That is good pp. Not everyone can afford private which is a real tragedy.

For our family it's not only the results at the end of HS, or which college she goes into, but THE JOURNEY. Yes, I know it sounds idealistic but we'd like to see smiles and feel happy hearts and souls most of the days on our child. Not focusing just at the finish line but at the process. Our daughter is thriving at Holton, feels confident and is exploring so many areas and aspects in life.

GT has extremely smart kids and they can absolutely take a test and ace it.

Private college prep schools give you tools to succeed in college and in life. They aren't testing you day in and day out but you are held much more accountable. Smaller class sizes, Harkness tables, speech, oral quizzes and presentations. Meeting with your advisors weekly, etc... My daughter needed this so much. She could always sit in the back of a room quietly all year and knock out any test in the 90's. But she always had a problem advocating for herself, giving opinions, presenting in front of large rooms of people, etc... At Holton, she has been forced out of her comfort zone in a loving environment and not later on her own. Plus the girl power atmosphere is just awesome there. No boys to tell these girls their assertiveness is bossy. Makes a difference during those fragile years. The girls are polite, confident, and leaders. They are taught to think outside of the box from day 1. Very different from a public school GT or magnet.

It really depends on what your child's needs are.

I would go for it if you can afford it. Private school opens up so many more opportunities for students.

OP here. Thanks for the input. And yes, we can afford it without much/any strain on our finances.

Anonymous wrote:Depends if you have the money OP. If you do -- go for Holton. If you don't -- stick with AAP.

Agreed.

Yes PP - other than TJ (which has a separate and unique class schedule) the kids at Holton upper school and say, Langley HS, will be covering the same material. Indeed, they read the same books, have the same coverage of Shakespeare, study the same history, etc.

Depends if you have the money OP. If you do -- go for Holton. If you don't -- stick with AAP.

Anonymous wrote:Having had students at Holton and FCPS AAP for elementary and middle school, FCPS AAP is more rigorous. Holton is better for smaller classes, better arts and music, more individualized attention. But FCPS AAP (at Longfellow) taught more (and more difficult) content, including in foreign language classes. Not that it matters - they all get to the same place in HS.

Not true at all.

Having had students at Holton and FCPS AAP for elementary and middle school, FCPS AAP is more rigorous. Holton is better for smaller classes, better arts and music, more individualized attention. But FCPS AAP (at Longfellow) taught more (and more difficult) content, including in foreign language classes. Not that it matters - they all get to the same place in HS.

Hi! just my two cents but I have a DD at a Private all-girls school in the area who came from the FCPS AAP program. The main difference my DD would say is that she is learning to think and not just memorize. Also, she is making connections between things she learned at school and the real world. The transformation has been amazing to watch. Also, we found the AAP language arts program to be far behind her private school. She has had to do a lot of catching up this year. Our only regret is not moving sooner. I've heard great things about Holton so best of luck to you!

Call Holton to discuss your concerns and questions.