HB Woodlawn - I know nothing. Help!

[Anonymous]

OP posted this exact same question and details on AEM and stated she was going to send her student. Maybe just trying to brag as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would definitely take the spot op if he’s interested. My sibling went there (I went to Yorktown) and it is a pretty great school. It isn’t perfect for everyone, but worth a try. When you say executive function and attention issues does he have adhd? It sounds like you are describing it. I ask because my child with adhd does best with a lot of structure and the hb model is a little on the other end of the spectrum. But it is such a great opportunity I would lean towards at least trying it. But staying aware of whether he’s doing work.

Have him go to the shadow day, this is as much his decision as it is yours at this age honestly

OP here. Thank you for this feedback! Yes he has adhd being treated with medications and executive function coach, as well as an IEP but he’s academically very bright. He is quite athletic but isn’t a “jock” type who will likely play HS sports at the varsity level bc Yorktown is so competitive that way. He’s more interested in computers, Rec level baseball and soccer, and theater drama. He is going to do the visit day this week and we are encouraging him to give it a shot given the size and the feedback we have heard. Can always transfer back if it’s not a good fit. He found a couple of peers in his Snapchat network who go to HB and they like it a lot. Described it as “chill,” “kind,” and “without any fights.” Lol.

If he likes likes theater, he should definitely try to see some shows at both schools. My child is heavily involved in theater at Yorktown, and they are performing student-written one-act plays this Thursday night, Friday night, and 11-7 Saturday in the black box theater. The YHS theatre kids are extremely supportive and inclusive and it's been a godsend for my kid. They are doing Les Mis this spring (April 4-6). I'm not sure when H-B's next show is, but I'd check that out as well.

It's literally right now - Thursday, Friday, Saturday

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

The terraced balcony areas are heavily used when the weather is nice. The large indoor “stairs” are also heavily used. Students and teachers also appreciate the large windows, since many schools have classrooms with small or in fact no windows like at TJ. Large windows with natural light have been proven to improve learning outcomes and the mental well being of students. By and large, the building is well liked by current students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

I think folks annoyed at “that building” are annoyed — rightfully — that our school system SPENT $100 MILLION on it. That is One Hundred Million Dollars. That is insane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

I think folks annoyed at “that building” are annoyed — rightfully — that our school system SPENT $100 MILLION on it. That is One Hundred Million Dollars. That is insane.

And some people loudly complained when APS spent 100 million on a 400,000 square foot W-L HS almost 25 years ago, then the most expensive high school in Virginia history. APS doesn’t build boring boxes with small windows. They tend to invest more, build swimming pools, common areas, green roofs, large windows, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

I think folks annoyed at “that building” are annoyed — rightfully — that our school system SPENT $100 MILLION on it. That is One Hundred Million Dollars. That is insane.

And some people loudly complained when APS spent 100 million on a 400,000 square foot W-L HS almost 25 years ago, then the most expensive high school in Virginia history. APS doesn’t build boring boxes with small windows. They tend to invest more, build swimming pools, common areas, green roofs, large windows, etc.

W&L has 2,700 kids or 675/grade
HB has 700 kids or 100/grade

It was the fact that they decided to make the massive investment for the few at the expense of the many. Squeaky wheel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC was just offered a spot at HB Woodlawn for 9th. I know very little about the school and would love some info bc there is not much online. DC is very young for his grade (September day and will start HS at 13). We have discussed having him repeat 8th bc he isn’t ready for HS. He does have some executive function and attention issues but is bright and very bored in middle school. Our home school Yorktown HS is so big we are afraid he will get eaten alive or lost in the shuffle bc he’s young, immature and small too.

Can anyone explain what exactly HB is, whether it’s a good alternative school option for a kid with DC’s profile?

Genuine question: Why on EARTH would you enter the lottery if you didn't know anything about the school?

We entered because we've heard good things, but didn't spend much time investigating the school given our 3% chance of getting a spot. We figured we could do our research and make a choice if it becomes a real option for us. No need to become attached or waste time doing research given the miniscule chances that it's even an option for us. Totally rational.

This mentality right here is what's wrong with the program and the lottery system. It's driven by scarcity and FOMO and "winning" a spot. Not by people who are genuinely interested in the philosophy behind the program.

