Churchill Rd Elementary in VA ?? Help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

There really aren't though. The kids that are disruptive and need additional supports because they randomly start screaming and throwing things just don't get in to AAP. Neither do the kids that don't speak a word of english because their parents are overseas for the first time. All of those kids are put into the gen-ed classes. The "disruptive" kids in AAP are the ones that interrupt the teacher because they think they know more. That is obnoxious but not disruptive. AAP is a huge problem - I've not seen other school districts in other places have AAP that is so selective and separate. I'd never have chosen FCPS if I knew -

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

There really aren't though. The kids that are disruptive and need additional supports because they randomly start screaming and throwing things just don't get in to AAP. Neither do the kids that don't speak a word of english because their parents are overseas for the first time. All of those kids are put into the gen-ed classes. The "disruptive" kids in AAP are the ones that interrupt the teacher because they think they know more. That is obnoxious but not disruptive. AAP is a huge problem - I've not seen other school districts in other places have AAP that is so selective and separate. I'd never have chosen FCPS if I knew -

Actually this is pretty normal to separate out smarter, advanced, gifted, whatever you want to call it. I lived in a different state and I clearly remember there was a “smart” class, a regular class and the remedial class. I’m almost certain it was called remedial but no one would dare call any class that now.

[Anonymous]

If I were you, I personally would try public first.

We started our kid out in public and was expecting to switch to private. My son found great friends and has been thriving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

True, but they also exist in the AAP classes - consider the parent popularuion.

Pp here again. Like I said, we are part of this pyramid and community. The parents are well educated and seem vested in their children’s education. My child is currently in a very large class that also happens to have a lot of the poorly behaved kids. Some of the kids have some mild special needs. Others may just be poorly behaved. My other children have been in classes where there are only 20 kids and other classes where there are almost 30. There is a big difference between 20 and 30 kids, especially when the large class also has a lot of disruptive kids.

DP Here. I agree. I think our most difficult years were first and second grade as far as having disruptive students. Then my kids were in AAP, and there were still troublemakers but I think it wasn't as bad as in GenEd. They mix all the classes for Specials and my kids had more disruptive students in class when they went in with GenEd. My kids are not perfectly behaved either, but it was noticeable.

What do parents do to address this in first and second aside from going private for those grades and then going public when the child can go to AAP (assuming child can get in)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

There really aren't though. The kids that are disruptive and need additional supports because they randomly start screaming and throwing things just don't get in to AAP. Neither do the kids that don't speak a word of english because their parents are overseas for the first time. All of those kids are put into the gen-ed classes. The "disruptive" kids in AAP are the ones that interrupt the teacher because they think they know more. That is obnoxious but not disruptive. AAP is a huge problem - I've not seen other school districts in other places have AAP that is so selective and separate. I'd never have chosen FCPS if I knew -

And that is why families are leaving or bypassing Arlington Public Schools to attend FCPS...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

True, but they also exist in the AAP classes - consider the parent popularuion.

Pp here again. Like I said, we are part of this pyramid and community. The parents are well educated and seem vested in their children’s education. My child is currently in a very large class that also happens to have a lot of the poorly behaved kids. Some of the kids have some mild special needs. Others may just be poorly behaved. My other children have been in classes where there are only 20 kids and other classes where there are almost 30. There is a big difference between 20 and 30 kids, especially when the large class also has a lot of disruptive kids.

DP Here. I agree. I think our most difficult years were first and second grade as far as having disruptive students. Then my kids were in AAP, and there were still troublemakers but I think it wasn't as bad as in GenEd. They mix all the classes for Specials and my kids had more disruptive students in class when they went in with GenEd. My kids are not perfectly behaved either, but it was noticeable.

What do parents do to address this in first and second aside from going private for those grades and then going public when the child can go to AAP (assuming child can get in)?

