Here's the thing about ATS, or another other choice program for that matter.
The parents who utilize these programs (of which I am one) argue that they should be centrally located, so as to improve access for everyone. This is a totally valid argument, but ultimately I think it is not the most persuasive with the current standard of 'walkability' being our greatest good.
A disturbing number of families, when surveyed across choice programs, identify that they picked the choice school b/c it was actually closest to their house. The transfer report bears this out, as it shows the most transfers from the nearby areas. That suggests that those families would be just as happy, if not happier, if the choice program in their neighborhood was in fact a neighborhood school.
If the families would stop opting for the choice program just because it was the closest, it would free up choice seats for those who really wanted to be in that environment.
In other words- while I prefer the relatively central location of my choice program, and it works better for me then some of the places that they have proposed moving- I don't think it is fair to say that I should get an easily accessible choice program location at the expense of the kids who live right beside it who want a neighborhood school. Or that they whole county should have weirdo boundaries so as to keep the choice programs in their prime central locations.

Anonymous wrote:The PTA has been discussing this at our last couple of meetings. One proposal on the table is to add a bunch more trailers and increase the school to 5 classes/grade, which would be a significant shift from the current enrollment. (3 classes some grades, 4 in others.) I suggested that we should just counter with 4 classes per grade and hopefully hold off the 5 class idea - the school doesn't really have the infrastructure to go from a 534-kid school to the 750-kid school that has been proposed, without an addition. (official capacity is 465.)

There is some talk of moving ATS, but we're fighting to keep it in a central location because we think that moving the school to a location far North would really discourage the South Arlington parents whose kids really benefit from the program.

I love the program and I'm glad we're there, but I admit, I'd be less likely to send my daughter there if it were located in Oakridge or Randolph or something. (using these as examples.) At some point, it becomes too much of a hike in rush hour traffic. My daughter takes the morning bus, but I work, so the afternoon bus isn't an option.

What about moving the program further south to make it that much more accessible to South Arlington families?

Anonymous wrote:

I love the program and I'm glad we're there, but I admit, I'd be less likely to send my daughter there if it were located in Oakridge or Randolph or something. (using these as examples.) At some point, it becomes too much of a hike in rush hour traffic. My daughter takes the morning bus, but I work, so the afternoon bus isn't an option.

That right there makes me think moving it south would be a good idea.

The PTA has been discussing this at our last couple of meetings. One proposal on the table is to add a bunch more trailers and increase the school to 5 classes/grade, which would be a significant shift from the current enrollment. (3 classes some grades, 4 in others.) I suggested that we should just counter with 4 classes per grade and hopefully hold off the 5 class idea - the school doesn't really have the infrastructure to go from a 534-kid school to the 750-kid school that has been proposed, without an addition. (official capacity is 465.)

There is some talk of moving ATS, but we're fighting to keep it in a central location because we think that moving the school to a location far North would really discourage the South Arlington parents whose kids really benefit from the program.

I love the program and I'm glad we're there, but I admit, I'd be less likely to send my daughter there if it were located in Oakridge or Randolph or something. (using these as examples.) At some point, it becomes too much of a hike in rush hour traffic. My daughter takes the morning bus, but I work, so the afternoon bus isn't an option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

No, you should apply.

But you should write a letter to the school board saying that you would withdraw due to distance, if ATS is moved to x (Jamestown, Tuckahoe, Claremont...whatever it is for you), so that they are aware, that this is an important point for parents and applicants.

Why should they care? ATS has a big waitlist. Someone else would be happy to take the spot, regardless of where it is located.

+1. People should be applying to ATS because they like the program not because of the location. If you are applying merely for location, register at your neighborhood school and leave the ATS spots for those actually interested in the ATS program/philosophy.

That's privilege. Can I make the sacrifice to follow the program 20 minutes away? Sure, but not everyone can.

Equity does not mean everyone is treated identically. It means we remove barriers that exist and level the field so that everyone has an equal opportunity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

No, you should apply.

But you should write a letter to the school board saying that you would withdraw due to distance, if ATS is moved to x (Jamestown, Tuckahoe, Claremont...whatever it is for you), so that they are aware, that this is an important point for parents and applicants.

Why should they care? ATS has a big waitlist. Someone else would be happy to take the spot, regardless of where it is located.

+1. People should be applying to ATS because they like the program not because of the location. If you are applying merely for location, register at your neighborhood school and leave the ATS spots for those actually interested in the ATS program/philosophy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

No, you should apply.

But you should write a letter to the school board saying that you would withdraw due to distance, if ATS is moved to x (Jamestown, Tuckahoe, Claremont...whatever it is for you), so that they are aware, that this is an important point for parents and applicants.

Why should they care? ATS has a big waitlist. Someone else would be happy to take the spot, regardless of where it is located.

Anonymous wrote:Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

No, you should apply.

But you should write a letter to the school board saying that you would withdraw due to distance, if ATS is moved to x (Jamestown, Tuckahoe, Claremont...whatever it is for you), so that they are aware, that this is an important point for parents and applicants.

You can apply and if you don't want your space you give it up. Relax.

Anonymous wrote:Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

It is all speculation right now. Any decisions about school locations and boundary changes will be made before Kindergarten info night next year. If you apply, get in, and then they decide to move it and you don't like the new location, you just transfer your kids to your neighborhood school. No big deal. With the potential boundary changes, even if you opt to stay at your neighborhood school, your kids could end up moving.

Should I wait before I apply? How far would it move?

There is a whole elementary school boundary redrawing process going on right now. Many things may change, including the location of choice programs.

Lots of speculation right now, about a variety of schools.

It’s fevered fantasy at this point. Could it happen? Maybe. Is it planned? Absolutely not.

I am wondering about rumors I hear about moving ATS. Is that happening? Can any current ATS parent fill me in. K lottery is coming up.