Honestly, we should have most of our schools run this way -- if you take the radical idea of treating young adults like young adults they'll behave accordingly and apply it to our education system writ large, a lot of problems would be solved. Our current model where we basically warehouse teens is horrible.

Public schools have always been “containers” for large groups of kids in this country, since at least the late 1800s. (Research by leading academics actually support individual schools no larger than 100 students for optimal learning; but that does not factor in sports, electives, cost, etc. It’s more of a European model.) I give APS credit for designing inspiring places for learning in the new and renovated buildings, for creating unique smaller programs open to all like the Career Center, and small option programs like Arlington Tech and HB. And the large high schools have a plethora of extra curriculars, sports, and electives for students with diverse interests.

The U.S. education current model is not perfect, but Arlington’s approach is not bad.

And if threads like this show us anything, it's that APS needs more of these option programs. The demand is definitely there.

Seriously? This is the problem. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE 1 out of 100 KIDS IN A CLASS. I’m paying through the nose for it in private (among other benefits). But the idea that we should provide more options—rather than reducing the gigantic high schools—is the hubris of the whole HB model. Options for everyone who wants it—totally unrealistic—as opposed to a better situation for everyone—actually realistic. That building for that tiny number of students is the definition of APS’ problems.

Have you ever been in “that building?” I had kids at both HB and YHS, and have been in W-L and Wakefield plenty of times. Other than the kind of funky exterior, “that building” is just a bunch of classrooms, a tiny gym, a tiny cafeteria area that’s not even a separate space, a decent size auditorium and a basement black box. Unfinished concrete floors. There is no space that fits the entire high school at once. No fields, no parking, no pool, no stands in the gym. It’s nothing luxurious or fancy. The balcony areas are so hot and loud from the urban noise they hardly get used It’s got big windows to be eco. They the kids paint on the walls so I guess that’s different. Complaints about class size I get, but the building is really just a basic school, with a fan shape.

I think folks annoyed at “that building” are annoyed — rightfully — that our school system SPENT $100 MILLION on it. That is One Hundred Million Dollars. That is insane.

And some people loudly complained when APS spent 100 million on a 400,000 square foot W-L HS almost 25 years ago, then the most expensive high school in Virginia history. APS doesn’t build boring boxes with small windows. They tend to invest more, build swimming pools, common areas, green roofs, large windows, etc.

W&L has 2,700 kids or 675/grade
HB has 700 kids or 100/grade

It was the fact that they decided to make the massive investment for the few at the expense of the many. Squeaky wheel.

Good grief. Learn some history. They pleaded to keep their grotty old building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You would be absolutely crazy not to take the spot. HB is a private school run by APS.

+1. It's unethical that APS pours so many resources into this school. And I would take the spot in a heartbeat.

This.

This what? Still have not heard anyone explain what the "many resources" are.

Well to start they spent over $100M for a building for an option school serving a minuscule population compared to the other high schools. Option schools be the last programs to get a new school.

Do you really not know the history or are you intentionally misstating? HB was in a very old building and was just fine there. APS was going to build a new middle school in Rosslyn. But the parents protested loudly that the neighborhood middle school should get the better location in a residential area, which is where HB was. So they kicked HB to the less desirable location in Rosslyn.

If you don’t like the result go find those parents who pushed this, it’s not HBs fault.

This is so off topic but this was an aggressive post, so I'll reply. It's not HB's fault. It's not those parents's fault (ridiculous as the arguments were). I don't agree with decision to cater to the loudest complainers in this instance. I even clarified some of this in a later post, and nowhere did I disparage the students or families of HB. We need seats in Rosslyn. HB is a small option school. I disagree with this expensive and short-sighted choice but it wasn't made by parents or students. Why is this comment getting under so many people's skin?

New poster and I'll bite. This is revisionist in some respects - the resources aren't just about the bloated cost of the building. HB families fought hard to stay where they were, regardless of whether the space was needed in that area for a comprehensive middle school. True. What they fought AGAINST was taking on more students (regardless of location) to do even a bit more to ease the overcrowding at the other schools. THAT is where they are taking resources. Yorktown's freshmen class has roughly 500 kids. W-L has 700. I can't find Wakefield but it's in that range. By contrast, HB has 130. Bump it to 250 - take additional kids out of the other schools.

