APS: Gunston MS - feedback?

[Anonymous]

I don't know if we missed the info session for MS, but in any case, we are zone for Gunston MS and I'm looking for any comments on experiences there. It looks like it will be fairly crowded, but divided into 3 tracks (immersion, Montessori, and general) - does that structure make it seem any smaller or do they all have the same classes? What about gifted - do they have separate classes or are they grouped in clusters like in ES? Any specific positives/negatives compared to any other APS MS?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if we missed the info session for MS, but in any case, we are zone for Gunston MS and I'm looking for any comments on experiences there. It looks like it will be fairly crowded, but divided into 3 tracks (immersion, Montessori, and general) - does that structure make it seem any smaller or do they all have the same classes? What about gifted - do they have separate classes or are they grouped in clusters like in ES? Any specific positives/negatives compared to any other APS MS?

OP, middle school information night was back in January. The ability to apply to HB and other options schools has now passed. Is your child within public school in Arlington? Your school counselor is a very good place to go. They should’ve already been sending you information about the middle school information night.

[Anonymous]

https://www.apsva.us/school-options/middle-school-choices/

[Anonymous]

My two kids (now a freshman in college and an 11th grader) went to Gunston, in the immersion program. I thought the school was terrific for them. I really loved the principle, and one of the now-assistant principles (he had a different role back then). Some of the counselors were not great, but no one was bad, and my kids had good experiences. Teacher quality varied, but many were excellent, and I think some variability is inevitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.apsva.us/school-options/middle-school-choices/

Thanks, yes, I know I missed the options. I'm looking for any personal experience with Gunston.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My two kids (now a freshman in college and an 11th grader) went to Gunston, in the immersion program. I thought the school was terrific for them. I really loved the principle, and one of the now-assistant principles (he had a different role back then). Some of the counselors were not great, but no one was bad, and my kids had good experiences. Teacher quality varied, but many were excellent, and I think some variability is inevitable.

Thank you, this is helpful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

That's great about the no phone policy! How do they enforce that? Do other MS allow phone use during the day?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.apsva.us/school-options/middle-school-choices/

Thanks, yes, I know I missed the options. I'm looking for any personal experience with Gunston.

There was a linked video and PowerPoint. Might have relevant info re: the tracks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

That's great about the no phone policy! How do they enforce that? Do other MS allow phone use during the day?

I wish they all did that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

That's great about the no phone policy! How do they enforce that? Do other MS allow phone use during the day?

Phones must be kept in lockers. Most MS do that.

[Anonymous]

We have a 6th grader at Gunston (immersion program). It’s hard to get a real feel with our only experience being virtual, but it’s been fine. Some teachers are great; some are so-so, as I expect you’d find anywhere.

[Anonymous]

I have a neighbor who will not shut up about what a good school it is and it actually makes me have a negative opinion of the school because of how much I hate my neighbor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

Good luck hitting the HB jackpot twice! Siblings don’t get in the lottery there automatically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I have no personal experience with Gunston, but I will say that you’re going to hear a lot about how lots of lower-income areas are zoned for Gunston so it’s not as good of a school. But I am zoned for Gunston and have friends whose kids go there and I have never heard a negative thing about it from somebody in person. I have spoken to parents, teachers at Oakridge (an elementary school that feeds into Gunston), and students, and I have only heard positive and neutral things.

A friend of mine says that she loves that students aren’t allowed to use phones at school. I thought that was very cool.

My daughter got into HB Woodlawn but I fully intended on sending her there without hesitation, and I plan on sending my son there when he hits sixth.

Good luck hitting the HB jackpot twice! Siblings don’t get in the lottery there automatically.

I read the PP's comment as saying she would have sent her daughter to Gunston (but for HB) and she will be sending her son to Gunston when he goes to MS.