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[quote=Anonymous]I'm the PP who went to and stayed at White Oaks and is reasonably happy.  Here's a few more details about our DC and our experience that might help:

1.  DC is very creative and high energy and launches a lot of self-driven projects.  Prior to AAP DC tended to pull kids into projects, do other kids' work for them, distract them.  Not any big behavioral issues (really wants to please teachers, usually gets good citizenry scores) but some challenges in the early years.  These have largely gone away in AAP.

2. Not too much homework in White Oaks AAP at all. Most days less than 10-15 minutes of hw besides reading for pleasure.  There's often some math (usually just a worksheet, not time-consuming, but nothing terribly interesting. There's usually 1 or 2 challenge problems that encourage more thinking).  Once in awhile social studies readings and making associated projects/writing /notebooks. One practice I have liked is that many teachers set a maximum on time kids should spend on their homework (45 minutes) and that kids should self-monitor,stop and write a note if they meet the maximum time.  The teachers periodically review with the kids how they are making choices about their hw, what they have noticed about those choices.  For DC, there's been less than a handful of times that met the 45 min mark ---except when working on a project where it's more driven by the scope of what DC wants to do.  I think the hw load might depend on how quick/focused kids are in-school; DC often finishes work in class.

3. There are regular projects that DC enjoys  and really push thinking--researching, coming up with imaginative displays and examples.  These are fairly common in social studies, language arts and sometimes science.  I could see some kids turning them into perfunctory busywork, but I think a creative kid who likes these kinds of things has room to push themselves.

4. The level of class discussion when I've been there for language arts/social studies is quite impressive--a lot of thinking, connecting ideas.  Even during recess/open time, the kids invent interesting games and projects.

5. DC's Happiness with school pre-AAP used to be very uneven--some days  excited, others really digging in heels against it .  This might be age-related, but now while still loves days off and weekends doesn't ever complain about school.

Cons:
-I was really hoping for more science, but so far haven't found it to be that more emphasized/stronger than at base school.
-I do feel that it's harder to connect to the community when you're in AAP--there are events and we go when we can, I volunteer when my work allows and do know a few other AAP parents, but it's not the same as a neighborhood school.  I do find I'm forming stronger relationships with a small cohort of my DCs friends parents though.
-I wish math wasn't so worksheet/practice-based. There's occasional interesting problems, but it's mainly just the same thing only a little faster.
-The bus ride eats up DC's day (although it has also eliminated the need for aftercare for us). But DC  likes the bus ride--time with friends from other classes and grades--I just find it hard sometimes with scheduling other activities/practices.
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