I have a first grader at Churchill. The class is much bigger than last year in kindergarten. In kindergarten, there were two teachers. In first, there is only one teacher with 25+ kids. There seem to be several kids who can’t sit still and don’t listen. I’m sure there are disruptive kids in private as well. When I ask my child about school, I usually hear about some kid not listening to the teacher or having a meltdown. I’m sure many other things happen but I may hear about the story of the kid who got in trouble for making a mess in the bathroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

There really aren't though. The kids that are disruptive and need additional supports because they randomly start screaming and throwing things just don't get in to AAP. Neither do the kids that don't speak a word of english because their parents are overseas for the first time. All of those kids are put into the gen-ed classes. The "disruptive" kids in AAP are the ones that interrupt the teacher because they think they know more. That is obnoxious but not disruptive. AAP is a huge problem - I've not seen other school districts in other places have AAP that is so selective and separate. I'd never have chosen FCPS if I knew -

And that is why families are leaving or bypassing Arlington Public Schools to attend FCPS...

We moved to McLean for their schools. My kids were in AAP and have a solid peer group. I don’t know if the actual teaching is necessarily better but this area, specifically Churchill feeder area has a very well educated parent population. Most parents are grad school educated attending many top universities and grad schools. Lots of physicians, lawyers, diplomats, world bank, executives, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our DS will enter kindergarten next year! The plan was always to send him to the local parochial catholic school but my husband really wants to send him to public.
I am a VERY nervous since I grew up going to private throughout (the families and academics were great)
Are the kids and families friendly at Churchill? Is there weird gender and woke ideology at Churchill? Are the academics good? Do they use textbooks or are they on screens mostly? Is there homework to reinforce concepts? Any other reassurance is welcomed!
Thank you!
Worried parent

NO ONE ANSWER THE OP’S QUESTION ABOUT “WEIRD GENDER AND WOKE IDEOLOGY” !!!

You have been warned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

True, but they also exist in the AAP classes - consider the parent popularuion.

Pp here again. Like I said, we are part of this pyramid and community. The parents are well educated and seem vested in their children’s education. My child is currently in a very large class that also happens to have a lot of the poorly behaved kids. Some of the kids have some mild special needs. Others may just be poorly behaved. My other children have been in classes where there are only 20 kids and other classes where there are almost 30. There is a big difference between 20 and 30 kids, especially when the large class also has a lot of disruptive kids.

DP Here. I agree. I think our most difficult years were first and second grade as far as having disruptive students. Then my kids were in AAP, and there were still troublemakers but I think it wasn't as bad as in GenEd. They mix all the classes for Specials and my kids had more disruptive students in class when they went in with GenEd. My kids are not perfectly behaved either, but it was noticeable.

What do parents do to address this in first and second aside from going private for those grades and then going public when the child can go to AAP (assuming child can get in)?

We just stuck it out in the early grades. Despite some behavioral problems it was still an okay education. We didn’t have the time or money to research and apply to private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DS will enter kindergarten next year! The plan was always to send him to the local parochial catholic school but my husband really wants to send him to public.
I am a VERY nervous since I grew up going to private throughout (the families and academics were great)
Are the kids and families friendly at Churchill? Is there weird gender and woke ideology at Churchill? Are the academics good? Do they use textbooks or are they on screens mostly? Is there homework to reinforce concepts? Any other reassurance is welcomed!
Thank you!
Worried parent

NO ONE ANSWER THE OP’S QUESTION ABOUT “WEIRD GENDER AND WOKE IDEOLOGY” !!!

You have been warned.

That’s because there is nothing to discuss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

It's bizarre to assume that just because a 2nd grader scores well on a certain test, they are going to be perfectly behaved. There are lots of behavioral issues in AAP - kids who throw tantrums because they're perfectionists and things aren't going *just so* for them, kids who are know-it-alls and can't stand to be told they're wrong, etc. I had one child in GE and one in AAP and there were most definitely behavioral issues in both classes.

