crestwood elementary springfield (Fairfax: credit, house, transfer)

[novadris]

so we know crestwood is not the best fcps, but i'm looking for any first hand experiences. we love our house and are trying to avoid moving 1 mile west...

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by novadris

so we know crestwood is not the best fcps, but i'm looking for any first hand experiences. we love our house and are trying to avoid moving 1 mile west...

Are you basing that on the test scores? They are lower than many FCPS schools, but more than 70% of the students are limited English proficient. More than 70% receive free and reduced lunch. The past three years the school has been fully accredited. They have the same curriculum as any other school in the county. I'd say stay put.

[khuntrevor]

It worked for Melisa Belote--three Gold Medals, Munich '72.

[marie5v]

Crestwood has a majority of low-income Spanish-speaking students. The low-income part is of more concern than the language issue. I've explained before how struggling students can negatively affect more proficient students as a result of the current situation with teacher accountability. Crestwood may be accredited, but that is different from making AYP - I'm not sure where they stand with AYP right now, but it is certainly an ongoing concern for them.

The only thing you can do is go to the school and see for yourself. You can meet with the principal as well, get a tour, etc. Many parents do. Worst comes to worst, you can always try it out and if your child doesn't like it you can think about moving then. Also, if you're lucky and he/she qualifies (or you manage to place them) in a GT center at the end of 2nd grade, then you can leave the school that way.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by marie5v

Crestwood has a majority of low-income Spanish-speaking students. The low-income part is of more concern than the language issue. I've explained before how struggling students can negatively affect more proficient students as a result of the current situation with teacher accountability. Crestwood may be accredited, but that is different from making AYP - I'm not sure where they stand with AYP right now, but it is certainly an ongoing concern for them.

The only thing you can do is go to the school and see for yourself. You can meet with the principal as well, get a tour, etc. Many parents do. Worst comes to worst, you can always try it out and if your child doesn't like it you can think about moving then. Also, if you're lucky and he/she qualifies (or you manage to place them) in a GT center at the end of 2nd grade, then you can leave the school that way.

Crestwood made AYP last year. Here's their report card, https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/report...choolName=1402 You can see any Virginia's school report card at the state VDOE website: https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by choff5

Crestwood made AYP last year. Here's their report card, https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/report...choolName=1402 You can see any Virginia's school report card at the state VDOE website: https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/

Thanks. I wasn't sure how to check for the AYP info and I didn't have too much time last night to go digging.

[novadris]

thanks so much for the info. i remember reading that if a school does not make ayp, there may be the option of transferring. anyone know if this is true?

[marie5v]

Originally Posted by novadris

thanks so much for the info. i remember reading that if a school does not make ayp, there may be the option of transferring. anyone know if this is true?

It is true in theory, but there are exceptions and special circumstances that make it fairly rare in Fairfax. Most schools that haven't made AYP in the past have not been required to offer transfers. AYP is fairly complicated and there are many ways for schools to avoid this penalty. It probably won't be a means to get out of Crestwood, even if they don't make AYP next year, or the year after.