Anonymous
01/02/2026 13:34
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
I'll take the top 10% of ACHS college placement ANYDAY over the top 10% of any other HS in Arlington. It's not even close.
If your kid is normal and from a decent family they will crush it at AC. If your kid is damaged and you don't have the funds to deal with it, well, youre screwed everywhere.
If your kid is normal and from a decent family they will crush it at AC. If your kid is damaged and you don't have the funds to deal with it, well, youre screwed everywhere.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 21:41
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Just about every major change in APS over the past 30-plus years has been driven by the community, or at a minimum shaped by the community into some desired outcome.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 21:37
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
I’m in APS - the staff does not respond well to parents who push changes.
We aren’t talking about how staff responds, it’s how the community approaches issues
Anonymous
12/31/2025 21:28
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
I’m in APS - the staff does not respond well to parents who push changes.
That's just the typical response for most any public school district. Many APS parents are on school board advisory committees, PTAs, etc., and staff and admin are generally responsive overall. And just about every 10-15 years a new group of concerned parents pops up and publishes newsletters, etc., and lobbies for change. Of course, not every parent, neighborhood, or group gets what they want.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 21:13
Subject: Re:Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:My kids are recent graduates. Went K-12 through ACPS.
If you are involved parents that care about your kids' education, ACPS will offer your kids what they need. That's what always make the difference, regardless of school. Yes, you will also witness a lot of time and effort devoted to servicing the needs of kids who are struggling academically and/or emotionally. As for the safety issues... I get the concerns, but the reality is that the kids that get into those fights are unlikely to directly impact your kid.
Even most ACPS bashers admit will say things like "ACPS is bad, but MY elementary school is okay."
That's because they get to know that community, and learn to like it. I don't think you have to make a decision now. You can always switch at middle school.
Having said that... Middle school was not a great time for my kids, because... it's middle school (!) which was also not a great time for me, when I was at one of the "top" Fairfax County schools. People conflate the challenges of early adolescence as something particularly bad at the ACPS schools, but the experiences of my kids and those of family friends with kids in different are public schools doesn't bear that out.
As for high school, the amount of APs and clubs and activities that were available to my kids are truly impressive. The offerings read more like a small college than a high school.
What ACPS represents is society--ALL of society. In addition to the academic knowledge my kids gained, they will tell you they are really glad they went to ACPS because of the diversity they experienced and learned to coexist with.
+100 My kids graduated from an FCPS pyramid where every school they attended was Title I. Guess what? They turned out great. They had some wonderful teachers, tons of friends, participated in sports and clubs. They are at good colleges and some of their classmates are in the best schools in the country. The key to your kids education is that you are involved. And yes, middle school is awful everywhere.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 20:30
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
I’m in APS - the staff does not respond well to parents who push changes.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 20:20
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:To answer the original question--if VDOE statistics get you so concerned before your kid enters Kindergarten, then yes, please move. You will hopefully be less insecure somewhere else.
Weird that you think that using the state’s accountability system is a signal of insecurity.
Great that you confirmed the last few posters’ comments about anyone in Alexandria that raises concerns gets insulted by their community.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 19:38
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
To answer the original question--if VDOE statistics get you so concerned before your kid enters Kindergarten, then yes, please move. You will hopefully be less insecure somewhere else.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 15:10
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
We were at MVCS for several years, until our child was diagnosed with a learning difference and we moved to private. It just wasn’t realistic for teachers to meet my child’s needs plus the needs of 26 other kids at the same time, in two languages. FWIW DC takes Spanish in the new school and is not ahead of the rest of the class despite years of supposed dual language learning.
The school board is supposedly going to be shutting down the faucet of “programmatic transfers” into MVCS that are really families fleeing Jefferson Houston. Hopefully that will help bring class sizes down. In general, my friends with neurotypical kids are still ok with the school, though many supplement with something at home too.
I agree with other posters who said we have a weird reticence to discuss this, in Del Ray at least. It seems like that’s thawing and that would be a very positive change. Some sunshine is needed here.
