Anonymous
03/22/2025 08:48
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:The lcps program requires your kid to be pulled out of class and miss class. My friend’s son had to go to another school a day a week and then make up work. He eventually dropped the program.
I had a friend who had a gifted child and they specifically moved from loudoun to fcps for AAP.
I do think fcps>lcps academically.
Lcps students dont “miss a class”, they alternate between A and B days to the academies, not missing class.
Anonymous
02/20/2025 23:28
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:LCPS doesn't do much in elementary school, while Fairfax seems to be trying to get rid of AAP.
Middle school math track is a little better in Loudoun vs Fairfax. Loudoun implemented VMPI early but has now backtracked and has many more kids taking algebra 1 by 7th grade.
DEI nonsense has crept into lcps. Previously, Algebra 1 in 6th grade was a widely known option presented to all elementary school students that met certain MAP and SOL criteria. Now only the educated families know about the advanced path to complete Algebra 2 in 8th grade.
It has become more haphazard, because a key school board staffer supports eliminating algebra in middle school. Now there is more testing with IOWA, and no consistent messaging.
Anonymous
02/19/2025 11:47
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:LCPS doesn't do much in elementary school, while Fairfax seems to be trying to get rid of AAP.
Middle school math track is a little better in Loudoun vs Fairfax. Loudoun implemented VMPI early but has now backtracked and has many more kids taking algebra 1 by 7th grade.
DEI nonsense has crept into lcps. Previously, Algebra 1 in 6th grade was a widely known option presented to all elementary school students that met certain MAP and SOL criteria. Now only the educated families know about the advanced path to complete Algebra 2 in 8th grade.
Anonymous
02/19/2025 09:31
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
FCPS's AAP program (mildly advanced math, reading group discussions) is underwhelming. Your child's home environment has a better indication of success over the school.
However, I find that 90% of the benefit of AAP is the grouping of children and quality of teacher. Sure, there is the occasional trouble-maker, or maybe a newer teacher. But this pales in comparison with some of the other classes. Most of the common problems you'll encounter (bullying, status competition, teacher who can't control the classroom) are just ...... less.
Not having those problems leads to a better home-life dynamic for us. For that reason, I'd lean towards FCPS over LCPS.
If you're basing your decision solely on education though - any high SES area will largely be the same, so I have no input here for you.
However, I find that 90% of the benefit of AAP is the grouping of children and quality of teacher. Sure, there is the occasional trouble-maker, or maybe a newer teacher. But this pales in comparison with some of the other classes. Most of the common problems you'll encounter (bullying, status competition, teacher who can't control the classroom) are just ...... less.
Not having those problems leads to a better home-life dynamic for us. For that reason, I'd lean towards FCPS over LCPS.
If you're basing your decision solely on education though - any high SES area will largely be the same, so I have no input here for you.
Anonymous
02/11/2025 17:22
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
LCPS doesn't do much in elementary school, while Fairfax seems to be trying to get rid of AAP.
Middle school math track is a little better in Loudoun vs Fairfax. Loudoun implemented VMPI early but has now backtracked and has many more kids taking algebra 1 by 7th grade.
Middle school math track is a little better in Loudoun vs Fairfax. Loudoun implemented VMPI early but has now backtracked and has many more kids taking algebra 1 by 7th grade.
Anonymous
02/11/2025 09:29
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Oh sweetie, those things have been all over Loudoun county for years longer than they've been in Fairfax county. They're prolific not to fill a gap, but to help kids get ahead of others.
Glad to see I am not the only sour grapes here. I too cant fathom the fact other kids want to learn more than mine.
OMG - the point was that these are not here because the education is bad, it's because people want enrichment for their children. No sour grapes. If my kid was interested in extra math, I'd sign them up, too, but right now, my child is excelling in school and we're all happy where they're at. Some parents are bit more ambitious than others. This is a reflection of the parents, not the schools.
If you were truly satisfied with your student's performance, you wouldn’t feel the need to compare. That urge comes from a sense of inadequacy—both in yourself as a parent and in where your child stands. Sounds like a classic case of sour grapes!
Is it so hard to accept that some parents may be more dedicated and their advanced students are ahead? Be content with your own situation—comparison only leads to envy and misery.
There's a whole lot of obvious projection in this comment...
Anonymous
02/08/2025 16:31
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Oh sweetie, those things have been all over Loudoun county for years longer than they've been in Fairfax county. They're prolific not to fill a gap, but to help kids get ahead of others.
Glad to see I am not the only sour grapes here. I too cant fathom the fact other kids want to learn more than mine.
OMG - the point was that these are not here because the education is bad, it's because people want enrichment for their children. No sour grapes. If my kid was interested in extra math, I'd sign them up, too, but right now, my child is excelling in school and we're all happy where they're at. Some parents are bit more ambitious than others. This is a reflection of the parents, not the schools.
