Gunston vs Kenmore Middle School- Arlington

[Anonymous]

Could you please share your experiences with both, and things you wish you knew before. Trying to decide between the 2 before moving, thanks

[Anonymous]

no experience with these 2 schools?

[Anonymous]

You just posted yesterday. Give it time. (Also, don't expect anyone to have experience with both - it's unlikely unless they're zoned for Kenmore and sent a kid to immersion MS.)

Our elementary (ATS) sends a bunch of kids to each one, and the families I know seem pretty happy with both. The only thing I heard that gave me pause was that Kenmore has two PTAs - one geared toward Hispanic families. So that tells me that the community might not be as unified as some others. I can tell you that Carlin Springs can be a freakin' nightmare during rush hour, and Glebe can get pretty congested too, so that might be a toss-up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You just posted yesterday. Give it time. (Also, don't expect anyone to have experience with both - it's unlikely unless they're zoned for Kenmore and sent a kid to immersion MS.)

Our elementary (ATS) sends a bunch of kids to each one, and the families I know seem pretty happy with both. The only thing I heard that gave me pause was that Kenmore has two PTAs - one geared toward Hispanic families. So that tells me that the community might not be as unified as some others. I can tell you that Carlin Springs can be a freakin' nightmare during rush hour, and Glebe can get pretty congested too, so that might be a toss-up.

Thank you, I appreciate it. I guess I am looking for general feedback about the communities and actual experience that goes beyond the GreatSchools rating. We are looking at a house that feeds into Kenmore and one that feeds into Gunston. My primary hesitation about Kenmore was the high # of FARM and how that would impact overall experience and behavioral issues in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You just posted yesterday. Give it time. (Also, don't expect anyone to have experience with both - it's unlikely unless they're zoned for Kenmore and sent a kid to immersion MS.)

Our elementary (ATS) sends a bunch of kids to each one, and the families I know seem pretty happy with both. The only thing I heard that gave me pause was that Kenmore has two PTAs - one geared toward Hispanic families. So that tells me that the community might not be as unified as some others. I can tell you that Carlin Springs can be a freakin' nightmare during rush hour, and Glebe can get pretty congested too, so that might be a toss-up.

Thank you, I appreciate it. I guess I am looking for general feedback about the communities and actual experience that goes beyond the GreatSchools rating. We are looking at a house that feeds into Kenmore and one that feeds into Gunston. My primary hesitation about Kenmore was the high # of FARM and how that would impact overall experience and behavioral issues in the classroom.

——
I only have experience with Kenmore. You should visit the school - the principal is very welcoming. It is our neighborhood school and tons of kids walk there every day - it has been a good experience so far. I mean, it is middle school. But one of my kids just declared his history teacher one of the best ever so there is one opinion for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You just posted yesterday. Give it time. (Also, don't expect anyone to have experience with both - it's unlikely unless they're zoned for Kenmore and sent a kid to immersion MS.)

Our elementary (ATS) sends a bunch of kids to each one, and the families I know seem pretty happy with both. The only thing I heard that gave me pause was that Kenmore has two PTAs - one geared toward Hispanic families. So that tells me that the community might not be as unified as some others. I can tell you that Carlin Springs can be a freakin' nightmare during rush hour, and Glebe can get pretty congested too, so that might be a toss-up.

Thank you, I appreciate it. I guess I am looking for general feedback about the communities and actual experience that goes beyond the GreatSchools rating. We are looking at a house that feeds into Kenmore and one that feeds into Gunston. My primary hesitation about Kenmore was the high # of FARM and how that would impact overall experience and behavioral issues in the classroom.

——
I only have experience with Kenmore. You should visit the school - the principal is very welcoming. It is our neighborhood school and tons of kids walk there every day - it has been a good experience so far. I mean, it is middle school. But one of my kids just declared his history teacher one of the best ever so there is one opinion for you.

Thank you- How do you find the classes and overall experience? My only concern would be disruption due to behavior or other issues. My rising 6th grader is also very sheltered and shy, do you think that would be a good environment for a kid like that?

[Anonymous]

We had two kids go through Gunston (in the immersion program). Was happy with the experience. Both kids did very well academically, and they seemed to find their places in the school community. Gunston is a pretty big place (I think its now the largest MS in APS), but I felt there was a sense of community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You just posted yesterday. Give it time. (Also, don't expect anyone to have experience with both - it's unlikely unless they're zoned for Kenmore and sent a kid to immersion MS.)

Our elementary (ATS) sends a bunch of kids to each one, and the families I know seem pretty happy with both. The only thing I heard that gave me pause was that Kenmore has two PTAs - one geared toward Hispanic families. So that tells me that the community might not be as unified as some others. I can tell you that Carlin Springs can be a freakin' nightmare during rush hour, and Glebe can get pretty congested too, so that might be a toss-up.

Thank you, I appreciate it. I guess I am looking for general feedback about the communities and actual experience that goes beyond the GreatSchools rating. We are looking at a house that feeds into Kenmore and one that feeds into Gunston. My primary hesitation about Kenmore was the high # of FARM and how that would impact overall experience and behavioral issues in the classroom.

——
I only have experience with Kenmore. You should visit the school - the principal is very welcoming. It is our neighborhood school and tons of kids walk there every day - it has been a good experience so far. I mean, it is middle school. But one of my kids just declared his history teacher one of the best ever so there is one opinion for you.

Thank you- How do you find the classes and overall experience? My only concern would be disruption due to behavior or other issues. My rising 6th grader is also very sheltered and shy, do you think that would be a good environment for a kid like that?

