Reply to Fairfax vs. Loudoun high schools academic environment

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are considering a move to northern Virginia.  Kids in middle school now, accomplished athletes that are somewhat heavily recruited by privates throughout the East Coast.  We are unsure of cultural fit at the privates so exploring publics that have large resources and combination of a balanced but great academic and athletics programs.

The high schools we are looking at includes:  Robinson, Lake Braddock, Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield and Freedom in Loudoun County.

Is there a difference in the academic environment in Fairfax vs. Loudoun?  Any of the listed schools particularly good in balancing the academic / athletic balance with great track record for both?  Specifically, I am reading about how competitive the academic programs are in the Fairfax County high schools where it dominates a student's life and trying to determine if a high level athlete that spends a significant amount of time on sports will get left in the dust by substantial groups of peer students that spend hours every day on academics.

Also, I'm reading in the news about kids in Fairfax County committing suicide due to the high pressure academic environment.  What's driving the high pressure environment?  The students, parents, teachers, school administration, all of the above?

There is a nearby Catholic high school near one of our homes where we now live (not Virginia) where most of the athletes probably spend 0 to 2 hours a night on homework and studying, still get great grades and attend top 20 D1 colleges to play sports on a regular basis.  I understand that is probably not realistic in Fairfax or Loudoun, but can a student get away with 2 hours a night on homework, get mostly As a few Bs, and participate in high school sports at a level high enough to get recruited D1?

Is there a difference in the culture of Fairfax vs. Loudoun?  My impression is that Fairfax is particularly academics focused whereas Loudoun is still strong in academics but with a more balanced approach.

The northern Virginia area has a lot to offer, but want to make sure that we understand the full picture on the academic / athletics balance.

Location / job is not an issue for us as we are financially independent.
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If you are financially independent, why on EARTH are you moving to NoVa? And even considering Chantilly? Most people move here for the $.[/quote]

The reason for considering Northern Virginia: Fairfax and Loudoun are probably the two of the best places in the country in terms of family quality of life and an educated, higher income population.  We are looking at several areas, but Northern Virginia seems to have the best public schools that on paper seem better than most private schools.[/quote]

Not sure what you mean by quality of life.  Even with a good incone, the quality of life in Fairfax is not good.  Terrible zoning, sprawl, traffic, and a cultural wasteland.  [/quote]

People in Fairfax routinely score high on quality of life surveys, health surveys, etc.  Yes, there is traffic, particularly in western Fairfax, but the good jobs, nice homes, and great schools make it an attractive place for a diverse population.   Plenty of culture as well - Patriot Center, Wolf Trap, Mount Vernon - and decent access to DC (nice place to visit....).  [/quote]

It's a functional place and is overcrowded.[/quote]

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