I think what the OP is feeling is VERY 'normal' for the FCPS school system. We moved into one of those highly rated pyramids, where the ES also had great "ratings" ... turns out that FCPS is a very mediocre, at best, system. The fake reputation stems from a LOT of high achieving parents providing ample tutoring and enrichment services to the kids (like we do!). But we're doing it because I know just how bad FCPS is compared to five or six other public curriculums I use at home. My oldest is in 4rd grade AAP/Center school (Haycock), and I have had to supplement work at home, based on other [public] school systems across the country. Once I started researching, I found the FCPS curriculum and focus and in-classroom teaching requirements downright ridiculous and appalling quite frankly. Unfortunately, we cannot move due to our jobs, and I prefer not to enroll in private school since it becomes cost prohibitive with multiple kids (we have 4). So for us, it is what it is, but I will never say that you'll get what you expect at the ES level at FCPS. I think certain middle and high school programs at FCPS are worthwhile, but FCPS elementary school program is shockingly low-grade comparatively. To the OP, if you picked a good middle school and high school, stick it out, it will "catch up." And, regardless of what trolls post on here, what you are feeling is something MANY involved parents have felt when they realize their shock as their kids go through elementary school in FCPS. Hang in there!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you moved to one of those neighborhoods where house prices range from 1-3M and the school is well regarded academically but after some time you realize the school is not giving what you expected for your child and you see you are not thee we only parent in disappointment, what do you do?

If you are a first time kindergarten parent, this is normal. People seem to have overly idealistic expectations of kindergarten no matter where the child goes to school. If you want divulge the school, we can comment specifically.

+100. Our DS came from a Montessori school to Kindergarten in a McLean ES and we found they were teaching things the Montessori taught two years prior. Now that he is in 1st grade, however, it seems like he's once again being challenged, We've talked with many parents who had a similar reaction to public ES in K-1st grade. You have kids coming into the school at varied levels (some with no formal Pre-K) and it takes a couple years for the school to bring them all up to speed. Many parents with older kids have said that by 2rd grade they are mostly on a level playing field and by 4th they will start to identify the more academically advanced. Bottom line, if your child is in K-2nd grade you aren't alone.

OP is not a native English speaker and likely the same guy from the Langley district who constantly boasts about sending his kid to Sidwell. So tiring.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no special needs here. In proportion to the very elevated taxes we pay in this neighborhood, the quality of education is mediocre plus. 2 out of 4 teachers do the bare minimum.

“Bare minimum”, meaning...?

“2 out of 4”. You get those statistics from where?

You don’t pay elevated taxes. You pay the same tax rate everyone else in the district pays. Your house may have a greater value, but the rate doesn’t change.

DP. Yes, the tax rate is the same, but the amount you pay is based on the value of your house and the rate, so OP is in fact paying more in taxes than someone with a house valued at $500,000.

So you thought living in an expensive house entitled you to “better” free public education than if you rented an apartment? Interesting theory. But totally misguided.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Except that the taxes in Arlington are not that bad.

Sure compares to Md, but this is VA school forum so probably the worst in VA.

Fairfax County is higher.

Anonymous wrote:There is no special needs here. In proportion to the very elevated taxes we pay in this neighborhood, the quality of education is mediocre plus. 2 out of 4 teachers do the bare minimum.

“Very elevated taxes” - are you talking about the 2.3 cents per 100 for the McLean Community Center?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Except that the taxes in Arlington are not that bad.

Sure compares to Md, but this is VA school forum so probably the worst in VA.

Anonymous wrote:If you moved to one of those neighborhoods where house prices range from 1-3M and the school is well regarded academically but after some time you realize the school is not giving what you expected for your child and you see you are not thee we only parent in disappointment, what do you do?

If you are a first time kindergarten parent, this is normal. People seem to have overly idealistic expectations of kindergarten no matter where the child goes to school. If you want divulge the school, we can comment specifically.

Anonymous wrote:Obviously this is APS.

Except that the taxes in Arlington are not that bad.

Obviously this is APS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sell my house and go private. You have $$. Seems like not a real problem.

+ 1000 Sell the big house and spend the money on your kids.

But, I do have sympathy for the fact that many parents reasonably thought good public schools meant, well, that they were actually good schools, and not that they were simply buying into a pyramid where parents can afford tutors / mathnesium / to spend an hour or more a day on learning to read at home.

Haha, I’m sure OP doesn’t have a big house. They have a crat shack, which cost $1M and have to deal with the reality of increasing their commute, leaving their neighborhood, and rolling the dice now on private. If they had a big house in $1M neighborhood (is a $3M house) they would already be in private.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sell my house and go private. You have $$. Seems like not a real problem.

+ 1000 Sell the big house and spend the money on your kids.

But, I do have sympathy for the fact that many parents reasonably thought good public schools meant, well, that they were actually good schools, and not that they were simply buying into a pyramid where parents can afford tutors / mathnesium / to spend an hour or more a day on learning to read at home.

Involved parents, who tutor, and spend time on their kids education is why those kids succeed. Put the same kids in private and they would probably do equally as well, if not better.

Privates may not be a happy option due to the heavy load of homework. Is there any doable option in between?

Anonymous wrote:There is no special needs here. In proportion to the very elevated taxes we pay in this neighborhood, the quality of education is mediocre plus. 2 out of 4 teachers do the bare minimum.

“Bare minimum”, meaning...?

“2 out of 4”. You get those statistics from where?

You don’t pay elevated taxes. You pay the same tax rate everyone else in the district pays. Your house may have a greater value, but the rate doesn’t change.