Full-time AAP vs. Private School?

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[Post New]12/29/2023 12:47
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salsamama
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I desperately need some advice. I didn't grow up in this country and I don't have any personal experiences with the school systems in the US. Apart from the cost, what would be the pros and cons of full-time AAP vs. private school at 7-8 grade levels? I have heard changes in admission policy at TJ now work against private school kids. Is that true?
[Post New]12/29/2023 13:31
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Anonymous
Depends on the private school. But, cost and location aside, you get to choose your private school based on their strengths. Like STEM? There are private schools for that. Like sports? There are academies for that. Like equestrian activities after school? Etc...

With public school, there aren't specific "strengths" because most FCPS MSs should provide the same opportunities, by design.. There are some differences though - e.g. Longfellow has a great (and competitive) math and science team.
[Post New]12/29/2023 14:30
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Anonymous
What is the plan for high school? Or private, I’d do private middle. If public, do public middle.
[Post New]12/29/2023 16:40
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Anonymous
How would you decide for 3rd grade and up? Any thoughts on this?
[Post New]12/29/2023 20:42
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Anonymous
It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.
[Post New]12/29/2023 20:48
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.


Would you choose Haycock AAP over Potomac School for grade 3 and up?
[Post New]12/29/2023 20:59
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How would you decide for 3rd grade and up? Any thoughts on this?


We went public. Figured until it’s not a good option, might as well take the free choice. We can always apply out later if needed. So far public still works so I’m glad we went this way.
[Post New]12/29/2023 20:59
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.


Would you choose Haycock AAP over Potomac School for grade 3 and up?


I would never send my kid to Potomac because of the level of wealth and the lack of diversity. I believe most parents like the school except for the math teachers (no first hand knowledge).
[Post New]12/29/2023 22:29
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.

What about spring hill?
[Post New]12/29/2023 22:48
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salsamama
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:Depends on the private school. But, cost and location aside, you get to choose your private school based on their strengths. Like STEM? There are private schools for that. Like sports? There are academies for that. Like equestrian activities after school? Etc...

With public school, there aren't specific "strengths" because most FCPS MSs should provide the same opportunities, by design.. There are some differences though - e.g. Longfellow has a great (and competitive) math and science team.


Thank you. My DC likes many things and is pretty well-rounded, which makes our choice a bit difficult...
[Post New]12/29/2023 22:52
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salsamama
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:What is the plan for high school? Or private, I’d do private middle. If public, do public middle.


Undecided. We are hoping for TJ, but if that doesn't come though, we might consider private HS instead of moving.
[Post New]12/29/2023 22:54
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salsamama
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.


My kid is accepted into Level IV AAP, and we are in Hughes/South Lakes district.
[Post New]12/29/2023 22:59
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salsamama
Member Offline
Can anyone share experience with Level IV AAP at Langston Hughes? Much appreciated!
[Post New]12/30/2023 13:19
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Anonymous
Langston Hughes, despite of being a AAP center, sends less than 10 students to TJ.

https://www.fcps.edu/news/thomas-jefferson-high-school-continues-increase-access-all

So obviously Hughes is a school on the lower SES side. Your child can either stay at Hughes but make sure he is the top 2.5% auto-admit TJ candidates, or he might benefit from private school.
[Post New]12/30/2023 14:45
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It really depends on what FCPS schools you're boundaries into and whether or not your kid has been accepted into AAP. For instance, Haycock AAP is probably more academically rigorous than any private school in the area.


Would you choose Haycock AAP over Potomac School for grade 3 and up?


DP. I don’t see why not. Getting into full time AAP, especially Haycock is quite competitive. What makes you think Potomac School would be better just because you have to pay $$$$$
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