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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The most absurd are the parents who swear by the structure of ATS, then send their kids to HB. [/quote]

How is this absurd? An elementary schooler’s needs are different than a middle schooler’s needs. After 5 years of structure some kids mature to the point they can handle a school like HB. Many students don’t apply to HB though. [/quote]

Don't bother. There is either one persistent poster or a handful who pop up on these threads like clockwork to complain about ATS kids who then go on to H-B. They either can't understand or choose not to understand that kids have different needs at different ages. Or that kids who learn structured study skills early on at a place like ATS might crave the freedom of H-B and do well there because they can self-regulate. In any event, it's not worth trying to defend it to them. They're just upset that the choice schools exist, it seems. [/quote]

have you considered that perhaps some people find difficulty with the same people getting into two highly-desired and small lotteries, taking places away from others who didn't get into the program their kid may need MORE than the apparently mature and academically-skilled ATS graduates?  Maybe folks should be limited to one option program through their APS career to help ensure more students have the opportunity to benefit from one.[/quote]

Yes, I have considered that, but that's an entirely different complaint. If you would like to argue with the county that families should be restricted to one choice school per child, go ahead and do so, [b]but that's a different argument[/b] than saying that it's absurd that some families may be drawn to both ATS and H-B at different times in their child's life. [/quote]

Not really, because the perception is that these families are just seeking the most elite programs for their children regardless of the pedagogy and appropriateness for their child's learning style or needs. It's not necessarily an entirely separate train of thought. And the notion that ATS is necessary for their less mature child and makes them all in need of a more independent, less-structured environment just in time for 6th grade insinuates that ATS is just some magic pill that makes all these kids mature and responsible and that they would not have experienced the same path if they had attended their neighborhood school. And even if they are ready for the HB environment, there are a lot of kids who NEED the HB environment.  If the ATS kids are all so mature and responsible when they finish, then it's less likely they NEED HB.[/quote]

I understand your point, but to paint all the families who seek both schools with the same brush just isn’t accurate. People seek out ATS and/or H-B for many different reasons. [b]You are fixated on the idea that they are just seeking “elite” programs without taking into consideration any other possibilities and calling it out as “absurd” that they might be drawn to different things at different times as the kids mature. It’[/b]s not absurd.  For one thing, when families apply to ATS their children are 5 years old and have only experienced preschool. You can’t know for sure what learning style your child has so you consider a curriculum and school atmosphere that sounds good, has a diverse population, and good results. If you’re fortunate enough to get in you give it a try. Should families subsequently pull their children from a school they know and like just because they would probably be just fine at their neighborhood school? Or, your child likes ATS but starts to chafing at the rules and structure by the time they reach 5th grade or their personality develops and it becomes clear they would like or thrive in at atmosphere with more freedom. Should they not apply to H-B just because you think it looks absurd? (I never suggested that ATS is some magic pill to fix kids so they can got to H-B by the way; I just pointed out that if they learn some study discipline there that [b]it’s not crazy for parents to think they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom elsewhere.[/b])

You can’t possibly know the circumstances that lead families to make that choice, yet you promote the “perception” that may not be accurate at all. I think you are not happy with the county policies, but are projecting that onto the families that operate within it. [/quote]

I said "perception" that families are seeking elite programs.  And, btw, I'm not the one who made the "absurd" assertion.  I do agree that, on the surface, it seems illogical and incongruous; but not entirely far-fetched.  Still, I just don't think the maturity gain is such that students develop to the point that an HB atmosphere is a "better" fit than any typical middle school - where all kids are given opportunity for more freedoms and responsibilities and self-governance. "...they could handle or appreciate the greater freedom...." Doesn't mean they "need" it.  And I personally believe HB should give priority to students who demonstrate a need for the program/environment.  In the past, it seemed a lot of ATS students made it into HB.  Hopefully now that admissions has changed so option schools are given seats rather than option school students being in the lottery from their assigned neighborhood school, more kids who didn't attend ATS but for whom HB really is a better fit than their assigned MS will have the opportunity to attend HB.[/quote]

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