hi OP. I dont think you will find better elsewhere, I firmly believe this is not a local issue but a nationwide issue. Schools have been underfunded for decades, classes are too big, mainstreaming has been problematic is some cases (not all - but I do not think we serve all children with challenges well by placing them in a NT classroom. Some, yes, but not all), and we have made disastrous curriculum changes.

I decided long ago that my kids weren’t going to be “fine” with all of the changes that have occurred in public education.

We bought a cheaper house and went private. That’s just us, though. YMMV

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child. I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it. I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS. Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that.

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math. I think if that is your issue, find the money for private. But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic. Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged. The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

Yes, we are in advanced math. The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away. Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.

For what it is worth I went to public schools like this. I enjoyed the extra reading/relaxation time and I think I turned out ok--another JD added to the list in the DMV.

If your kid isn't unhappy with their lot a change might be more disruptive than just riding it out.

Same. I had some underwhelming teachers. And some good ones. And I went to a top university and kept up completely fine.

The experience of school is a lot more than the academic part too. You don't even mention that OP. Is your kid involved in activities? Part of their community? Friends? Happy socially? Those are equally important.

Social is a big part of it; she prioritizes school and learning, and feels like none of her peers do, that majority of kids don’t want to be there and would rather do sports or video games. I assume she maybe hasn’t met her “people” but without academic tracking or academic clubs (which there really aren’t any at our school) she has no way to find. Sports people find each other in the mass of team sports schools offer, but kids with other interests are in the wind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child. I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it. I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS. Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that.

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math. I think if that is your issue, find the money for private. But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic. Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged. The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

Yes, we are in advanced math. The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away. Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.

For what it is worth I went to public schools like this. I enjoyed the extra reading/relaxation time and I think I turned out ok--another JD added to the list in the DMV.

If your kid isn't unhappy with their lot a change might be more disruptive than just riding it out.

Oh they are miserable. That’s what is motivating the change. An A student, who took Alg 1 Int in 6th grade who now hates going to school because it’s 1 hr of learning and 5 hrs of killing time. And pre pandemic they never even got outside except for PE days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child. I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it. I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS. Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that.

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math. I think if that is your issue, find the money for private. But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic. Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged. The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

Yes, we are in advanced math. The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away. Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.

For what it is worth I went to public schools like this. I enjoyed the extra reading/relaxation time and I think I turned out ok--another JD added to the list in the DMV.

If your kid isn't unhappy with their lot a change might be more disruptive than just riding it out.

Same. I had some underwhelming teachers. And some good ones. And I went to a top university and kept up completely fine.

The experience of school is a lot more than the academic part too. You don't even mention that OP. Is your kid involved in activities? Part of their community? Friends? Happy socially? Those are equally important.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your precious snowflakes will survive and thrive in Arlington schools, and it all will be behind you before you know it. Chill out, OP. Chill out, DCUM.

My child is definitely not thriving, and he’s still in 5th. Thanks though.

Maybe the problem is your child -- or you -- and not the school system's. Have you ever thought about that?

Why so hostile? If it works for your child, so be it. My child is not an experiment and it is my job to insure they become they’re best selves and can thrive in adulthood. Mediocre teachers and schools do not fit into that mold. But you do you.

I am not the PP but I would say I agree with this. AND some degree of boredom and struggling through bad teachers, bad school fits, just general adversity are also part of turning kids into their best selves. It's a lot more complicated than just give them (or pay for) the best, best, best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your precious snowflakes will survive and thrive in Arlington schools, and it all will be behind you before you know it. Chill out, OP. Chill out, DCUM.

My child is definitely not thriving, and he’s still in 5th. Thanks though.

Maybe the problem is your child -- or you -- and not the school system's. Have you ever thought about that?

Why so hostile? If it works for your child, so be it. My child is not an experiment and it is my job to insure they become they’re best selves and can thrive in adulthood. Mediocre teachers and schools do not fit into that mold. But you do you.

If becoming their "best selves" means becoming a Karen like their mother -- clutching her pearls in worry that her special children aren't getting the very best in everything -- then you're on the right track.

Seriously, what is WRONG with all of you women???

And a name caller to, you are the exact reason I would remove my child from an environment. You are obviously throwing racial insults by using the Karen term (my child is biracial) and you have hostilities towards parents who place their child’s needs above their own. That does not make me racially insensitive that makes me an involved parent. Perhaps you should try that instead of criticizing those who work hard and strive to do their best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your precious snowflakes will survive and thrive in Arlington schools, and it all will be behind you before you know it. Chill out, OP. Chill out, DCUM.

