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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child.  I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it.  I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS.  Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?[/quote]

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that. [/quote]

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math.  I think if that is your issue, find the money for private.  But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic.  Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged.  The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

[/quote]

Yes, we are in advanced math.  The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away.  Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.[/quote]

For what it is worth I went to public schools like this. I enjoyed the extra reading/relaxation time and I think I turned out ok--another JD added to the list in the DMV.

If your kid isn't unhappy with their lot a change might be more disruptive than just riding it out.[/quote]

Same.  I had some underwhelming teachers.  And some good ones.   And I went to a top university and kept up completely fine.

The experience of school is a lot more than the academic part too.  You don't even mention that OP.  Is your kid involved in activities?  Part of their community?  Friends?  Happy socially?  Those are equally important.[/quote]

Social is a big part of it; she prioritizes school and learning, and feels like none of her peers do, that majority of kids don’t want to be there and would rather do sports or video games. I assume she maybe hasn’t met her “people” but without academic tracking or academic clubs (which there really aren’t any at our school) she has no way to find. Sports people find each other in the mass of team sports schools offer, but kids with other interests are in the wind. [/quote]

You have lost me a bit now OP.  What APS middle school has no academic after school clubs?  No band??  We have young democrats and a math club.  A game club.  And more.  Try something.  The idea that your child is surrounded by a bunch of knuckle draggers who don’t care about school and can’t find anyone to connect with just doesn’t add up.[/quote]

I would give up on the idea of "academic clubs" to spoon feed your kid challenging information and look for opportunities for your kid to enrich her own life.  By middle school there are lots of opportunities to stretch yourself.  I remember middle school academics being boring, but I did tons of other stuff outside of school that kept me plenty engaged.  For instance, I was on an Odyssey of the Mind team and learning robotics to design our solution, plus writing music and making costumes and art.  Lots to think about, especially with team dynamics.  I was also taking Latin with a tutor and would practice my declensions during downtime in class.  I was learning piano and the French horn and was in a local youth orchestra so I had lots to practice every day.  I was also working on my Silver Project for Girl Scouts and planning a project to help low income moms have childcare so they could come to parent teacher conferences.  I also volunteered at the local nursing home and would spend time with the residents.  In short, I was very motivated to get all my work done at school so I could get to my activities after school.

Don't expect public school to be a one stop shop.  Enrich your kid's life in the community.  I know it's harder with Covid, but there are options.

If school is too easy, your kid can also ask the teacher to up her challenge.  I remember asking my history teacher if I could write my paper on the Vietnam war from first person accounts instead of the summary materials.  I spent a whole semester doing independent research at the public library with the help of a librarian.  Make your own opportunities.[/quote]

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