The school board is supposedly going to be shutting down the faucet of “programmatic transfers” into MVCS that are really families fleeing Jefferson Houston. Hopefully that will help bring class sizes down. In general, my friends with neurotypical kids are still ok with the school, though many supplement with something at home too.
I agree with other posters who said we have a weird reticence to discuss this, in Del Ray at least. It seems like that’s thawing and that would be a very positive change. Some sunshine is needed here.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 14:35
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
Good post. I have noticed people getting more vocally-critical lately though. I’m hoping these voices will start to break through. I think one of the problems is that there is no competition at the school board level—last election, everyone that stood for a seat got one. This alleviates some of the pressure needed to force change.
Anonymous
12/31/2025 12:43
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
That is hilarious. My kid goes to Edison and sees fights every week. Is some fool claiming only AC has fights????
That’s not what they are implying
Anonymous
12/31/2025 12:29
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
That is hilarious. My kid goes to Edison and sees fights every week. Is some fool claiming only AC has fights????
Anonymous
12/31/2025 11:23
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
There are a few(?) people on this board who will decline Arlington parents for education (APE) anytime someone says something critical of APS, but the fact that this organization exists is notable compared to what Alexandria has, at least as far as I’ve seen
Anonymous
12/31/2025 10:12
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:DP. Unless I could comfortably afford private, I’d 100% rather live in South Arlington.
Same here, I say this as a professional who interacts with families in different school districts. I would not put my own kids in ACPS. Yes, some are in it and do ok. But too many do not. And that's not to say the other local school districts are without faults either, but they are a huge step up from ACPS.
I am surprised by the cultural differences between ACPS And APS. Parents in APS complain about everything, loudly and frequently. ACPS feels so much more hush-hush/defensive.
THIS. I live in 22301. Brooks district. If you complain about ACPS or want to help better something in the schools, you're labeled as elitist and racist, by everyone. There is massive peer pressure to claim that ACPS is fantastic, that "my kid doesn't see any fights", that sending your kid to ACPS shows that you are a good person. If you move your child to private it's considered a huge sin. People will literally insult you to your face for selling out, not supporting the greater good, whatever (happened to me and several people I know).
The hypocrisy is incredible. I know of several core ride or die ACPS parents who preached sending your kid to public otherwise you're a horrible parent, who once their kid entered high school had a huge change of tune. PTAC person was so upset their kid's high school math teacher suddenly was absent all the time (how dare that happen to my kid) and AC wouldn't do anything about it. It was as if this person couldn't believe that what everyone had been saying all along was finally catching up with their kid and family. Oh no.
Another neighborhood parent suddenly pulled their kids from AC to send to private. It was "too big", "too chaotic", "not consistent teachers", and their kids were getting lost in the shuffle. All valid points, that many people had been voicing for a very long time, but this parent had a long history of openly insulting any parent who chose private or to move to Fairfax or Arlington. Also, remember the former superintendent sent his own kid to BI and not AC. So GTFOH.
But if you're in Arlington and want to help make change, you're labeled a booster, a supporter, progressive. It is all political theater.
Anonymous
12/30/2025 10:59
Subject: Should we leave Alexandria?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Ahhhh, I'll go out on a limb and say because people like you fled to the white rural suburbs in Loudon....
So ..
Alexandria is whiter than Loudoun County, pp. (And FTR, that's how you spell Loudoun).
Omg 😱😳 you're serious? I can't. City of Alexandria african American population is on the the highest in the country furthermore it boasts the highest Ethiopian population outside of africa. This is before counting the other races. Please do some research before posting false information.
We aren't talking about the proportion of blacks, were we? We were talking about the proportion of whites. They're basically the same -- 53% in Loudoun and 51% in Alexandria. Do try to keep up. Are you a product of TC Williams? Does that explain your abject stupidity?
White people acting like it's some kind of flex to live in a less White, less heritage American area will NEVER not be pathetic to me. Black people bragging on how white or less black their neighborhood is, are justly seen as being weirdos with a complex. It's WILD that white people act like it's normal or commendable to act like the less of them are around, the better. You guys are GOOFY.