School Board is Failing – Central High with 80% Poverty is Blowing McLean and Langley Out of the Water

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

[Anonymous]

OP keeps switching between "overfunded" and "overfunded" every time someone provides data to dispute a claim?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

Which is why you chose to benchmark Central High in rural VA against Langley and McLean? Snort.

One thing you don't realize is that comparing SOL scores at schools in different jurisdictions isn't necessarily the apples-to-apples comparison you think it is. For example, if most students at Langley and McLean take Algebra in middle school, then the comparison of Algebra SOLs among 9th graders at those schools with the pool of 9th grade students at a school like Central provides a misleading picture.

Give it up. Kids from Central High end up in community college, UVA-Wise and, if they are top students and fortunate, the University of Tennessee. Langley and McLean graduates routinely attend the top colleges and universities in the nation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

Which is why you chose to benchmark Central High in rural VA against Langley and McLean? Snort.

One thing you don't realize is that comparing SOL scores at schools in different jurisdictions isn't necessarily the apples-to-apples comparison you think it is. For example, if most students at Langley and McLean take Algebra in middle school, then the comparison of Algebra SOLs among 9th graders at those schools with the pool of 9th grade students at a school like Central provides a misleading picture.

Give it up. Kids from Central High end up in community college, UVA-Wise and, if they are top students and fortunate, the University of Tennessee. Langley and McLean graduates routinely attend the top colleges and universities in the nation.

SOL tests are the same no matter what school you’re in, so comparing Central High with Langley or McLean is absolutely valid. The tests don’t change just because one school is in a rural area and another is in an affluent one. The point is to show that money doesn’t always equal performance—Central High is doing well on the same standardized tests despite having far fewer resources than FCPS schools.

As for the Algebra SOLs, if more students at Langley/McLean take Algebra in middle school, good for them, but that doesn’t change the fact that most students statewide take the test in 9th grade, so the comparison holds for the average student.

And sure, students from Langley/McLean might go to top colleges, but college acceptance isn’t the only measure of success. A lot of Central kids go to community colleges or regional universities, and that’s totally valid. The real issue is why, despite all of FCPS’s resources, their average student performance isn’t where it should be. It’s not about who’s going to an Ivy League—it’s about why FCPS isn’t getting better results with the advantages they already have

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

Which is why you chose to benchmark Central High in rural VA against Langley and McLean? Snort.

One thing you don't realize is that comparing SOL scores at schools in different jurisdictions isn't necessarily the apples-to-apples comparison you think it is. For example, if most students at Langley and McLean take Algebra in middle school, then the comparison of Algebra SOLs among 9th graders at those schools with the pool of 9th grade students at a school like Central provides a misleading picture.

Give it up. Kids from Central High end up in community college, UVA-Wise and, if they are top students and fortunate, the University of Tennessee. Langley and McLean graduates routinely attend the top colleges and universities in the nation.

SOL tests are the same no matter what school you’re in, so comparing Central High with Langley or McLean is absolutely valid. The tests don’t change just because one school is in a rural area and another is in an affluent one. The point is to show that money doesn’t always equal performance—Central High is doing well on the same standardized tests despite having far fewer resources than FCPS schools.

As for the Algebra SOLs, if more students at Langley/McLean take Algebra in middle school, good for them, but that doesn’t change the fact that most students statewide take the test in 9th grade, so the comparison holds for the average student.

And sure, students from Langley/McLean might go to top colleges, but college acceptance isn’t the only measure of success. A lot of Central kids go to community colleges or regional universities, and that’s totally valid. The real issue is why, despite all of FCPS’s resources, their average student performance isn’t where it should be. It’s not about who’s going to an Ivy League—it’s about why FCPS isn’t getting better results with the advantages they already have

Too bad you haven't made the point you think you're making. Keep trolling away. Maybe you can get this published in the Fairfax Times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

Since you love SOLs, 30% of McLean students pass advanced the Algebra 2 SOL and 97% passed. That seems like more than 10% to me

[Anonymous]

Technically ALL students from Wise County receive free meals.

https://www.wisek12.org/page/school-lunch-menus

Maybe that explains the widely varying reported %s.

