APS or private school - NOT a pandemic driven question

[Anonymous]

We live in Arlington and were under the impression that the public schools were great. After seeing the capacity issues with the elementary redistricting and being unhappy with how our planning unit was assigned and the process that was used, I am having second thoughts about APS. Our concern is unrelated to virtual learning. Our children are both young and the pandemic will be over before we need to enroll either of them in kindergarten.

Can anyone share if they left APS for either private school or another public school (for reasons unrelated to the pandemic), and how they compare APS to the new school? I realize this is a broad question. I’m just starting to think about this issue and while I never imagined I would put a preschooler through an interview process, APS isn’t going to measure up to the public schools I attended. At least not the schools we are assigned to.

[Anonymous]

Pretty vague. Which schools are you assigned to?

[Anonymous]

It really depends on your kids and the teachers they get. Some have great experiences, and if your kid has dyslexia, don’t even both with APS.

[Anonymous]

The boundary process doesn't affect everyday life for most kids. Once your kids are at a school they will likely stay at that school. There is a chance that they may need to move when the belated boundary process kicks back up but the vast majority of kids won't be changing schools.

The reason why the boundary process gets so heated is because everyone LOVES their school and they don't want to move. The underlying point is that there are many great schools that appeal to many families.

Agree with PP that if your child has any learning challenges that APS isn't a great place. Not many privates are equipped either, but you may find out more quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pretty vague. Which schools are you assigned to?

The new Key School (Innovation?), Hamm, Yorktown. I know families who attended immersion at Key and were very happy, but the program has been relocated. I think what’s making me nervous is that Key now feels like a big huge unknown (and I def would want to see how people like the school before deciding the new school isn’t for us). I haven’t heard any complaints about Yorktown but by the time my kids get there, I think all the high schools will be larger than I would want for my kids.

Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The boundary process doesn't affect everyday life for most kids. Once your kids are at a school they will likely stay at that school. There is a chance that they may need to move when the belated boundary process kicks back up but the vast majority of kids won't be changing schools.

The reason why the boundary process gets so heated is because everyone LOVES their school and they don't want to move. The underlying point is that there are many great schools that appeal to many families.

Agree with PP that if your child has any learning challenges that APS isn't a great place. Not many privates are equipped either, but you may find out more quickly.

Gotcha- One of the things I mentioned in a subsequent post is that I’m nervous about a never-ending redistricting process. I know APS needs additional schools in the next 10 years, but I guess hopefully my kids would only be moved once. I was redistricted for elementary school growing up and it was hard for a couple of weeks, and then it was fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

You wont get redistricted again. The capacity problems are annoying, in that kids might have to eat lunch early or late, or have to be in a mobile classroom, but it doesn't impact education quality. You should be worried about the dumbing down of curriculum (not solely an APS problem, btw) rather than these secondary issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

You wont get redistricted again. The capacity problems are annoying, in that kids might have to eat lunch early or late, or have to be in a mobile classroom, but it doesn't impact education quality. You should be worried about the dumbing down of curriculum (not solely an APS problem, btw) rather than these secondary issues.

Thanks for the perspective. I know families who LOVED Key Immersion and LOVED ASFS. I’m sure people will love the new school too. With all the unhappiness around APS lately, I think it’s easy to worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

You wont get redistricted again. The capacity problems are annoying, in that kids might have to eat lunch early or late, or have to be in a mobile classroom, but it doesn't impact education quality. You should be worried about the dumbing down of curriculum (not solely an APS problem, btw) rather than these secondary issues.

Thanks for the perspective. I know families who LOVED Key Immersion and LOVED ASFS. I’m sure people will love the new school too. With all the unhappiness around APS lately, I think it’s easy to worry.

I think the unhappiness is exaggerated, its the same handful or more posting over and over. Did these people go to the gold standard of schools as kids? I don't know where they develop their expectations. Look at the high school graduation rates and excellent colleges that APS students go to. It's still a very good system, but of course has flaws and room for improvement.

I personally would only look at private if your students struggle or are extremely gifted. Some kids fly under the radar if they have good behavior (e.g. ADHD girls who are also gifted). I think a smaller school would help those kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty vague. Which schools are you assigned to?

