1. Fairfax’s AAP program is not a gifted program, it is advanced learning program, as its name suggests. This was pointed out by one speaker in Loudoun’s GT program parent orientation. Your kids will learn advanced academic knowledge in FFX’s AAP. Loudoun’s program is a GT program. They don’t really teach much advanced academic stuff (if you want the same academic advancements as in FFX’s Level 4 AAP, you will be disappointed). On the contrary, Loudoun’s GT program is only part time, a few days a week. Students do interesting projects. Some of the training/exercises are similar to “out of box thinking” interview questions you see from big tech companies like Google or Microsoft. The focus is completely different.

2. It is easier to get in FFX’s AAP than Loudoun’s Fusion and Spectrum. One quarter of Fairfax’s student population are in some type of AAP program, spreading at different levels. In Loudoun, only about 10% students can make it. Quite a few FFX Level IV students couldn’t make to Loudoun’s GT program after moving to Loudoun. There’s no automatic transfer from AAP to Loudoun’s Fusion or Spectrum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello,

We are planning to move to Aldie, VA in next few months- July 2023. My kid is currently in AAP(4th grade), so we were wondering, what is the process to transfer him from current FCPS school (AAP) to newly relocated school in Aldie (Loudoun County Public school). Will that be a seamless one - I think based on the address , his school isBuffalo Trail Elementary School.

Any help on this very much appreciated.

Your AAP student will be much more academically advanced that an LCPS "gifted" student. LCPS gifted program consists of futura in elementary(4th & 5th) and spectrum (6th to 8th grade) in middle school, but both these are non-academic programs and nothing like AAP. They give the appearance of a competitive gifted & talented program by basing the admission first on NNAT and COGAT scores administered in 2nd and 3rd grades. But kids who dont score well on these tests, can also get into this program with a simple recommendation from the 3rd grade teacher, and about half of the kids get recommended into it. Unlike AAP, kids may be enrolled in this program, but could be under-performing academically.

If you are looking for an AAP like advanced academic path, LCPS does not have one. Most academically advanced kids enroll in outside enrichment programs, get involved with math, science and robotics competitions outside school, and pursue TJ or AOS as their high school options.

You left out all of middle school there. LCPS generally has more math acceleration than FCPS once you get to middle school.
The gifted program is not that easy. My kid had good scores and still did not get in. 4th grade teacher said she would recommend him, but nothing happened. Eventually got in with some extra testing in 5th grade after appeal.

Anonymous wrote:Curious why you think it would be a “seamless” process when they are completely separate school systems with non-analogous programs. The answer is no, btw.

Because it basically is to enter Fairfax. If you were identified as gifted in your former district and already have the test scores to prove it, it's just a bit of paperwork.

Curious why you think it would be a “seamless” process when they are completely separate school systems with non-analogous programs. The answer is no, btw.

Anonymous wrote:Hello,

We are planning to move to Aldie, VA in next few months- July 2023. My kid is currently in AAP(4th grade), so we were wondering, what is the process to transfer him from current FCPS school (AAP) to newly relocated school in Aldie (Loudoun County Public school). Will that be a seamless one - I think based on the address , his school isBuffalo Trail Elementary School.

Any help on this very much appreciated.

Your AAP student will be much more academically advanced that an LCPS "gifted" student. LCPS gifted program consists of futura in elementary(4th & 5th) and spectrum (6th to 8th grade) in middle school, but both these are non-academic programs and nothing like AAP. They give the appearance of a competitive gifted & talented program by basing the admission first on NNAT and COGAT scores administered in 2nd and 3rd grades. But kids who dont score well on these tests, can also get into this program with a simple recommendation from the 3rd grade teacher, and about half of the kids get recommended into it. Unlike AAP, kids may be enrolled in this program, but could be under-performing academically.

If you are looking for an AAP like advanced academic path, LCPS does not have one. Most academically advanced kids enroll in outside enrichment programs, get involved with math, science and robotics competitions outside school, and pursue TJ or AOS as their high school options.

Anonymous wrote:Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

Just slide the registrar an envelope full of benjamins, and it should be smooth sailing.

Just contact the new school and ask.
The best time to call them is asap before school ends for the summer and the appropriate staff might not be there to answer your questions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

It’s hard to get into the Loudoun Gifted Program. Probably a better idea to stay in Fairfax for AAP.

It is not that hard.

Well 26% of FCPS elementary is in AAP, and 6% of LCPS is. So there is some difference in who they accept.

Not quite 26%, but we get your point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

It’s hard to get into the Loudoun Gifted Program. Probably a better idea to stay in Fairfax for AAP.

It is not that hard.

Well 26% of FCPS elementary is in AAP, and 6% of LCPS is. So there is some difference in who they accept.

Its not that hard - AOS perhaps but not the gifted program.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

It’s hard to get into the Loudoun Gifted Program. Probably a better idea to stay in Fairfax for AAP.

It is not that hard.

Anonymous wrote:Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

It’s hard to get into the Loudoun Gifted Program. Probably a better idea to stay in Fairfax for AAP.

Yep, ask for comparable program in LCPS and how to get in, either immediate enrollment or taking their tests.

AAP has nothing to do with it. You unenroll him from his current school, reenroll him in his new school. You can show them his AAP stuff and ask if he can get into Loudon gifted, but they don't have to say yes.

Hello,

We are planning to move to Aldie, VA in next few months- July 2023. My kid is currently in AAP(4th grade), so we were wondering, what is the process to transfer him from current FCPS school (AAP) to newly relocated school in Aldie (Loudoun County Public school). Will that be a seamless one - I think based on the address , his school isBuffalo Trail Elementary School.

Any help on this very much appreciated.