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[quote=Anonymous]The measurements that are discussed -- both the Washington Post ranking and the SAT scores -- do not speak to any one person's experience in these schools. If Robinson has a higher percentage of kids taking remedial math, then you would see a lower average SAT score -- but if your kid does not belong in remedial math, it tells you nothing at all about the experience your child wil have. It could be that the grade-level and above math classes are stronger at Robinson, but at the same time is has a high proportion of kids needing remedial math. I'm not saying this is the case, but certainly I think the arguments about quality of education based on average SAT scores tells you very little. (Similarly the WP metric is just a metric like any other -- it could tell you something about the amazing teachers at Woodson or it could tell you that, on average, the kids going to Woodson are more academically prepared or game the system more or what-not).

At best, these arguments may tell you something about the culture of the two schools. I would be very interested to hear what people have to say about that -- especially the culture of the academic achievers in each school. I don't really care what average SAT scores are, but I do care whether the top students in mathematics are getting similar opportunities and exposure to advanced mathematics. Any comments much appreciated.

WRT the bullying that put the "island" to be districted to Woodson: as a parent in that area, I think that comment is very shortsighted/simplistic. First of all, most of us did not live there when the original decision was made as to where we would be zoned. I have lived there 12+ years and it was always Woodson. Second, the school make a "community" in that neighborhood, and many parents have put time and money through a variety of efforts in helping make Woodson a great school - our community contributed like many others. I think the feeling that something is being taken away is completely reasonable. In particular, my spouse and I looked to be part of the Woodson district when we had young kids, because we heard it was such a great school -- so I am sad that something I thought was part of my home and my community is likely not going to be possible.

That said, I feel that Robinson has a great reputation -- and I am interested in know what others have to say especially about its advanced courses (IB or AP).

I have also heard amazing things about their orchestra -- any one have any comments or comparisons to make about that?[/quote]

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