The new Key School (Innovation?), Hamm, Yorktown. I know families who attended immersion at Key and were very happy, but the program has been relocated. I think what’s making me nervous is that Key now feels like a big huge unknown (and I def would want to see how people like the school before deciding the new school isn’t for us). I haven’t heard any complaints about Yorktown but by the time my kids get there, I think all the high schools will be larger than I would want for my kids.

Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

I live likely near you and have older kids, but we are still at ASFS. The new school (Innovation) is kind of an unknown. The PTA is getting off the ground, I know the entire PTA exec board who signed up to be officers and they are all amazing people. Like extremely nice/funny/witty/smart/great to talk to, I am going to really miss randomly seeing them around school, they are all super approachable and genuinely nice people. Unfortunately, other than one person, all of them have zero involvement in the current ASFS PTA and have never volunteered at anything around the school. That's ok, its just they won't necessarily have a lot of experience to draw from, and I think all of them except one work full time, so the PTA may not be extremely active this upcoming year as they get their bearings. They are all such competent, amazing individuals though so I doubt that they will have any issues getting things up and running and supporting the student body.

The principal seems really great at the new school -- she's been giving updates at all of the ASFS PTA meetings, and she seems on top of things. I've heard only good things about Hamm, and my eldest has had a great experience there this past year considering. Everyone I know at Yorktown from Rosslyn/Courthouse loves loves loves it.

I would not worry so much about redistricting -- aps seems pretty set on keeping Rosslyn at the new school, so the only part of the zone that could potentially move is the area in Lyon Village, which would likely go to ASFS if not Key. They said that anyone moved into the new school would not get moved out unless there was severe overcrowding. If they moved anyone, it would likely be to either Taylor, ASFS, or Long Branch -- all of which are really wonderful/sought after schools outside of the DCUM world.

I don't think redistricting of middle school or high school will really affect where you live -- they can't have people move from Hamm to Jefferson unless they also move those areas from Yorktown to W-L. I just don't see them touching the Innovation --> Hamm --> Yorktown pyramid because of demographics for Yorktown needing the diversity from Rosslyn.

[Anonymous]

It’s not entirely clear to me from your post, but it sounds like you’re going to the “new” school at the Key site. Who knows? It’ll probably be a mediocre-plus big box elementary. It’ll be solidly diverse, though, which is great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

You wont get redistricted again. The capacity problems are annoying, in that kids might have to eat lunch early or late, or have to be in a mobile classroom, but it doesn't impact education quality. You should be worried about the dumbing down of curriculum (not solely an APS problem, btw) rather than these secondary issues.

Thanks for the perspective. I know families who LOVED Key Immersion and LOVED ASFS. I’m sure people will love the new school too. With all the unhappiness around APS lately, I think it’s easy to worry.

I think the unhappiness is exaggerated, its the same handful or more posting over and over. Did these people go to the gold standard of schools as kids? I don't know where they develop their expectations. Look at the high school graduation rates and excellent colleges that APS students go to. It's still a very good system, but of course has flaws and room for improvement.

I personally would only look at private if your students struggle or are extremely gifted. Some kids fly under the radar if they have good behavior (e.g. ADHD girls who are also gifted). I think a smaller school would help those kids.

Thanks- great points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty vague. Which schools are you assigned to?

The new Key School (Innovation?), Hamm, Yorktown. I know families who attended immersion at Key and were very happy, but the program has been relocated. I think what’s making me nervous is that Key now feels like a big huge unknown (and I def would want to see how people like the school before deciding the new school isn’t for us). I haven’t heard any complaints about Yorktown but by the time my kids get there, I think all the high schools will be larger than I would want for my kids.

Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

I live likely near you and have older kids, but we are still at ASFS. The new school (Innovation) is kind of an unknown. The PTA is getting off the ground, I know the entire PTA exec board who signed up to be officers and they are all amazing people. Like extremely nice/funny/witty/smart/great to talk to, I am going to really miss randomly seeing them around school, they are all super approachable and genuinely nice people. Unfortunately, other than one person, all of them have zero involvement in the current ASFS PTA and have never volunteered at anything around the school. That's ok, its just they won't necessarily have a lot of experience to draw from, and I think all of them except one work full time, so the PTA may not be extremely active this upcoming year as they get their bearings. They are all such competent, amazing individuals though so I doubt that they will have any issues getting things up and running and supporting the student body.