[Anonymous]

^^ Not to mention the kids with ADHD who are disruptive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DS will enter kindergarten next year! The plan was always to send him to the local parochial catholic school but my husband really wants to send him to public.
I am a VERY nervous since I grew up going to private throughout (the families and academics were great)
Are the kids and families friendly at Churchill? Is there weird gender and woke ideology at Churchill? Are the academics good? Do they use textbooks or are they on screens mostly? Is there homework to reinforce concepts? Any other reassurance is welcomed!
Thank you!
Worried parent

NO ONE ANSWER THE OP’S QUESTION ABOUT “WEIRD GENDER AND WOKE IDEOLOGY” !!!

You have been warned.

I have been teaching in the county for 20+ years, and I am republican. I have not experienced any of the indoctrination that has been mentioned on this board. I do work in elementary schools though, so maybe it’s more in high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DS will enter kindergarten next year! The plan was always to send him to the local parochial catholic school but my husband really wants to send him to public.
I am a VERY nervous since I grew up going to private throughout (the families and academics were great)
Are the kids and families friendly at Churchill? Is there weird gender and woke ideology at Churchill? Are the academics good? Do they use textbooks or are they on screens mostly? Is there homework to reinforce concepts? Any other reassurance is welcomed!
Thank you!
Worried parent

NO ONE ANSWER THE OP’S QUESTION ABOUT “WEIRD GENDER AND WOKE IDEOLOGY” !!!

You have been warned.

I have been teaching in the county for 20+ years, and I am republican. I have not experienced any of the indoctrination that has been mentioned on this board. I do work in elementary schools though, so maybe it’s more in high school?

^ This is super reassuring! I have a first grader at Churchill and I’m always wondering when this stuff is going to appear? Hopefully later on when our DC has developed critical thinking skills and we can discuss/debate it at home

[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:Churchill Road is the local Level IV center for the AAP program.

Definitely a reason to avoid. Center schools are the worst.

Why? Be honest.

They usually attract the families most motivated to get their kids into AAP, thus it’s more competitive. Then they tend to have at least half the classes from grade 3-6 as AAP, which creates a culture of AAP vs. non-AAP students, even though there is very little difference in the curriculum between them. (I’m a Churchill Road parent so I don’t dislike the school, but that’s the common belief about center schools). If your kid gets into AAP, it’s great. If they don’t, it’s still fine but they might feel bad about it.

+1
I would add, there is very little difference in both the curriculum, AND the abilities of the two groups of students. Separating the vast middle is just nonsense.

I have heard that the non AAP classes are full of disruptive kids. I have seen many families switch to private if kid does not get into AAP.

At a school like Churchill Road, there are not many disruptive kids and the disruptive kids who do go there are just as likely to be in AAP as not.

What you’ve “heard” just sounds like the typical bias that exists among some families hellbent to get their own kids into AAP.

+1
Plenty of troublemakers in AAP too. So bizarre that parents assume there won't be.

How is it bizarre? I assume people say this because it is true in their experience and the experience of others. Hence why so many clamor to get into AAP.

There really aren't though. The kids that are disruptive and need additional supports because they randomly start screaming and throwing things just don't get in to AAP. Neither do the kids that don't speak a word of english because their parents are overseas for the first time. All of those kids are put into the gen-ed classes. The "disruptive" kids in AAP are the ones that interrupt the teacher because they think they know more. That is obnoxious but not disruptive. AAP is a huge problem - I've not seen other school districts in other places have AAP that is so selective and separate. I'd never have chosen FCPS if I knew -

And that is why families are leaving or bypassing Arlington Public Schools to attend FCPS...

We moved to McLean for their schools. My kids were in AAP and have a solid peer group. I don’t know if the actual teaching is necessarily better but this area, specifically Churchill feeder area has a very well educated parent population. Most parents are grad school educated attending many top universities and grad schools. Lots of physicians, lawyers, diplomats, world bank, executives, etc.

I think this nails it. It's not so much about the quality of the teaching as it is the parents wanting their child to have a certain peer group, and parents themselves wanting to associate with others of high status.

People who say "your kid will be fine" at any school are missing the point.

As for AAP, again, it's about selecting into a group that one wants to be affiliated with (and wants their child to be affiliated with). Will they learn more and be less disrupted from doing so? Probably, but that's not all or even mainly what it's about. And the haters must know it too.