Experiences with Long Branch Elementary and Jefferson Middle?

[Anonymous]

Wondering about parents who have/had kids in those schools and their experiences (I know virtual has generally been a mess, so aside from that). Particularly, would love to hear thoughts on the IB program at TJ MS. TYA

[Anonymous]

I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

[Anonymous]

Only one person knows about these schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only one person knows about these schools?

Can't speak to Long Branch.
TJ is ok. A number of outstanding teachers, especially in English and social studies, some in math.
I wouldn't be lured solely for the IB program, though it does provide more foreign language opportunities.
The principal is average, not outstanding or particularly impressive.
Great head of counseling (if she's still there) and a good school psychologist. Guidance counselors - I've only had experience with two. One was far better than the other.
Lots of socio-economic diversity.
Not a robust PTA but those who step forward are very hardworking and committed volunteers.
Not the strongest music and arts program in the system; but every school has its shining stars regardless.
Until this year, not on the block schedule all the other middle schools are on; but I believe that is changing next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

Pupatella is 2 miles south of TJ according to google maps. I don't drive, and I thought that fundraisers/etc being where they were must mean that the school population is largely more concentrated considerably further south of where we were looking to buy. Since I don't drive, I wanted my children to be at a neighborhood school where the school population was more concentrated near our potential house so that they could more independently get themselves around. We needed to stay very close to the metro so that factored into our choices as well.
I talked with a lot of teachers, parents, etc at the different schools before we bought where we did, a lot of people told me that the middle schools though they offered slightly different courses were about the same academically. Its not like elementary school where you have carlin springs versus jamestown. My kids have done well at Hamm this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

Pupatella is 2 miles south of TJ according to google maps. I don't drive, and I thought that fundraisers/etc being where they were must mean that the school population is largely more concentrated considerably further south of where we were looking to buy. Since I don't drive, I wanted my children to be at a neighborhood school where the school population was more concentrated near our potential house so that they could more independently get themselves around. We needed to stay very close to the metro so that factored into our choices as well.
I talked with a lot of teachers, parents, etc at the different schools before we bought where we did, a lot of people told me that the middle schools though they offered slightly different courses were about the same academically. Its not like elementary school where you have carlin springs versus jamestown. My kids have done well at Hamm this year.

OK I interpreted your initial comments as you were looking at the schools in determining where to buy; not that you were looking into a transfer to TJ from the houses you were already deciding on.
The boundaries for TJ would show how south- v north - centric the population and potential events are likely to be.

[Anonymous]

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

How is homework different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.

Huh?

Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.

Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

Pupatella is 2 miles south of TJ according to google maps. I don't drive, and I thought that fundraisers/etc being where they were must mean that the school population is largely more concentrated considerably further south of where we were looking to buy. Since I don't drive, I wanted my children to be at a neighborhood school where the school population was more concentrated near our potential house so that they could more independently get themselves around. We needed to stay very close to the metro so that factored into our choices as well.
I talked with a lot of teachers, parents, etc at the different schools before we bought where we did, a lot of people told me that the middle schools though they offered slightly different courses were about the same academically. Its not like elementary school where you have carlin springs versus jamestown. My kids have done well at Hamm this year.

1.4 miles

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.

How is homework different?

My kids went to Long Branch and TJ. On the homework thing, I've heard from parents who had kids at both TJ and either Swanson or Williamsburg that the homework load was a lot heavier at those schools vs. TJ and, for some kids, that made the HS transition more of a shock for TJ kids. My kids didn't have an issue with it and have done well in tough schedules at W-L so I was fine with a more relaxed middle school experience.

I think Long Branch/TJ is generally a bit of a more relaxed, less competitive vibe than some other schools. We were happy with both. Long Branch did have a very long-serving principal who has retired a couple years ago so that may impact the school somewhat, I haven't heard anything from current families.

I think the main potential negative of the Long Branch/TJ neighborhood is that at TJ it is only the Long Branch kids that go on to W-L. Everyone else at TJ goes to Wakefield. This can be tough for kids who make a new batch of friends in MS. DS had one friend who opted to transfer to Wakefield to stay with friends. DS makes friends easily and had no issue with the shift in friend groups. Others, including DD, have stayed tighter with ES friends than they might otherwise have done if all their middle school group had gone to HS together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.



