FCPS AAP seems variable - in practice - from ES to ES, even though all theoretically are the same. We hear different things from friends and colleagues at different ESs.

Fairfax County does nothing special until 3rd grade. Identified kids may get a pull-out once a week, but its predominantly geared towards putting together worksheets that support the AAP packages that support the segregation into AAP classrooms in 3rd grade.

I think some of this is school dependent- but my kids were way ahead in Lexia. My middle kid finished it in 4th grade, and then at some point was allowed to move to Power Up, which I think is the MS version.

They do separate classes starting in 3rd for AAP, though your child does have to qualify (even a very high IQ isn't automatic, though if you have outside testing, it can be more persuasive).

I've been impressed with the curriculum my kids have been exposed to in AAP. But I'm pretty laid back about schooling, and just want my kids to be challenged from time to time while mostly enjoying what they learn.

Our experience is with one of the very large centers and it's been excellent. But, as with most things, this will vary significantly by school/pyramid.

We have a first grade daughter currently in APS who is over 99th percentile IQ. In Arlington it seems they stop kids at grade level for everything. For example, when a child finishes Lexia Grade 1 less than half way through the year, they are not allowed to advance. They do push-in and not pull-out differentiation, which means advanced kids don't get much. They seem to focus most on getting the lowest achievers up to par. Are Fairfax AAP centers any better? Thinking about the future. Sometimes the grass isn't always greener, and wouldn't want to make a change that we regret.