And, HB kids get to go back and take up space and resources at those schools if they want. Sports teams, classes, etc. That's the really interesting thing about HB and ArlTech. If kids had to be all-in, and couldn't access resources at the other high schools, what would it do to enrollment?

So, YES, HB is a net negative on the system despite all the cries of the parents. APS staff and board kowtow to this special interest group and that's what angers parents.

HB students cannot take classes at their base school.

My kid does nothing connected to their home school. They have no interest in sports so HB is a good fit, and we don't take up a space at a school that actually has the fields, pools, and other facilities to support those extracurriculars, many of which have become such important college hooks in recent years. I think some HB kids do manage to do a home school sport but it's unusual. If we were at our home school, that would be another seat taken there that would not actually be using any of those facilities, except maybe for gym.

What is weird is that when my kid graduated from HB, she got a Yorktown High diploma in the baby blue presentation folder. She never set foot at YHS, but that is our zoned home school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting back to OP's question, I adore HB and my kid has had a wonderful experience. Still, there are real drawbacks - as compared to the regular high schools - that I was not fully aware of back when we took the slot.

HB has fewer AP classes. And when an AP is offered, it's often taught together with the regular class. So the teacher has to teach the AP and the non-AP curriculum in the same class.

HB offers fewer classes in general.

There are no intensified classes unless you're on the advanced math track. So it's AP or regular.

Extracurricular activities are pretty limited. Theater and ultimate frisbee are very active. Outside of that, not so much.

When my kid was there, they alternated between AP Bio and AP Environmental Science I think, so you had to know which year it would be offered. I don't know if that's still the case. In 7 years, my kid never got taken to an APS swimming pool for PE. On the plus side, she got to take foreign language classes with high schoolers while in MS (bilingual family).

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You would be absolutely crazy not to take the spot. HB is a private school run by APS.

+1. It's unethical that APS pours so many resources into this school. And I would take the spot in a heartbeat.

This.

This what? Still have not heard anyone explain what the "many resources" are.

Well to start they spent over $100M for a building for an option school serving a minuscule population compared to the other high schools. Option schools be the last programs to get a new school.

Do you really not know the history or are you intentionally misstating? HB was in a very old building and was just fine there. APS was going to build a new middle school in Rosslyn. But the parents protested loudly that the neighborhood middle school should get the better location in a residential area, which is where HB was. So they kicked HB to the less desirable location in Rosslyn.

If you don’t like the result go find those parents who pushed this, it’s not HBs fault.

This is so off topic but this was an aggressive post, so I'll reply. It's not HB's fault. It's not those parents's fault (ridiculous as the arguments were). I don't agree with decision to cater to the loudest complainers in this instance. I even clarified some of this in a later post, and nowhere did I disparage the students or families of HB. We need seats in Rosslyn. HB is a small option school. I disagree with this expensive and short-sighted choice but it wasn't made by parents or students. Why is this comment getting under so many people's skin?

New poster and I'll bite. This is revisionist in some respects - the resources aren't just about the bloated cost of the building. HB families fought hard to stay where they were, regardless of whether the space was needed in that area for a comprehensive middle school. True. What they fought AGAINST was taking on more students (regardless of location) to do even a bit more to ease the overcrowding at the other schools. THAT is where they are taking resources. Yorktown's freshmen class has roughly 500 kids. W-L has 700. I can't find Wakefield but it's in that range. By contrast, HB has 130. Bump it to 250 - take additional kids out of the other schools.

And, HB kids get to go back and take up space and resources at those schools if they want. Sports teams, classes, etc. That's the really interesting thing about HB and ArlTech. If kids had to be all-in, and couldn't access resources at the other high schools, what would it do to enrollment?

So, YES, HB is a net negative on the system despite all the cries of the parents. APS staff and board kowtow to this special interest group and that's what angers parents.

HB students cannot take classes at their base school.

My kid does nothing connected to their home school. They have no interest in sports so HB is a good fit, and we don't take up a space at a school that actually has the fields, pools, and other facilities to support those extracurriculars, many of which have become such important college hooks in recent years. I think some HB kids do manage to do a home school sport but it's unusual. If we were at our home school, that would be another seat taken there that would not actually be using any of those facilities, except maybe for gym.