Huh?



Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.


Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.



It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.


Pupatella is 2 miles south of TJ according to google maps. I don't drive, and I thought that fundraisers/etc being where they were must mean that the school population is largely more concentrated considerably further south of where we were looking to buy. Since I don't drive, I wanted my children to be at a neighborhood school where the school population was more concentrated near our potential house so that they could more independently get themselves around. We needed to stay very close to the metro so that factored into our choices as well.
I talked with a lot of teachers, parents, etc at the different schools before we bought where we did, a lot of people told me that the middle schools though they offered slightly different courses were about the same academically. Its not like elementary school where you have carlin springs versus jamestown. My kids have done well at Hamm this year.

OP, I'm sorry, but you're not fooling anyone when you say the reason you picked another neighborhood is because you don't drive...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I posted a few months ago asking the same question when we were looking at houses in that zone. Everyone really had wonderful things to say. You can probably search for my post.

I've met the principal and she is wonderful. I joined the TJ pta, my only thought from reading what they put out is that they are more south arlington centric -- most of the community events are much further south. I'm not sure how much you would want to participate in those either way, but it would have been difficult for my family since I don't drive.

We ended up buying a little more north so we are in asfs and hamm, but from what I've heard, long branch is a great community and all the middle schools are about the same.



Huh?



Me, too on the "huh?"
All middle schools are about the same???
And what does "much further south" for the school events mean? They are all at the school with maybe a restaurant fundraiser at some pizza place nearby.
And heaven forbid one might venture to south Arlington for an event once a year.


Ok, so maybe I won't try to be helpful.

I kind of lurk/joined the TJ PTA two years ago when we were thinking about buying in Lyon Park -- all of the pta events I've seen have been really far from my house. I don't live anywhere near Walter Reed, or Pupatella. Frankly I don't even know where they are, other than they are over two miles from the houses we were looking to buy (which considering how small Arlington is, is really far). Its very different from my impressions from Hamm, where all of the events that were planned pre-Covid were walking distance of the house we ended up buying. I don't own a car, so going over two miles for a school event is not happening. Again, this is middle school so in all likelihood it doesn't matter, but it was something I noticed. If I had known COVID was going to happen, then it would have probably factored in even less.

I know parents at Williamsburg, Kenmore, Swanson, Hamm, and TJ. I know a few parents at the immersion program at Gunston. Everyone I know in real life neither loves or hates their middle school. Academically, they are all about the same. Demographics may be different, but in real life, I've never heard anyone say anything about the schools being dramatically different other than from a social aspect.



It's not my intention to criticize you; but I just don't understand the issue with the one or two fundraisers being at Pupatella on Walter Reed. It's a few blocks from the school; so if you would have been willing to buy to go to TJ, I don't get why the location of the limited events was a thing.

There are differences in middle school programs and offerings. IB at TJ, for instance. Music and art programs are much stronger at other middle schools. Some small differences in course offerings. From the parents I've talked to, homework is different. And, as you suggest, there is definitely a difference in the population, and the PTAs and PTA fundraisers and activities.


Pupatella is 2 miles south of TJ according to google maps. I don't drive, and I thought that fundraisers/etc being where they were must mean that the school population is largely more concentrated considerably further south of where we were looking to buy. Since I don't drive, I wanted my children to be at a neighborhood school where the school population was more concentrated near our potential house so that they could more independently get themselves around. We needed to stay very close to the metro so that factored into our choices as well.
I talked with a lot of teachers, parents, etc at the different schools before we bought where we did, a lot of people told me that the middle schools though they offered slightly different courses were about the same academically. Its not like elementary school where you have carlin springs versus jamestown. My kids have done well at Hamm this year.

OP, I'm sorry, but you're not fooling anyone when you say the reason you picked another neighborhood is because you don't drive...

I’m sorry. I have early onset glaucoma and I’m not legally allowed to drive anymore. It’s why I chose to live on the metro line so I could still have a job and be somewhat independent.