[Anonymous]

Criticism about FCPS? But look how good the rich kids do! lol

Looks like Wise county has the equity that FCPS is dreaming of at lower costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Criticism about FCPS? But look how good the rich kids do! lol

Looks like Wise county has the equity that FCPS is dreaming of at lower costs.

They did the lower the ceiling thing people accuse FCPS of doing. Maybe FCPS really should implement it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you're a troll if you can't see why schools with a large percentage of students living in poverty would need more funding than schools with high SES.

You are missing the point, Central high has 80% poverty and has higher test scores than mclean and langley.

This is misleading. Langley and McLean students who take APs, IBs and SATs don’t have to take the SOLs, so the overall test scores are going to be lower. The percentage of students at Langley and McLean who take the alternative tests is higher; therefore fewer Langley and McLean students take the SOL:

https://www.ffxnow.com/2024/08/27/test-results-shared-by-state-were-misleading-fcps-superintendent-says/#:~:text=The%20results%20released%20last%20week,Glenn%20Youngkin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Criticism about FCPS? But look how good the rich kids do! lol

Looks like Wise county has the equity that FCPS is dreaming of at lower costs.

Equity? It's 93% white and 99.7% english speakers.

It's a tiny school system with an extremely different population than FCPS. Apples & oranges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Criticism about FCPS? But look how good the rich kids do! lol

Looks like Wise county has the equity that FCPS is dreaming of at lower costs.

Equity? It's 93% white and 99.7% english speakers.

It's a tiny school system with an extremely different population than FCPS. Apples & oranges.

Yes, the demographics are different, but the SOLs and educational standards are the same across Virginia, regardless of the school. It’s not just about comparing populations—it’s about comparing how well students perform on these standardized tests.

Central High faces challenges like 80% poverty and fewer resources, yet they’re still outperforming expectations. FCPS, despite spending more per student (even adjusted for COL), isn’t getting the same results. So, it's not about "apples and oranges"—it's about how the resources are managed. Central is doing more with less, and that points to a resource management problem in FCPS, not just a demographic difference.

[Anonymous]

OP is like a human version of ChatGPT. Good at stringing together sentences without making sense.

I don't thinking it's actually ChatGPT though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this OP is a dedicated troll who doesn't understand vaseox economics like cost of living and purchasing power parity.

For some strange reason, she'd rather sacrificing her children's education (based on whatever secret metrkcs are showing failure) than move to the utopia of Wise County.

Calling me a "dedicated troll" just dodges the issue and doesn’t contribute to the conversation. I’m not here to make anyone mad—I'm raising real concerns about FCPS underperforming relative to its resources. Ignoring the fact that FCPS spends far more per student than places like Wise County, yet some schools still struggle, is worth discussing.

Yes, Fairfax County has a higher cost of living, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of results. The point isn't about moving somewhere else; it's about holding FCPS accountable for how it uses its resources and why it isn’t doing better. Shutting down this conversation with insults won’t solve the problem.

No one is saying anyone needs to move anywhere, just explaining the disparity in school funding. It costs more to run a school in an expensive area.

Do you understand? Or do you need any additional explanation?

Saying average test scores are meaningless just isn’t true. They’re a valid way to see how well a school is teaching its students, especially in key subjects. Sure, no single number tells the whole story, but test scores are a big part of how schools, districts, and even states measure success.

Dismissing these numbers ignores how education is evaluated at every level. Plus, if schools are spending more but still scoring low, that’s a red flag about how resources are being used. It’s not "bad data"—it’s real info showing where things aren’t working.

I agree. What are average AP calc scores at central? AP English language? AP bio? Lets compare those scores to get a good sampling. Wait, Central offers no advanced classes, can we mark them down for 0s in the comparison?