If you were truly satisfied with your student's performance, you wouldn’t feel the need to compare. That urge comes from a sense of inadequacy—both in yourself as a parent and in where your child stands. Sounds like a classic case of sour grapes!
Is it so hard to accept that some parents may be more dedicated and their advanced students are ahead? Be content with your own situation—comparison only leads to envy and misery.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:48
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Avoid FCPS. It is completely mismanaged and no one knows what programs or school boundaries will be in a few years. This School Board is both incompetent and hypocritical and we deeply regret buying in Fairfax.
This is every school system, ding dong, everyone redistricts at some point. FCPS is just huge and far more segregated than most places, so it feels like a big impact to racists like you.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:46
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Oh sweetie, those things have been all over Loudoun county for years longer than they've been in Fairfax county. They're prolific not to fill a gap, but to help kids get ahead of others.
Glad to see I am not the only sour grapes here. I too cant fathom the fact other kids want to learn more than mine.
OMG - the point was that these are not here because the education is bad, it's because people want enrichment for their children. No sour grapes. If my kid was interested in extra math, I'd sign them up, too, but right now, my child is excelling in school and we're all happy where they're at. Some parents are bit more ambitious than others. This is a reflection of the parents, not the schools.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:44
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:palshi wrote:Anonymous wrote:Avoid FCPS. It is completely mismanaged and no one knows what programs or school boundaries will be in a few years. This School Board is both incompetent and hypocritical and we deeply regret buying in Fairfax.
Would you mind sharing more details if possible? I keep on reading that FCPS is not as wonderful as it was 20 years ago. At the same time, FCPS schools are ranked much higher than any LCPS schools (high schools speficially). I am just hoping to get best possible information before making the decision.
FCPS has a School Board that is simultaneously big on "equity," yet also lazy and stupid, so there's just a constant state of uncertainty.
They seem to want to downgrade the AAP program by getting rid of AAP centers, which would be fine in wealthier areas like McLean and Great Falls, and not so great in other areas where there are fewer advanced kids.
They have launched a massive county-wide boundary study that could change school boundaries at every level (elementary, middle, and high), yet they seem oblivious to the fact different schools offer different programs and parents may have deliberately selected specific schools for their kids.
The Superintendent is incredibly weak and totally mismanaged the one situation where she could have exercised leadership - an investigation of improprieties involving the Hayfield HS football program. For the most part, she's just a smiling face who signs onto whatever she thinks the School Board wants. It's more like having a press secretary than a functioning superintendent.
Many people are unhappy about the direction of FCPS. Look elsewhere.
OP, this is the perfect example of a republican trollmwho probably doesn't even have kids in the school system. OR they have one child in AAP and think their child is the god's gift. The only difference between AAP and regular is that in low income schools (which you're not looking at), AAP segregates the grades and leaves out the hispanic and black kids, and in all schools, AAP kids get advanced math.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:42
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
palshi wrote:Anonymous wrote:Avoid FCPS. It is completely mismanaged and no one knows what programs or school boundaries will be in a few years. This School Board is both incompetent and hypocritical and we deeply regret buying in Fairfax.
Would you mind sharing more details if possible? I keep on reading that FCPS is not as wonderful as it was 20 years ago. At the same time, FCPS schools are ranked much higher than any LCPS schools (high schools speficially). I am just hoping to get best possible information before making the decision.
OP you have to understand that this is an anonymous board and probably half the people that post here don't even have children in FCPS, they are just political trolls trying to get people riled up to vote Republican in the next election. FCPS is fine. LCPS is fine. If you have smart children, which it sounds like you do, they'll do great in any school.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:41
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Avoid FCPS. It is completely mismanaged and no one knows what programs or school boundaries will be in a few years. This School Board is both incompetent and hypocritical and we deeply regret buying in Fairfax.
Then move, dumbass. We don't want you here.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:23
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Oh sweetie, those things have been all over Loudoun county for years longer than they've been in Fairfax county. They're prolific not to fill a gap, but to help kids get ahead of others.
Glad to see I am not the only sour grapes here. I too cant fathom the fact other kids want to learn more than mine.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:14
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Oh sweetie, those things have been all over Loudoun county for years longer than they've been in Fairfax county. They're prolific not to fill a gap, but to help kids get ahead of others.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 13:48
Subject: FCPS AAP or LCPS
Anonymous wrote:The teaching quality has dropped. E.g. Teaching kids with ‘Gizmo’ instead of real microscopes. No grammar in elementary through middle.
FCPS has gone down hill and parents are supplementing like crazy to address gaps, hence, the explosion of Mathnasium, RSM, Kumon, Tutoring Clubs, Varsity Tutors, etc. all over Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, etc.
Our kids at Franklin got a lot of grammar instruction. Their writing also significantly improved due to the quality of instruction they got in ELA.