Moving because of declining schools

[Anonymous]

My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

PP, I think that there IS a significant difference between education a generation ago and education today. First, I bet your New England public school had good old things like grades and homework. APS policy for elementary is eliminating both, and is now even moving into middle school with "standard-based report cards". Second, I'm guessing that your New England schools were much more homogeneous than those of NOVA. Did you have a bunch of ESOL kids? FARMS kids? The schools in NOVA spend incredible amounts of resources supporting these kids (not saying they shouldn't). APS was sued because of what was deemed to be inadequate educational opportunities for English learners. The result of this lawsuit has been an incredible emphasis on equity, unfortunately to the detriment of many students who are average or better -- most kids in APS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

PP, I think that there IS a significant difference between education a generation ago and education today. First, I bet your New England public school had good old things like grades and homework. APS policy for elementary is eliminating both, and is now even moving into middle school with "standard-based report cards". Second, I'm guessing that your New England schools were much more homogeneous than those of NOVA. Did you have a bunch of ESOL kids? FARMS kids? The schools in NOVA spend incredible amounts of resources supporting these kids (not saying they shouldn't). APS was sued because of what was deemed to be inadequate educational opportunities for English learners. The result of this lawsuit has been an incredible emphasis on equity, unfortunately to the detriment of many students who are average or better -- most kids in APS.

Yes there were ESL and FARMs kids in my town, and more bussed in from the city. I am sure the ESL/FARMs rates were higher than many parts of Arlington! Plenty of kids were average to below average. We were all in the same classes until the bubble of Honors and AP began in 10th.

I just don’t get the obsession with needing specialized and accelerated instruction for kids at such an early age. IMO it’s more important for kids to learn how to deal with others who are not exactly like them and who may not have the same academic aptitude. Plenty of my “below average” HS classmates were good, valuable people and now have perfectly fine careers and lives. I am glad I wasn’t cocooned away from them before I even got to know them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

PP, I think that there IS a significant difference between education a generation ago and education today. First, I bet your New England public school had good old things like grades and homework. APS policy for elementary is eliminating both, and is now even moving into middle school with "standard-based report cards". Second, I'm guessing that your New England schools were much more homogeneous than those of NOVA. Did you have a bunch of ESOL kids? FARMS kids? The schools in NOVA spend incredible amounts of resources supporting these kids (not saying they shouldn't). APS was sued because of what was deemed to be inadequate educational opportunities for English learners. The result of this lawsuit has been an incredible emphasis on equity, unfortunately to the detriment of many students who are average or better -- most kids in APS.

Yes there were ESL and FARMs kids in my town, and more bussed in from the city. I am sure the ESL/FARMs rates were higher than many parts of Arlington! Plenty of kids were average to below average. We were all in the same classes until the bubble of Honors and AP began in 10th.

I just don’t get the obsession with needing specialized and accelerated instruction for kids at such an early age. IMO it’s more important for kids to learn how to deal with others who are not exactly like them and who may not have the same academic aptitude. Plenty of my “below average” HS classmates were good, valuable people and now have perfectly fine careers and lives. I am glad I wasn’t cocooned away from them before I even got to know them.

What were your parents educational background and careers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

PP, I think that there IS a significant difference between education a generation ago and education today. First, I bet your New England public school had good old things like grades and homework. APS policy for elementary is eliminating both, and is now even moving into middle school with "standard-based report cards". Second, I'm guessing that your New England schools were much more homogeneous than those of NOVA. Did you have a bunch of ESOL kids? FARMS kids? The schools in NOVA spend incredible amounts of resources supporting these kids (not saying they shouldn't). APS was sued because of what was deemed to be inadequate educational opportunities for English learners. The result of this lawsuit has been an incredible emphasis on equity, unfortunately to the detriment of many students who are average or better -- most kids in APS.

Yes there were ESL and FARMs kids in my town, and more bussed in from the city. I am sure the ESL/FARMs rates were higher than many parts of Arlington! Plenty of kids were average to below average. We were all in the same classes until the bubble of Honors and AP began in 10th.

I just don’t get the obsession with needing specialized and accelerated instruction for kids at such an early age. IMO it’s more important for kids to learn how to deal with others who are not exactly like them and who may not have the same academic aptitude. Plenty of my “below average” HS classmates were good, valuable people and now have perfectly fine careers and lives. I am glad I wasn’t cocooned away from them before I even got to know them.

What were your parents educational background and careers?

One doctor, one scientist. I am an engineer. We all have graduate degrees. Why?

[Anonymous]

Oh my. Everybody does realize that primary and secondary schools are all of a blip in a person's life. I went to the worst schools in my state, and somehow hold a master's degree and a middle class existence. I realize you want what's best for your kids, but can some of you exit this page, go to Amazon, and buy yourself some perspective?

[Anonymous]

I'm PP above. Just want to add that FARM kids, SWDs and children from minority groups who don't have the step ups like we do are the only ones that need advocating for. I feel like most of the people that comments here and in AEM live in 22207 with neurotypical white kids.

They will catch up from whatever curriculum deems them behind, and will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Declining schools" is a 20+ year Republican talking point. This conversation could have been had 10 years ago -- same comments, same perspectives, same issues. Public schools serve a wide range of children, families, and needs. Go ahead and have the conversation about the pros and cons of public schools but stop the "declining schools" stuff. Your politics are showing.

This.

