Without a separate GT program, how can you find information about Arlington's support for gifted kids? I've looked on the APS website and haven't found anything. We're still a year out, but are already having discussions about public v parochial v private. We're zoned for a great school, but if Arlington redistricts or we decide to move, then we need to have time to plan for that, which is why we're thinking about these things earlier than we otherwise might.

p.s. Please don't flame me about my special snowflake. DC hasn't been formally tested but pediatrician and preschool teachers are all indicating that DC might lean towards the gifted category. I was myself, and DH is no dummy either, so we wouldn't be shocked, which again is why we're talking about these things.

Anonymous wrote:One of the biggest advantages and differences of a full-time center, in my opinion, is the social interaction and peer group. Does your child share more similar interests with the kids who are there--likes to read, enjoys challenges & problem solving, and/or would rather build something with legos than watch Hanna Montana? Or not?

ITA with this great post.

I think most school systems in this area (Northern Virginia) are going to offer a good education for gifted kids even if there's not a center. One of the biggest advantages and differences of a full-time center, in my opinion, is the social interaction and peer group. Does your child share more similar interests with the kids who are there--likes to read, enjoys challenges & problem solving, and/or would rather build something with legos than watch Hanna Montana? Or not?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear god. Stay in Fairfax.

Looking at the high numbers of National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists and strong SAT scores, as well as the Post's 2008 ranking of elementary schools with high numbers of advanced students, Arlington's schools seem to be doing the job just fine. Gifted students do flourish in Arlington without specialized schools that cater exclusively to them.

What does that mean? The only school in Fairfax that "caters exclusively" to gifted kids in Fairfax is TJHSST, which Arlington students can and do attend. Other schools in Fairfax with GT programs serve other students as well (in fact, some of them are Title I).

Falls Church City has IB.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear god. Stay in Fairfax.

Looking at the high numbers of National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists and strong SAT scores, as well as the Post's 2008 ranking of elementary schools with high numbers of advanced students, Arlington's schools seem to be doing the job just fine. Gifted students do flourish in Arlington without specialized schools that cater exclusively to them.

And for gifted high school students who want to go to TJ, Arlington's elementary and middle schools provide sufficient preparation. 21 rising 9th graders from Arlington are choosing to attend TJ this year.

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear god. Stay in Fairfax.

Looking at the high numbers of National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists and strong SAT scores, as well as the Post's 2008 ranking of elementary schools with high numbers of advanced students, Arlington's schools seem to be doing the job just fine. Gifted students do flourish in Arlington without specialized schools that cater exclusively to them.

Oh dear god. Stay in Fairfax.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So Arlington does not have an AP program? Wow. That's surprising.

AP = Advanced placement, AFAIK, and yes, the high schools that don't have IB have AP. But it's a smaller school system, which is probably why it doesn't have AAP. Does Falls Church City?

All the Arlington high schools offer AP (W-L has IB and AP).

Yes, high school - that great. But is there any diffentiation starting at the elementary level for kids who need either extra help to catch up or need extra stimulation (AP) to reach full potential?

I don't know about Falls church city but Fairfax city offers AP. Is Falls church city part of the FFX county school system? If so it almost certainly has AP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So Arlington does not have an AP program? Wow. That's surprising.

AP = Advanced placement, AFAIK, and yes, the high schools that don't have IB have AP. But it's a smaller school system, which is probably why it doesn't have AAP. Does Falls Church City?

All the Arlington high schools offer AP (W-L has IB and AP).

Anonymous wrote:So Arlington does not have an AP program? Wow. That's surprising.

AP = Advanced placement, AFAIK, and yes, the high schools that don't have IB have AP. But it's a smaller school system, which is probably why it doesn't have AAP. Does Falls Church City?

So Arlington does not have an AP program? Wow. That's surprising.

I'm an Arl parent and I'll let you in on a secret - all Arl kids are gifted, with N Arl kids being profoundly gifted

Nope -- the G&T program is run through pull-outs/enrichment.

Thinking of a move to Arlington, but my child just got into FFX AAP for this fall.

Does Arlington have a similar program? Thanks.