worry it’s coming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Missing middle doesn’t add that many new houses to Arlington AT ALL. I need to go back and find the numbers in the information but it’s tiny. Really not worth all this hubbub and hand wringing.

Not in the short term. But if such multiplex developments start gaining popularity, the momentum will eventually increase and it will add a lot more housing units. the goal of the whole MM is to increase the density of
Arlington, after all. It's the long-term that Arlington needs to be thinking of and they need to be doing it NOW because it takes TEN YEARS to plan and construct a new school.

Isn’t Arlington already the most dense county in the United States?

Maybe if taken literally by county but Alexandria has higher density.

[Anonymous]

Get out of APS. Don’t overthink it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

BS. I went to a rural school district and our vocational program was call “Cowtown Tech” and was it’s own separate campus.

Btw PP that’s the problem with the “Tech” moniker. TJ is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

But most vocational schools are call vo-tech schools, and then co-locating it at Career Center really muddies the message.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational-technical_school

PP is right. It will be swamped with applicants desperate to leave Wakefield, so it will be as “popular” as HB.

But they will expand the size. You can build modular trailers on a rooftop surface lot. They can increase class size or make career center students do night shift. Don’t worry it’s coming.

But how about Virginia Tech? Or CalTech? no ones thinks vo-tech for those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

BS. I went to a rural school district and our vocational program was call “Cowtown Tech” and was it’s own separate campus.

Btw PP that’s the problem with the “Tech” moniker. TJ is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

But most vocational schools are call vo-tech schools, and then co-locating it at Career Center really muddies the message.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational-technical_school

PP is right. It will be swamped with applicants desperate to leave Wakefield, so it will be as “popular” as HB.

But they will expand the size. You can build modular trailers on a rooftop surface lot. They can increase class size or make career center students do night shift. Don’t worry it’s coming.

But how about Virginia Tech? Or CalTech? no ones thinks vo-tech for those.

Aren’t we talking about high schools.

Anyways, the “tech” universities usually had a more technician/agricultural (a&m are lumped with them).

CalTech and Harvey Mudd are the outliers as being more academic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: School board has been clear that there's no land to build another comprehensive high school.

That's what eminent domain is for. Just take over some lobbyists' office spaces, even if lobbying is protected by the first amendment.

Taking over an office building isn't going to give you near enough space for a 4th comprehensive high school. that's the whole problem. You need space for all the fields and pools or whatever, or the kids at that school are just going to have to share the facilities at some preexisting high schools that already has too many kids fighting for use of the facilities. That's why the discussion of doing the 4th comprehensive 10 (or whatever) years ago was key and the county just couldn't find a way to make it happen. If they couldn't do it then, they won't do it now, or 5 years from now, or 10 -- because there is just not the land to do it. I think washington country club should donate their golf course -- that might be enough space (though it's basically right in between WL and Yorktown so...). Or maybe we could turn a park into a high school.

Meanwhile, if you don't do something drastic like that, it's flex scheduling or virtual schools on the table and I don't think anyone really wants that. Or just keep crowding kids into WL? County just keeps sitting on its hands thinking bonus density being used by developers is a good idea and teachers keep quitting so ... not really sure what's going to happen here.

Let this go. It's not happening and there is a compelling case for why it's not necessary and worth the enormous expense. Siphon off kids who will self-select into high-quality specialty programs...STEM, performing arts, other. There will be plenty of fields left for the kids who prioritize this kind of experience.

WHAT high quality specialty programs are you talking about, besides Arlington Tech? Nothing like this currently exists. How long do you think it would take the county to budget and create something like that when currently NOTHING LIKE THAT is on their TO DO list or even running wild in their imaginations?

DP. And they still need space for these programs.

Even if they just make Arlington Tech into a high quality math/science/engineering/CS program, they would clearly get lots of students to do it. People fall all over themselves to get into HB. Why would this be any different if marketed well. I'm telling you they've already started doing this. They have middle school kids thinking Arlington Tech is the dream. Over subscribed and lottery in place. A new building and expanded student body with more class offerings as a result means they will have plenty of takers and Chad and Ethan can be assured of their access to the lacrosse fields.

Other than the Chad and Ethan comment, +1
APS, per usual, sucked at rolling out and promoting the AT program. Parents didn't understand the program and then the whole extracurriculars and no music classes thing. But now that students are graduating from the program with a year or two's worth of college credits due to all the dual enrollment classes and parents are seeing the schools graduates are applying to and going to, along with the long-delayed investment in new facilities, they're suddenly going to be clamoring to get their STEM kids in - even though it still is, and never will be, TJ Science and Technology. Of course, it was never intended to be, either.

Basically AT is going to be viewed as vocational plus, with DE credit that only applies in-state schools more or less. With its co-location with actual vocational programs like hair styling, cooking, and HVAC repair at Career Center, it will never have the wide appeal of HB.

But there still may be enough interest to fill the schools and have a waitlist; and I’m sure eventually they will expand the campus with trailers and expand the AT program. It won’t have the protected capped population of HB lofted off in The Heights.

This is not true and already not true. It is billed as a rigorous STEM program (the word rigorous is used by APS) and many high achieving, college-bound kids are choosing it and excited about it. I have a middle school kid and know parents of 8th graders. Kids were clamoring to get in and feeling good about getting a spot following the lottery.

Just because it's in the same building as vocational programs, it's not tainted as you are suggesting (which yes is kind of gross for you to say). It's specific to APS that programs are not more often co-located. In many districts, vocational programs and college-track courses are in the same facilities and the students are all together.

BS. I went to a rural school district and our vocational program was call “Cowtown Tech” and was it’s own separate campus.

Btw PP that’s the problem with the “Tech” moniker. TJ is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

But most vocational schools are call vo-tech schools, and then co-locating it at Career Center really muddies the message.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational-technical_school

PP is right. It will be swamped with applicants desperate to leave Wakefield, so it will be as “popular” as HB.

But they will expand the size. You can build modular trailers on a rooftop surface lot. They can increase class size or make career center students do night shift. Don’t worry it’s coming.

But how about Virginia Tech? Or CalTech? no ones thinks vo-tech for those.

Aren’t we talking about high schools.

Anyways, the “tech” universities usually had a more technician/agricultural (a&m are lumped with them).

CalTech and Harvey Mudd are the outliers as being more academic.

Yes Arlington Tech is a HS but I'm pointing out that the word tech is associated with prestigious schools. Not everyone has a bad association with "Tech"