Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just read on this board that only 5-10% of kids make it to AAP from a center school which means my child will not know the majority of classmates.

Does anyone have a child who made it to AAP and have some social issues because of that?

Most of DC’s friends are not going to be in AAP so will lost all of the friends although DC will see them outside the school (eg play date, after school activity)

Social aspects are more important than academics for us at this point for many reasons.

Any advice?

umm.. New friends? You need to decide what's important for a 8 yr old. Friends or a better education with an opportunity to make new friends.

Seriously! What happens if the family has to move out of state for a job? Do you turn it down because of your 8-year-old's well established social life? My family moved out of state when I was halfway through elementary school and again right before middle school. I made all new friends each time. Sure, I was a bit miffed at the time that my parents didn't place my social life above my dad's career, but it worked out just fine. If you're seriously worried about the AAP dynamics, that's a whole different question. Maybe you don't want that kind of pressure for your kid. Understandable. But there are many opportunities for kids to make friends.

Anonymous wrote:Just read on this board that only 5-10% of kids make it to AAP from a center school which means my child will not know the majority of classmates.

Does anyone have a child who made it to AAP and have some social issues because of that?

Most of DC’s friends are not going to be in AAP so will lost all of the friends although DC will see them outside the school (eg play date, after school activity)

Social aspects are more important than academics for us at this point for many reasons.

Any advice?

umm.. New friends? You need to decide what's important for a 8 yr old. Friends or a better education with an opportunity to make new friends.

Anonymous wrote:

DC will see them outside the school

Parents would rather strengthen ties with those you remain at base school

The first line of the original post makes it sound like they’re at the Center school?

DC will see them outside the school

Parents would rather strengthen ties with those you remain at base school

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't have an eligibility letter but I just talked to teachers and administrators and saw our file, they're sure DC will make it. I know there are many surprises so I am just being very hopeful that's all. The reason is we're planning ahead, e.g., housing and other things just in case we make it and that's why I think about it. And it dawned on me - do I really want my child to be in AAP anyway? Would DC be okay losing friendships? Would DC come home as a completely different and unhappy child from AAP class? Yes I do think about these things and they're legitimate concerns!

No one’s saying the concerns aren’t legitimate in substance. What we are saying is that they’re premature. There are a lot of variables here, many of which you have no control over and can’t possibly know at this point. And why would you move if your child does get in? If your base school is not the center, busing will be provided.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If kiddo is admitted go to the open house and see what you think.

Goo idea. Thank you. Would the open house be in April or May or June? Every school will have the open house around the same time correct?

Just a warning though - some people think they don't tell you much at the open house and you may not be able to make a decision solely based on that. You might want to talk to moms whose kiddos are in AAP in that school and see how they're doing. Would most of parents choose academics over friendships? Maybe, maybe not...probably...

Anonymous wrote:If kiddo is admitted go to the open house and see what you think.

Goo idea. Thank you. Would the open house be in April or May or June? Every school will have the open house around the same time correct?

If kiddo is admitted go to the open house and see what you think.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't have an eligibility letter but I just talked to teachers and administrators and saw our file, they're sure DC will make it. I know there are many surprises so I am just being very hopeful that's all. The reason is we're planning ahead, e.g., housing and other things just in case we make it and that's why I think about it. And it dawned on me - do I really want my child to be in AAP anyway? Would DC be okay losing friendships? Would DC come home as a completely different and unhappy child from AAP class? Yes I do think about these things and they're legitimate concerns!

Former teacher here: I’ve never heard of a school telling a parent they are sure x or y child will make it. What school?

OP here - I don't have an eligibility letter but I just talked to teachers and administrators and saw our file, they're sure DC will make it. I know there are many surprises so I am just being very hopeful that's all. The reason is we're planning ahead, e.g., housing and other things just in case we make it and that's why I think about it. And it dawned on me - do I really want my child to be in AAP anyway? Would DC be okay losing friendships? Would DC come home as a completely different and unhappy child from AAP class? Yes I do think about these things and they're legitimate concerns!

It sounds like you prefer to keep your child at the base school, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Well done, OP. I applaud your effort and creativity. Just what this forum needs.

I agree with the PP. My advice is to not worry about this until you have a reason to worry.

I'm confused. Eligibility letters haven't been sent out yet. Shouldn't you wait until after you get official word that your child is eligible for the program? You also don't know whether your child's peers got in. Even if you know their test scores, you can't possibly know the whole story at this point. Why create worry for yourself when you don't even know the facts?

Just read on this board that only 5-10% of kids make it to AAP from a center school which means my child will not know the majority of classmates.

Does anyone have a child who made it to AAP and have some social issues because of that?

Most of DC’s friends are not going to be in AAP so will lost all of the friends although DC will see them outside the school (eg play date, after school activity)

Social aspects are more important than academics for us at this point for many reasons.

Any advice?