Anonymous wrote:OP--I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you're probably white and probably don't qualify for free/reduced lunch and that your child is a native English speaker. If so, I would invite you to find out what the pass rates are for the white, native English speaking, not living in poverty students. I will again go out on a limb and guess that those pass rates for tests like the SOLs are in the 90's.

I'm also going to guess that the school you're zoned to attend is a Title 1 school. That means that about 40% or more of the kids attending qualify for free/reduced lunch. Believe it or not, these are the schools where you want to go. Why? Because these schools are given lots of extra money to spend on staffing and resources. If you want an elementary school with a math specialist, someone who is an expert in math and works closely with teachers to see that they are instructing with best methods and materials, the only place that can afford them is a Title 1 school. If your kid happens to struggle in reading, there will likely be several highly trained teachers who will work one-on-one with your child. Again, only Title 1 schools have the funding for these teachers. The teachers at these schools are some of the brightest and most creative you'll meet. They can't rely on easy worksheets that your kid and my kids will do without too much questioning or push back.

Your kid can get a great elementary education in your neighborhood school. Go out on a limb and visit. Ask the principal to walk you around. Listen to how the teachers talk to the kids. Focus on the work the kids are doing, not that they may look different from your kid or live a home that is different from yours. You might be surprised.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've linked to this video about Falls Church HS before. Every time I watch it I tear up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk_6H2vaSBs&feature=channel&list=UL

What makes you cry the diversity or lack of certain ethnic groups?

Enthusiastic kids from different ethnic backgrounds getting an education in the same building. I went to a HS with a fair number of minority students, most of whom felt disenfranchised and relegated to the margins.

There is not a dearth of white students at FCHS if that's what you are implying. They simply are not the majority there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've linked to this video about Falls Church HS before. Every time I watch it I tear up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk_6H2vaSBs&feature=channel&list=UL

What makes you cry the diversity or lack of certain ethnic groups?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have to laugh at this thread.

I went to Mount Vernon HS. I went to a top liberal arts college. Then a top law school. And now work at a top law firm making $300k/year.

And I'm not unique among the graduates of MVHS. Tons went to UVA, VA Tech, William & Mary, JMU, etc. And many went to Ivy as well. The beauty of Facebook is that you get to see what your classmates are doing, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the group of us.

I treasured going to a diverse high school - one that was both racially diverse AND socio-economically diverse. I received a good education, and made lasting friendships with people ranging from dirt poor to upper middle class.

So...I think this whole notion of a "crappy school district" - especially around here - is silly and says quite a bit about how hyper-competitive, sheltered and crazy parents around here have gotten.

Yes, places like MVHS have a larger population of low income students and students whose first language is not English. Yes, this brings down test scores compared to the likes of Langley. But I can't believe how many people seem to think that these schools should be avoided at all costs. Totally crazy and short-sided in my opinion.

the term is short "sighted," not sided. Are you sure you went to a top law school and all that? Somebody must have to review your briefs carefully.

Anonymous wrote:I have to laugh at this thread.

I went to Mount Vernon HS. I went to a top liberal arts college. Then a top law school. And now work at a top law firm making $300k/year.

And I'm not unique among the graduates of MVHS. Tons went to UVA, VA Tech, William & Mary, JMU, etc. And many went to Ivy as well. The beauty of Facebook is that you get to see what your classmates are doing, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the group of us.

I treasured going to a diverse high school - one that was both racially diverse AND socio-economically diverse. I received a good education, and made lasting friendships with people ranging from dirt poor to upper middle class.

So...I think this whole notion of a "crappy school district" - especially around here - is silly and says quite a bit about how hyper-competitive, sheltered and crazy parents around here have gotten.

Yes, places like MVHS have a larger population of low income students and students whose first language is not English. Yes, this brings down test scores compared to the likes of Langley. But I can't believe how many people seem to think that these schools should be avoided at all costs. Totally crazy and short-sided in my opinion.