Go private. WMS probably the best, then Hamm, then everything else.

My kids went to TJ and seemed to have a fine experience. Occasional bumps in the road, a crappy teacher occasionally but also some they really liked. They seemed to pretty easily make new friends, both my very social DS and introvert DD.

My only compliant is that it's a bit of a black hole when it comes to communication with parents but I guess that's typical for MS

Maybe it's the kids who suck.

Specifics, please.

Anonymous wrote:The bottom line is that every middle school in Arlington is miserable except possibly for HB which is a lottery school. But middle school everywhere is miserable and kids just have to get through it.

This. They all pretty much suck. Even worse if you kid has any kind of learning issues.

The bottom line is that every middle school in Arlington is miserable except possibly for HB which is a lottery school. But middle school everywhere is miserable and kids just have to get through it.

Source of this information? Have you had a kid at each one?

We are at WMS and think it is fine. However a family friend has ADHD and is getting minimal support. It’s been a real struggle for them. Basically they’re expected to be able to afford outside services. Very little executive functioning assistance from the school.

The bottom line is that every middle school in Arlington is miserable except possibly for HB which is a lottery school. But middle school everywhere is miserable and kids just have to get through it.

Anonymous wrote:I think Hamm might be the smallest by numbers.

Williamsburg is the smallest. It has almost 100 students less than Hamm. Gunston is the largest by far.

I think Hamm might be the smallest by numbers.

We have experience at Gunston and can definitely say it is awful (but what middle school isn't?). Overcrowded, fights happening constantly, too large so there is no time to visit locker or bathrooms between classes.

Anonymous wrote:HB

Not helpful to OP. HB is a lottery-only program, and it wouldn't matter where the family lived since it's all about whether they get the lucky number.

OP, I can't help you. We only have experience at one MS. You also said budget is an issue, did you mean NOT an issue?

Middle school in Arlington is awful. My shy DD had a miserable 3 years, we eventually went private for high school when looking at the 3000 student WL.

HB

Looking to move within Arlington County. We can rent or buy. Budget is an issue. My daughter will be coming from Campbell Elementary (an option school). She has anxiety and ADHD. Slower to warm up socially. The small size of Campbell has been really good for her. I think all of the middle schools are huge. Is any one of them better than another for a child like my daughter?