Glad someone has pointed it out.

It's seriously getting old.

Education begins and ends in the home.

[Anonymous]

I really wish homework would come back for little kids. I switch my kids to private just for last year and it was so helpful to see what my kid needed help with based off homework.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Anecdotally several of our not Type A/laid-back friends in Arlington were shocked by the APS COVID response and overcrowding and are much happier now in local Lutheran schools.

The only Lutheran schools that spring to mind are not ones I would expect laid-back parents to be happy with. Which ones did your friends find?

The only Lutheran k-8 school I'm familiar with is run by a church full of Federalist and Fox News types so I can only imagine what their attitude towards covid was. I know they never required masks at the church services.

Not to derail, but then you aren't familiar with all of the Lutheran k-8 schools/churches in Arlington. The Lutheran school I know requires students, faculty, and staff to wear masks. Masks are also required at the church services.

I am generally fine with APS (I take the good with the bad), but am carefully weighing APS against private for next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I have what sounds like somewhat similar kids to yours, so I'll offer our experience/perspective.

I think it's a reality of education that the middle school years can be challenging. My kids also experienced more differentiation in elementary school, and there was a noticeable difference in middle school. There is a real nationwide challenge to undo the truly problematic nature of strict "tracking" while at the same time providing a high level of challenge for students going in with high academic achievement. On top of that you have all of the other social-emotional challenges that goes with the onset of adolescence. These are going to be some baked in realities that you will encounter at any school, in any division.

On the other hand, when you get to high school, the larger number of course offerings and the introduction of AP (or IB) courses means those seeking higher levels of challenge and rigor can get it, and get it really customized for them. (Perhaps a kid is really eager for advanced math, but not English--no problem!) The large variety of clubs, sports, and activities that come with high school also create really valuable opportunities for both intellectual and social/emotional growth.

Your post indicated some trepidation about the size of the school. In our experience (not at Wakefield but at a very large HS) was that the size was not an issue. Our kids weren't dealing with thousands of students. They were dealing with the 20-25 students (and sometimes under 20) students in their classes, and the students in their after-school activities. They had their circle, and the size of the school was actually a benefit because it meant more options for
courses and activities, so they could find what truly interested them.

TL,DR. Middle school is just a few years. It's gets better in high school. Absolutely no need to move.

Well said about HS school size. Have 2 kids at W-L and they absolutely love it.

Agree. Middle school is hard socially and academically. We were lucky that our DC had a great science teacher that got many students involved in VJAS (Virginia Junior Academy of Science), where you submit your science fair project and paper to be judged at the VJAS symposium. DC loved it (and continues to love it ) and got the opportunity to stay overnight at some Virginia colleges/universities and present her project in front of judges. It’s been an excellent experience.
Also, the IB program at WL is very impressive and challenging. DC has classes with only like minded students. These kids take school very seriously - sometimes I think, too seriously.
Honestly, I wish the pressure around here wasn’t so intense. These students push themselves to the limits, and at least in my house, there are many breakdowns. The stress level to keep up and keep going is a 10. I’m sure that some of them long for the days of being bored in MS.

[Anonymous]

I have 2 middle school girls. One at WMS and one at private. Both are advanced learners. I am seeing a night and day difference in the quality of education and level of communication and involvement of teachers between my private school daughters compared to my older child’s at WMS. Its been stark and so eye opening. l am so mad at myself for not trying harder to move my older one out of WMS. I would not move out of Arlington but l would find other ways to cut costs and get out of APS middle school and move to private. You won’t regret it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are young but I feel like many of you are just whiny? I went to public school in New England. No differentiation or honors classes until 10th grade (8th grade for math). No pull outs or G&T specialists or AAP program m. Yes there were many days when I finished my class work early, but I just pulled out my chapter book and read. I wasn’t worried about maximizing my potential and my parents weren’t upset that I wasn’t doing algebra in 5th grade. I started algebra in 7th like the rest of the country. My girl friends were normal, into boy bands and clothes and things (as was I!). I didn’t have nerdy friends until HS academic decathlon. That was fine with me because now I could relate to everybody. Still got into every single one of HYPMS and did very well at the one I went to and now in my STEM career. What’s the big deal?

The big deal is that it is 2021. Things have changed dramatically since you were in public school.

[Anonymous]

OP, we have had our kids in public APS since K, but moved (and moving last one next year) to private HS and opted out of W-L. We heard enough from parents with older kids and didn't like the direction APS is headed. Our oldest is a Sophomore in a private HS and it has been a fantastic experience for him (and us!). Not dealing with the BS and the academics are much, much better. He actually has to earn those As now. And, the courses are much more in depth and require a lot more thinking/questioning. Not the teach to the test. The privates vary widely, so you can see which one fits your particular kid the best if you choose to go that route.

We now aren't tied to Arlington, but like our current home/neighborhood/neighbors. But, we could move back to DC now if we wanted without having to be tied to a school zone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your precious snowflakes will survive and thrive in Arlington schools, and it all will be behind you before you know it. Chill out, OP. Chill out, DCUM.

My child is definitely not thriving, and he’s still in 5th. Thanks though.

My 11th-grader is not thriving, either. APS's glory days are far behind it.

It's been in a serious downward slide for the past decade. People with kids in college and beyond can't understand this. Our neighborhood now has a huge number of kids in private HS which was almost unheard of in this neighborhood a decade ago.