The principal seems really great at the new school -- she's been giving updates at all of the ASFS PTA meetings, and she seems on top of things. I've heard only good things about Hamm, and my eldest has had a great experience there this past year considering. Everyone I know at Yorktown from Rosslyn/Courthouse loves loves loves it.

I would not worry so much about redistricting -- aps seems pretty set on keeping Rosslyn at the new school, so the only part of the zone that could potentially move is the area in Lyon Village, which would likely go to ASFS if not Key. They said that anyone moved into the new school would not get moved out unless there was severe overcrowding. If they moved anyone, it would likely be to either Taylor, ASFS, or Long Branch -- all of which are really wonderful/sought after schools outside of the DCUM world.

I don't think redistricting of middle school or high school will really affect where you live -- they can't have people move from Hamm to Jefferson unless they also move those areas from Yorktown to W-L. I just don't see them touching the Innovation --> Hamm --> Yorktown pyramid because of demographics for Yorktown needing the diversity from Rosslyn.

Thanks for such a thoughtful answer! This makes me feel 100 percent better on all fronts. I really appreciate the time you took to lay all of this out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The boundary process doesn't affect everyday life for most kids. Once your kids are at a school they will likely stay at that school. There is a chance that they may need to move when the belated boundary process kicks back up but the vast majority of kids won't be changing schools.

The reason why the boundary process gets so heated is because everyone LOVES their school and they don't want to move. The underlying point is that there are many great schools that appeal to many families.

Agree with PP that if your child has any learning challenges that APS isn't a great place. Not many privates are equipped either, but you may find out more quickly.

Gotcha- One of the things I mentioned in a subsequent post is that I’m nervous about a never-ending redistricting process. I know APS needs additional schools in the next 10 years, but I guess hopefully my kids would only be moved once. I was redistricted for elementary school growing up and it was hard for a couple of weeks, and then it was fine.

If you are Innovation, Hamm, Yorktown, then you're far enough east to stay with Innovation & Hamm. There is a chance that you could get moved to W-L, but it's already so overcrowded that it's unlikely. (It's a better school IMO so I wouldn't worry about that change if it were to happen.)

And kids will be back in school in the fall so no worries about virtual, especially for early elementary.

Your oldest start K next fall - 2022? Wait and see how Innovation plays out in 2021. You could join the PTA there or at least watch the meetings to get a feel for it. In the mean time, you could have your kid take the WISC and be prepared to apply for 2022-23 school year starting next fall. Just to have all options available. But I'd give Innovation a chance - new schools have great energy and build great community quickly. We were at Hamm when it first opened and have been very happy with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Basically I’m nervous we are going to be stuck in a cycle of redistricting due to capacity issues. I attended a public school district with one high school that was smaller than any of the current Arlington options. I don’t expect an urban area to be like that, but I didn’t quite appreciate the capacity issues until recently (and that’s on me).

You wont get redistricted again. The capacity problems are annoying, in that kids might have to eat lunch early or late, or have to be in a mobile classroom, but it doesn't impact education quality. You should be worried about the dumbing down of curriculum (not solely an APS problem, btw) rather than these secondary issues.

Thanks for the perspective. I know families who LOVED Key Immersion and LOVED ASFS. I’m sure people will love the new school too. With all the unhappiness around APS lately, I think it’s easy to worry.

I think the unhappiness is exaggerated, its the same handful or more posting over and over. Did these people go to the gold standard of schools as kids? I don't know where they develop their expectations. Look at the high school graduation rates and excellent colleges that APS students go to. It's still a very good system, but of course has flaws and room for improvement.

I personally would only look at private if your students struggle or are extremely gifted. Some kids fly under the radar if they have good behavior (e.g. ADHD girls who are also gifted). I think a smaller school would help those kids.

Agree. Don't put too much stock into online complaints - it's very one-sided from a small group of vocal parents.

And I think APS works well for most kids. Only exceptions are learning challenges or profoundly gifted.