Why are you so focused on AP scores? We’re talking about average baseline standards, not the top-performing AP group. The discussion is about how well all students are doing, not just those taking advanced classes.

But you might have a point—if the AP group in FCPS is performing well, it could actually be pulling up the overall averages for the district. So, if we take out the AP group, the average scores for the larger, non-AP population could be even worse. The point is that baseline standards should be strong for all students, not just those in advanced classes. The fact that Central doesn’t offer AP classes doesn’t change that—they’re still managing to get good results on their baseline standards, which is the core of this conversation.

Because I couldn't care less about average SOL scores. I don't expect ELL students to pass a test designed for fluent english speakers. I do care about the district meeting the needs of high performing students which FCPS excels at and Central fails miserable at

So, you’re saying you don’t care about anyone else except the affluent or high-performing students? The discussion here isn’t just about those at the top—it's about making sure all students are getting a fair shot at a decent education. Focusing only on the highest achievers while ignoring the average or struggling students creates a system where many are left behind.

While FCPS might excel at meeting the needs of high performers, the average SOL scores are a reflection of how the majority of students are doing, not just the top 10%. If we’re only paying attention to the top, we’re missing the bigger issue, which is that many students aren’t receiving the support they need to succeed.

Education should be about lifting all students, not just focusing on the most affluent or highest achievers.

Which is why you chose to benchmark Central High in rural VA against Langley and McLean? Snort.

One thing you don't realize is that comparing SOL scores at schools in different jurisdictions isn't necessarily the apples-to-apples comparison you think it is. For example, if most students at Langley and McLean take Algebra in middle school, then the comparison of Algebra SOLs among 9th graders at those schools with the pool of 9th grade students at a school like Central provides a misleading picture.

Give it up. Kids from Central High end up in community college, UVA-Wise and, if they are top students and fortunate, the University of Tennessee. Langley and McLean graduates routinely attend the top colleges and universities in the nation.

SOL tests are the same no matter what school you’re in, so comparing Central High with Langley or McLean is absolutely valid. The tests don’t change just because one school is in a rural area and another is in an affluent one. The point is to show that money doesn’t always equal performance—Central High is doing well on the same standardized tests despite having far fewer resources than FCPS schools.

As for the Algebra SOLs, if more students at Langley/McLean take Algebra in middle school, good for them, but that doesn’t change the fact that most students statewide take the test in 9th grade, so the comparison holds for the average student.

And sure, students from Langley/McLean might go to top colleges, but college acceptance isn’t the only measure of success. A lot of Central kids go to community colleges or regional universities, and that’s totally valid. The real issue is why, despite all of FCPS’s resources, their average student performance isn’t where it should be. It’s not about who’s going to an Ivy League—it’s about why FCPS isn’t getting better results with the advantages they already have

I think it totally matters whether you take Algebra in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade and what your background is and whether you are a native speaker or not. You are not making sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Criticism about FCPS? But look how good the rich kids do! lol

Looks like Wise county has the equity that FCPS is dreaming of at lower costs.

Equity? It's 93% white and 99.7% english speakers.

It's a tiny school system with an extremely different population than FCPS. Apples & oranges.

Yes, the demographics are different, but the SOLs and educational standards are the same across Virginia, regardless of the school. It’s not just about comparing populations—it’s about comparing how well students perform on these standardized tests.

Central High faces challenges like 80% poverty and fewer resources, yet they’re still outperforming expectations. FCPS, despite spending more per student (even adjusted for COL), isn’t getting the same results. So, it's not about "apples and oranges"—it's about how the resources are managed. Central is doing more with less, and that points to a resource management problem in FCPS, not just a demographic difference.

That's the point others are making. It's one test Central excels at. Other parents care about AP/IB. Other parents care about college readiness. You have no answers for these other than saying they don't matter. My kid is on a college track and those metrics matter far more to me than how many kids get a 400 on a reading sol.