Immersion is offered in several schools, not just one, and many out-of-boundary kids attend those schools. So technically immersion is a county-wide program just like AAP is. It's not offered in every local school but it is open to children from every school.

9:11 here.

Immersion programs benefit one school and one school only. I'd rather see programs that benefit ALL FCPS students and not just a select few.

I still think the immersion should be a PTA sponsored program. Especially in a place like Mclean where the parents can more than afford to keep it going. In my opinion, music is much more important.

I don't think the PTA can technically sponsor the immersion program. PTA funds can be used for certain things, but not for teacher salaries. Immersion requires having those specialized teachers on staff. Not to mention that if the PTA doesn't raise enough money, what happens to the immersion program halfway through the year when the PTA can no longer support it. It's a little different than a club, or the PTA planning to buy a dozen new computers for the school but then realizing they can only buy 5.

Anyway, I'm sure you realize that both music and foreign language are important and it's really a matter of personal opinion which one is more important to you. Both have tremendous benefits. I am a supporter of the band and strings program, but I also find it disgraceful that our school systems in the US don't start foreign language instruction in elementary school as part of the general curriculum. In other countries, children begin foreign language study MUCH earlier. And I think foreign language and immersion should be offered in more of our schools, not just in the afffluent schools where parents would pay to support the program.

I still think the immersion should be a PTA sponsored program. Especially in a place like Mclean where the parents can more than afford to keep it going. In my opinion, music is much more important.

Has there been a conclusion that band is out in FFX county elementary schools?

Great. Keep the immersion, force kids across the whole county to give up band.

I think French Immersion was saved for this year. Seems like for years, people have said Dr Hooker is going to retire but it doesn't look like she is going anywhere.

Any changes on the horizon? Someone mentioned French Immersion. Has the decision been made? What about teachers/administrators leaving?

Went there myself as a kid and felt like they were uptight and full of themselves at the time.
My opinion hasn't changed almost 20 years later.

I am a childcare giver in the area and have heard complaints from many children about the teachers and forced programs there.
Most kids don't like that they are made to take French etc., and have complaints about how their parents think the school is great
but don't seem to hear the kids' opinion.

However, the nearby elementary school "Haycock ES" seems much loved by parents and kids alike.

just moved into the area and kids started there last fall. though it might sound like a large school, it doesn't feel like it. teachers have been excellent in helping with new students bc there are families moving in/out all the time, lot of diplomats rent in the area. there was an "international night" and there was food from everywhere! also extremely active PTA that strongly supports teachers and administrators.

How are the teachers at Kent Gardens-especially in K? Have there been any bus problems? Is bullying an issue? Can parents volunteer to help out in the classroom? How is the principal?

Anonymous wrote:very large school...a neighbor's child has 29 in their kinder class. I believe over 1000 kids in the entire school.

There are slightly over 900 kids at Kent Gardens, per January enrollment reports. By way of comparison, there are about 1000 students at Spring Hill, about 850 at Colvin Run, and about 800 at Churchill Road. Chesterbrook and Franklin Sherman is the smaller schools in McLean (about 600 and 400 students).

very large school...a neighbor's child has 29 in their kinder class. I believe over 1000 kids in the entire school.

I know people who like the French immersion program there. Not sure that they'll have it next year though because of the budget cuts.

Just moved to the area and found out that DC will attend Kent Gardens, if we dont opt for the private school route. We would love to get feedback from parents with children at this school!!!!!