Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg isn't something to be "survived." It's one of the better middle schools in the area.

Required reading: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/educational-leadership/kathleen-francis-principal-of.html

Can't seem to keep a principal, apparently.

oops. sorry. I didn't notice the letter was old. I have nothing to say one way or the other about the current principal.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg isn't something to be "survived." It's one of the better middle schools in the area.

Required reading: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/educational-leadership/kathleen-francis-principal-of.html

Can't seem to keep a principal, apparently.

Anonymous wrote:I would look at Catholic schools. APS is good for girls and boys who learn like girls - good at keeping on top of assignments, well organized, able to remain focused. If your boys are typical boys who are not great students

I would look at Catholic schools. APS is good for girls and boys who learn like girls - good at keeping on top of assignments, well organized, able to remain focused. If your boys are typical boys who are not great students, WMS will make them feel academically inadequate very quickly, and that will stay with them for a long time.

If you can't afford privates, at least consider a more diverse school in Arlington than WMS - maybe Jefferson or Gunston.

You could add your name to the HB wait list, during the next round of applications, but getting in would be an almost impossible long shot.

In my opinion, HB Woodlawn would not be a good fit for your kids. HB works for students who are independent and academically self-motivated. There is not a lot of structure compared to a traditional school. Also, athletic types would fit in more at the neighborhood middle/high schools. There are talented athletes at H-B, but sports is much less of a focus there.

Williamsburg (or any Arlington middle school) should be fine. There are all types of kids in the neighborhood schools.

OP here--I know the school is high performing and I am fortunate that will be our homeschool but I am concerned about the "fit". Boys have had a rough year so I owe them so due diligence on this front. The advice to date outside DCUM has been that 6th grade was nightmare for many boys who seem to fit my boys' profile, not "gifted" and no LDs (tests just showed slow processing) but struggle with organization, lecture style classes where they need to take notes and then return to lecture. They are both good athletes and have good social skills so I am focused on the learning environment and the fact that at least one already with low confidence because he tends to be a step behind academically.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg isn't something to be "survived." It's one of the better middle schools in the area.

Required reading: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/educational-leadership/kathleen-francis-principal-of.html

Two years ago from a disgruntled employee. Believe me when I tell you I have zero concerns about Williamsburg (or HB). I came from ACPS, where the concerns about GW were real.

Anonymous wrote:I am on my way to that school a month after OP.

OP I am this poster. I have an incoming 7 grader too. What are your kids' interest, maybe they can meet?

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg isn't something to be "survived." It's one of the better middle schools in the area.

Required reading: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/educational-leadership/kathleen-francis-principal-of.html

FYI I called HB last week. They are expecting 600 applications for the MS lottery.

I am on my way to that school a month after OP.

There is not much patience or nurture for a disorganized student, boy or girl. I do agree that at least in 6th grade the honor roll is made up of a lot more girls and it is not because the boys aren't smart or capable. More likely underachieving. Something is missing there. This year's 7 the grade is a big class with a bit of a reputation for in school suspensions. All in all a great school that some consider a public private. The administration and teacher are totally responsive maybe you could start a dialogue regarding your underlying concerns. The Arl catholic schools don't compare to WMS or HB.

Williamsburg isn't something to be "survived." It's one of the better middle schools in the area.

HB is a lottery-only school, so that wouldn't be an option. We've known all kinds of boys that have survived Williamsburg. I can think of a number of girls who transferred out, but not boys. It's a pretty big school, though, so if you are looking for smaller classes and closer attention from teachers, there are a number of good Catholic schools in or near North Arlington - St. Agnes, St. Ann, St. John in McLean.

I am moving to N Arl w/ 7th and 8th grade boys and am getting feedback that WMS is really tough on boys. Is it so sink or swim or does an average intelligence boy who is hopelessly disorganized have a chance? The boys would start after spring break. I think my boys may need kindler, gentler so am learning about catholic schools and HB Woodlawn too. Thanks for your feedback!