Which would you pick? Woodson, West Springfield or Lake Braddock?

[Anonymous]

Getting ready to go house hunting and focusing on these 3.

Was pretty certain to go LBSS before since the school is good and the location is ideal for both our commute (FFX Government and OT Alexandria). However, the on-going saga has sort of sour the pot and we are expanding our targets to these 3. I have a 8th and 6th grader (both AAP) so middle school is important too. DS, the 8th grader, is very STEM focused and TJ is still on the radar. DD is more on the artistic spectrum and a little bit shy. Could some current parents kindly provide some insight please?

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

WSHS because Irving is a separate middle school, smaller and more intimate than the two big secondary schools, and fewer "high school" problems from kids trying to emulate the high schoolers they are around on the school bus, etc. Irving is a very gentle and nurturing place to go to middle school, which is saying a lot.

The only exception is if I had a kid who was seriously interested in TJ. Then I would go with LB.

If I was the parent of a high performing AA kid, I would pick WSHS for the academic cohort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WSHS because Irving is a separate middle school, smaller and more intimate than the two big secondary schools, and fewer "high school" problems from kids trying to emulate the high schoolers they are around on the school bus, etc. Irving is a very gentle and nurturing place to go to middle school, which is saying a lot.

The only exception is if I had a kid who was seriously interested in TJ. Then I would go with LB.

If I was the parent of a high performing AA kid, I would pick WSHS for the academic cohort.

If your TJ kid is AAP, then buy a house zoned for WSHS so you can send the TJ bound kid to the center at LB, and keep your sensitive artistic kid on the Irving-WSHS track. WSHS has very, very strong performing arts.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, Robinson (not a choice I know) or West Springfield. Lake Braddock and Woodson are kind a mess right now. Woodson is being studied by the CDC for suicides and Lake Braddock has a rotating set of principals after being hit by Title IX issues. I'd avoid the drama if I had a kid going into either school in the next few years.

West Springfield is probably the best choice, but Robinson has a stable leader and none of the drama other schools has.

[Anonymous]

I’d go with Woodson or Lake Braddock. The Lake Braddock issues should sort themselves out soon.

[Anonymous]

Woodson. This is a no-brainer.

[Anonymous]

Avoid Woodson and lake braddock’s drama. Your kid can get into TJ from any FCPS school. Robinson is a good choice but it’s very big. Fairfax High is smaller , has more community feel, and a dedicated arts program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Woodson and lake braddock’s drama. Your kid can get into TJ from any FCPS school. Robinson is a good choice but it’s very big. Fairfax High is smaller , has more community feel, and a dedicated arts program.

Fairfax HS areas are a long way from Alexandria, and the school boundaries are a weird mix of Fairfax City and county neighborhoods that are closer to Centreville and Chantilly than Fairfax. Woodson and Lake Braddock are better options.

[Anonymous]

I think they are all well regarded. You might look at houses in all 3 and think about what you can get and the commute etc.

We live in LBSS area but my kids are younger - but as far as I know, current principal issues aside, most people seem to really like the school. I am hoping / thinking they’ll work out the principal stuff soon !!!

[Anonymous]

I would avoid Woodson and go with either West Springfield or Lake Braddock. Agree with PP that TJ-focused student could attend LB AAP classes. West Springfield has strong performing arts, as does LB.

Avoid Robinson if artsy kids like theatre as new theatre director is scaling back on some competitive theatre events (such as VHSL).

[Anonymous]

I wish I could recommend Lake Braddock but the continued scandals and FCPS’s failure to do anything right or to help that school makes it a very unstable place to be. With 4400 students, it’s a small university! West Springfield. Forget TJ and is avoid AAP too because that’s of the Board’s chopping block.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting ready to go house hunting and focusing on these 3.

Was pretty certain to go LBSS before since the school is good and the location is ideal for both our commute (FFX Government and OT Alexandria). However, the on-going saga has sort of sour the pot and we are expanding our targets to these 3. I have a 8th and 6th grader (both AAP) so middle school is important too. DS, the 8th grader, is very STEM focused and TJ is still on the radar. DD is more on the artistic spectrum and a little bit shy. Could some current parents kindly provide some insight please?

Thanks in advance!

Can't you wait to see if the 8th grader gets into TJ before you buy? It is only waiting until spring. I assume you want both children to finish out the year in their current schools. If you are not scared off buy the larger sized schools, I would pick the area that has the best commute and where you find a house you like among those three schools. If you 8th grader gets into TJ, see if there is a difference in bus commutes for them.

[Anonymous]

West Springfield would be the worst commute of the three to your workplaces. Also, the school is incredibly focused on the SOLs - maybe beneficial for weaker students, but stifling for stronger ones. The school has also completely embraced the constant retakes, no grades lower than 50 movement - not great preparation for college. The other two choices are better options.

[Anonymous]

Not to downplay their seriousness, but the last suicide at Woodson was more than two years ago. There is no day-to-day drama for your average student there. Are the kids competitive? Yes, but just last night my Woodson sophomore told me he's worried about a TJ friend who's receiving daily anxiety counseling because of stress over grades. I would not consider TJ if you think Woodson is a pressure cooker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:West Springfield would be the worst commute of the three to your workplaces. Also, the school is incredibly focused on the SOLs - maybe beneficial for weaker students, but stifling for stronger ones. The school has also completely embraced the constant retakes, no grades lower than 50 movement - not great preparation for college. The other two choices are better options.

West Springfield is the best commute to Alexandria.

I don't think you know what you are talking about with regards to SOLs.

Very few if any kids need to take the SOLs there, any more than at any of those other schools. It is silly for you to make up things when you do not know what you are talking about.