Are Fairfax County Schools really some of the best in the nation? (school district, professionals)

[michgc]

Why do you think so? Or not?

[DC Oldtimer]

Not exactly.

Fairfax has some of the best *students* in the country. This is due to the high concentration of Ph.D.s and other professionals in the area. Such individuals tend to have children who likewise excel academically.

This is not to deny that Fairfax has some outstanding teachers and programs. But IMO it's the human capital of the students that is the biggest factor in producing high achievers with impressive scores.

[khuntrevor]

I agree. Lots of Pennsylvania rejects working as teachers in FCPS. It is still the undisputed number 1 large public school system in the US. Montgomery County used to give them a run for their money, I don't think that's the case anymore.

[Denton56]

What Oldtimer said. It's the kids, not the teachers. FCPS works very hard at dumbing down everything, particularly math, grammar, writing, and history. Who the heck thinks it's ok to teach history without dates and math without division?! FCPS!! One thing do well, is improve the business of tutors in all subjects but especially math and writing. It's not that the teachers aren't good, it's the terrible programs that the administration forces them to teach.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Well - I cannot speak for all of Fairfax County but I am extremely impressed at what I have seen at my sons elementary school - the teachers are outstanding, the students very bright and well behaved.

I am usually a cynic and dont particulary like NOVA but I have to admit the schools are good.

[chariega]

Originally Posted by DC Oldtimer

Not exactly.

Fairfax has some of the best *students* in the country. This is due to the high concentration of Ph.D.s and other professionals in the area. Such individuals tend to have children who likewise excel academically.

This is not to deny that Fairfax has some outstanding teachers and programs. But IMO it's the human capital of the students that is the biggest factor in producing high achievers with impressive scores.

THIS. It's definitely the students not the schools!

p.s. I used to teach for FFX and questioned a lot of the curriculum--it wasn't as rigorous as I thought it should be esp. when so many kids in my class weren't challenged by the material. I'm a good teacher and all, but these kids were super smart!

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Who the heck thinks it's ok to teach history without dates and math without division?

Actually, that would be the state of Virginia. Look in the standards--no where does it require that kids memorize their multiplication tables or division facts.

Now, if you're saying they don't learn long division in FCPS, they do--multiple methods, using whole numbers, decimals, remainders, and dividing fractions.

[slduvall]

Having experienced a school system in FL that wasn't considered substandard, but was terrible, I can tell you that FCPS is much better than other districts.

Is it the students? Sure..is it the parents? Sure. It is also the fact that the teachers are challenaged by both the kids and their parents, and know they will be questioned. Whereas where I came from before here, the teachers are products of the same school system, as were their parents, not a alot of new blood if you get my drift. You don't question anything...

[Yankeesfan]

Originally Posted by Denton56

It's not that the teachers aren't good, it's the terrible programs that the administration forces them to teach.

Yes, administration AND School Board. Sometimes you just wonder what they're thinking.

[michgc]

Thanks for all of the thoughtful answers. I see most people think along the same lines that I do. I sometimes think people go overboard saying how good the schools are. And some of the curriculum does surprise me, although I think that is common in other places, too.

Second question, do you think FCPS is too big as a school district?