My child is definitely not thriving, and he’s still in 5th. Thanks though.

Maybe the problem is your child -- or you -- and not the school system's. Have you ever thought about that?

Why so hostile? If it works for your child, so be it. My child is not an experiment and it is my job to insure they become they’re best selves and can thrive in adulthood. Mediocre teachers and schools do not fit into that mold. But you do you.

If becoming their "best selves" means becoming a Karen like their mother -- clutching her pearls in worry that her special children aren't getting the very best in everything -- then you're on the right track.

Seriously, what is WRONG with all of you women???

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child. I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it. I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS. Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that.

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math. I think if that is your issue, find the money for private. But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic. Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged. The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

Yes, we are in advanced math. The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away. Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.

For what it is worth I went to public schools like this. I enjoyed the extra reading/relaxation time and I think I turned out ok--another JD added to the list in the DMV.

If your kid isn't unhappy with their lot a change might be more disruptive than just riding it out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your precious snowflakes will survive and thrive in Arlington schools, and it all will be behind you before you know it. Chill out, OP. Chill out, DCUM.

My child is definitely not thriving, and he’s still in 5th. Thanks though.

Maybe the problem is your child -- or you -- and not the school system's. Have you ever thought about that?

Why so hostile? If it works for your child, so be it. My child is not an experiment and it is my job to insure they become they’re best selves and can thrive in adulthood. Mediocre teachers and schools do not fit into that mold. But you do you.

OP, I have what sounds like somewhat similar kids to yours, so I'll offer our experience/perspective.

I think it's a reality of education that the middle school years can be challenging. My kids also experienced more differentiation in elementary school, and there was a noticeable difference in middle school. There is a real nationwide challenge to undo the truly problematic nature of strict "tracking" while at the same time providing a high level of challenge for students going in with high academic achievement. On top of that you have all of the other social-emotional challenges that goes with the onset of adolescence. These are going to be some baked in realities that you will encounter at any school, in any division.

On the other hand, when you get to high school, the larger number of course offerings and the introduction of AP (or IB) courses means those seeking higher levels of challenge and rigor can get it, and get it really customized for them. (Perhaps a kid is really eager for advanced math, but not English--no problem!) The large variety of clubs, sports, and activities that come with high school also create really valuable opportunities for both intellectual and social/emotional growth.

Your post indicated some trepidation about the size of the school. In our experience (not at Wakefield but at a very large HS) was that the size was not an issue. Our kids weren't dealing with thousands of students. They were dealing with the 20-25 students (and sometimes under 20) students in their classes, and the students in their after-school activities. They had their circle, and the size of the school was actually a benefit because it meant more options for courses and activities, so they could find what truly interested them.

TL,DR. Middle school is just a few years. It's gets better in high school. Absolutely no need to move.

Anonymous wrote:LCPS seems to have some like-minded parents for you. Give those schools a try.

+1. FCPS and MCPS are turning into cesspools. Try LCPS if VA, Howard if MD.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everything is a mess. There was/is a major pandemic.

Uprooting your lives for some other public school is not going to help.

Try private and see if it's better is really the best advice.

Sure, but if its better, then we are on the hook for $100k+ or do ANOTHER school change.

Unfortunately those are the options.

And it's not IF it's better. Flat out- It is. You just have to make sure you find the right private fit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My takeaway might be that something about a big public middle school doesn’t work for your specific child. I wouldn’t assume moving to another large public school (which let’s face it that’s what we have here in this area) will fix it. I’m saying that without knowing your particular issues.

There are options within APS. Have you looked into programs at the Career Center?

Our issue is that when we were elem we had pull out GT programs, and then it switched to pushing and was worthless. My kids are so unchallenged and bored and there is no differentiation until high school, teachers spend all their time on remedial learning and discipline. So much discipline. WL should offer challenging classes, but the crazy super size high school with too little common space worries me.

Career Center would be a better fit if our kids were vocationally minded, but far from that.

There are more programs at Career Center than people realize.

There is definitely differentiation in math. I think if that is your issue, find the money for private. But I would also wait out the effects of the pandemic. Yes, the bright kids whose parents kept things up during the pandemic, now those kids are a bit bored and not challenged. The teachers have a lot to sort through emotionally and academically with kids back in school.

Yes, we are in advanced math. The boredom and frustration was present all through 5th and 6th once GT went away. Basically spent all day reading to themselves waiting for rest of class to do their thing.

So algebra intensified in 7th? or 6th?

LCPS seems to have some like-minded parents for you. Give those schools a try.