What is weird is that when my kid graduated from HB, she got a Yorktown High diploma in the baby blue presentation folder. She never set foot at YHS, but that is our zoned home school.

HB students are also allowed to join their home school graduation ceremonies. That was the case a few years back and may still be.

I’m not sure if Arlington Tech students have a similar arrangement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP posted this exact same question and details on AEM and stated she was going to send her student. Maybe just trying to brag as much as possible.

What is there to brag about? Winning a lottery isn't an achievement.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You would be absolutely crazy not to take the spot. HB is a private school run by APS.

+1. It's unethical that APS pours so many resources into this school. And I would take the spot in a heartbeat.

This.

This what? Still have not heard anyone explain what the "many resources" are.

Well to start they spent over $100M for a building for an option school serving a minuscule population compared to the other high schools. Option schools be the last programs to get a new school.

Do you really not know the history or are you intentionally misstating? HB was in a very old building and was just fine there. APS was going to build a new middle school in Rosslyn. But the parents protested loudly that the neighborhood middle school should get the better location in a residential area, which is where HB was. So they kicked HB to the less desirable location in Rosslyn.

If you don’t like the result go find those parents who pushed this, it’s not HBs fault.

This is so off topic but this was an aggressive post, so I'll reply. It's not HB's fault. It's not those parents's fault (ridiculous as the arguments were). I don't agree with decision to cater to the loudest complainers in this instance. I even clarified some of this in a later post, and nowhere did I disparage the students or families of HB. We need seats in Rosslyn. HB is a small option school. I disagree with this expensive and short-sighted choice but it wasn't made by parents or students. Why is this comment getting under so many people's skin?

New poster and I'll bite. This is revisionist in some respects - the resources aren't just about the bloated cost of the building. HB families fought hard to stay where they were, regardless of whether the space was needed in that area for a comprehensive middle school. True. What they fought AGAINST was taking on more students (regardless of location) to do even a bit more to ease the overcrowding at the other schools. THAT is where they are taking resources. Yorktown's freshmen class has roughly 500 kids. W-L has 700. I can't find Wakefield but it's in that range. By contrast, HB has 130. Bump it to 250 - take additional kids out of the other schools.

And, HB kids get to go back and take up space and resources at those schools if they want. Sports teams, classes, etc. That's the really interesting thing about HB and ArlTech. If kids had to be all-in, and couldn't access resources at the other high schools, what would it do to enrollment?

So, YES, HB is a net negative on the system despite all the cries of the parents. APS staff and board kowtow to this special interest group and that's what angers parents.

HB students cannot take classes at their base school.

My kid does nothing connected to their home school. They have no interest in sports so HB is a good fit, and we don't take up a space at a school that actually has the fields, pools, and other facilities to support those extracurriculars, many of which have become such important college hooks in recent years. I think some HB kids do manage to do a home school sport but it's unusual. If we were at our home school, that would be another seat taken there that would not actually be using any of those facilities, except maybe for gym.

What is weird is that when my kid graduated from HB, she got a Yorktown High diploma in the baby blue presentation folder. She never set foot at YHS, but that is our zoned home school.

HB students are also allowed to join their home school graduation ceremonies. That was the case a few years back and may still be.

I’m not sure if Arlington Tech students have a similar arrangement.

We skipped that bit. HB had an informal ceremony where we brought our own camping chairs to the gym and each student's counselor said a bit about them. The teachers sang. The kids wore Hawaiian shirts.

[Anonymous]

We are trying to make the same decision.

Clearly HB has more resources and better facilities. Smaller class sizes. Better test scores.

Our impression is that it also gets, on balance, the more engaged and committed teachers—all of whom are dealing with fewer students and are more supported than at Y or WL.

But what about HB for a kid who isn’t all that “quirky”, doesn’t have an elaborate menu of pronouns, and is just a good student, highly social? It’s difficult to tell what % of the student population is fairly normal v those that are more in the (maybe stereotypical) “freaks and geeks” or ultra-woke mold that HB seems to cater to? (FTR it’s great those kids have a place they can thrive, and no issue with DC being in that kind of environment… just unclear whether *everyone* is like that or there’s more of a mix than is readily apparent.)