—-

Hi! So all the public middle schools in Arlington (with the exception of HB Woodlawn - lottery school) are large and will be noisy and a little disruptive/chaotic - I don’t think Kenmore is any worse. I have friends w kids at all the schools and you’ll hear of bad behavior at all of them. There are parents zoned for other schools who opted in to Kenmore ( not sure it is possible to opt in anymore bc of enrollment) bc they felt their kid wouldn’t deal well with the perceived social pressures at some of the other schools - but who knows? Again- I would suggest meeting with the principal and discussing your concerns. My friend whose child has anxiety issues did just that (spoke w head of counseling etc) and felt much better and her child is having a good year so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you please share your experiences with both, and things you wish you knew before. Trying to decide between the 2 before moving, thanks

Gunston parent here. Gunston has excellent teachrrs. The counselors are outstanding and I find the administration to be very nurturing. I love not only the diversity of the students, but also of the teachers and staff. My only gripe is that my students don't have homework. I have been told it is for equity reasons, but I think this does them a disservice in the long run. If this is because of the digital divide, then they need to put the iPads away and bring out the paperback books, paper and pencils.

[Anonymous]

Gunston parent of one current one graduate. Gunston is a sea of mediocrity. If your kid is weak, they will try to bring him or her up to mediocre. If above-average, that won't be cultivated except in advanced math if your child takes it. But that's true of most public schools. Behavior is generally fine 6th grade, 7th grade still okay, 8th grade some of the kids start acting up. Most of the kids seem happy there. Principal is nice. Counselors are generally good. English teachers have a tough time handling kids who range from college level reading to third grade, trying to differentiate.

From everything I hear of Kenmore, it's considered worse. I've met parents who lived in Kenmore who moved or otherwise figured out how to get their kids into Gunston. I've yet to hear of the reverse (though some local Gunston parents do choose TJ instaed).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gunston parent of one current one graduate. Gunston is a sea of mediocrity. If your kid is weak, they will try to bring him or her up to mediocre. If above-average, that won't be cultivated except in advanced math if your child takes it. But that's true of most public schools. Behavior is generally fine 6th grade, 7th grade still okay, 8th grade some of the kids start acting up. Most of the kids seem happy there. Principal is nice. Counselors are generally good. English teachers have a tough time handling kids who range from college level reading to third grade, trying to differentiate.

From everything I hear of Kenmore, it's considered worse. I've met parents who lived in Kenmore who moved or otherwise figured out how to get their kids into Gunston. I've yet to hear of the reverse (though some local Gunston parents do choose TJ instaed).

Why are you saying that the school cultivate mediocrity? How?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could you please share your experiences with both, and things you wish you knew before. Trying to decide between the 2 before moving, thanks

Gunston parent here. Gunston has excellent teachrrs. The counselors are outstanding and I find the administration to be very nurturing. I love not only the diversity of the students, but also of the teachers and staff. My only gripe is that my students don't have homework. I have been told it is for equity reasons, but I think this does them a disservice in the long run. If this is because of the digital divide, then they need to put the iPads away and bring out the paperback books, paper and pencils.

I agree the teachers are excellent. The counselors on the other hand are incompetent.

[Anonymous]

Hi! So all the public middle schools in Arlington (with the exception of HB Woodlawn - lottery school) are large and will be noisy and a little disruptive/chaotic - I don’t think Kenmore is any worse. I have friends w kids at all the schools and you’ll hear of bad behavior at all of them. There are parents zoned for other schools who opted in to Kenmore ( not sure it is possible to opt in anymore bc of enrollment) bc they felt their kid wouldn’t deal well with the perceived social pressures at some of the other schools - but who knows? Again- I would suggest meeting with the principal and discussing your concerns. My friend whose child has anxiety issues did just that (spoke w head of counseling etc) and felt much better and her child is having a good year so far.
.
If in the past your child has had issues with conduct i would be careful with kenmore, I am currently enrolled as a 6th grader in this school and have had issues with other students in the past. I am a peaceful person who is not very confrontational or angry, but other students have tried to fight, rob, and vape with me. I do not indulge in any of these practices but i have had some sticky situations in the past, for example i went to the bathroom and a peer eating a lollipop in a public restroom challenged me to “philly slap boxing” in which you slap each other with one hand behind your head, safe to say i declined that offer”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gunston parent of one current one graduate. Gunston is a sea of mediocrity. If your kid is weak, they will try to bring him or her up to mediocre. If above-average, that won't be cultivated except in advanced math if your child takes it. But that's true of most public schools. Behavior is generally fine 6th grade, 7th grade still okay, 8th grade some of the kids start acting up. Most of the kids seem happy there. Principal is nice. Counselors are generally good. English teachers have a tough time handling kids who range from college level reading to third grade, trying to differentiate.

From everything I hear of Kenmore, it's considered worse. I've met parents who lived in Kenmore who moved or otherwise figured out how to get their kids into Gunston. I've yet to hear of the reverse (though some local Gunston parents do choose TJ instaed).

I have heard the opposite, actually, from current parents, not in Immersion/Montessori, at Gunston. Kenmore has, in the past, attracted transfers for their STEAM program, but I think that was stoped the last couple years.

In general, I think all the MS are pretty similar and have issues with student behavior just by virtue of MS aged kids, and also the pandemic hasn’t helped anyone. Kenmore has much nicer/newer facilities, and a slightly smaller size. Not sure if they do this at Gunston, but at Kenmore each grade level is separated by floor, so 6th graders rarely see or interact with older kids. I have found that helpful for my shy/awkward kid who was afraid of older “bullies.” Not an issue. Agree with other Kenmore parent about advocacy for resources. However, Hamm, while underenrolled currently, is going to have a number of new students coming from the approved affordable housing in Rosslyn within the next few years. Enrollment will likely level out, except for maybe WMS. They should take more kids from Swanson and assign them to WMS.