moving to N. VA (Herndon/Reston area) and need some advice on schools

[herndonhomer]

The best elementary school in Herndon is Dranesville. The best elementary school in Reston is Buzz Aldrin.

[hilsmom]

I personally know people with kids at South Lakes and they have had a wonderful experience there. The mother works for FCPS. I think people need to stop trashing that school and take another look. I think the bad reputation is old information at this point, and the only real issue worth mentioning is the IP school vs. AP school.

[JfromReston]

I understand IB diplomas are a very high achievement.

South Lakes High School Awards 103 International Baccalaureate Diplomas - Schools - Reston, VA Patch

[JD984]

Originally Posted by JfromReston

I understand IB diplomas are a very high achievement.

South Lakes High School Awards 103 International Baccalaureate Diplomas - Schools - