All FCPS public schools are following the same math curriculum which has an advanced mathmatics component for all grades regardless of AAP.

http://www.fcps.edu/is/math/elementary/index.shtml

Colvin Run may be more challenging than the others. Just from heresay though.

I'm pretty sure the AAP math textbooks didn't change at least not yet. Just the general ed classes. I'm not sure about compacted math. We live in Vienna with many friends who have kindergarten to 3rd graders in all the schools and there are very few complaints from parents here about the schools. Vienna has a great moms group too. Our neighbor recently moved to McLean for a better commute to DC though and seems happy there too.

OP here, thanks for the tip on checking out the PTA webpages, they gave me a great idea of what is being offered after school. It's also good to know about the new math texts.

Any idea if/when they will incorporate the AAP curriculum into other gen. ed classes outside of Mclean? We are currently looking in both Mclean and Vienna but are leaning towards Vienna because there are more affordable houses for us there.

The houses we like so far are in the following pyramids:
Freedom Hill/Kilmer/Marshall,
Stenwood/Kilmer/Marshall,
Flint Hill/Thoraeu/Madison and
Colvin Run/Longfellow/Mclean.

I take it the last one is the best due since it is in Mclean. What are your thoughts on the other schools listed. Are they vastly different in terms of academics?

Anonymous wrote:The school board voted to buy new math textbooks for all ES for 2012-2013. They did not vote for everyday math, so next year none of the schools will use it.

And we can all thank the math gods for that!

The school board voted to buy new math textbooks for all ES for 2012-2013. They did not vote for everyday math, so next year none of the schools will use it.

The PTA webpages should be able to give you a lot of information on after school activities. They do change every year though with who's in charge and what parents of the school want each year. It is also interesting to find out which specalists are available at different schools.

It is my understanding that all the elementary schools in the McLean HS pyramid are implementing the Advanced Academic curriculum in the gen ed classes. If that information is false I'm sure someone will correct it.

We are moving to the Vienna/Mclean/Tyson's Corner area soon. I have been reading on this forum quite a bit trying to get a good idea of the schools and pyramids but most threads regarding academics seem to be more concentrated on the AAP program. I'd like to get a better understanding of which schools have outstanding academic performances in the General Ed classes as well.

Schools that have strong programs and structures in place regarding Math, Science and English. Where teachers get plenty of regular in-service training on teaching methods especially with math. Schools with academic after school clubs such as OM, Chess, Math Club, Robotics, etc. I'd prefer to stay away from schools using Everyday Math. The school my kids currently go to has mandatory Sustained Silent Reading daily which has been wonderful for building my dc's stamina in reading.

My kids are both really bright and are a year ahead in math but I don't think they are exceptionally gifted so I'm not sure if they would be in AAP. So I'd like to find a great school with rigorous academics in the Gen. Ed class too.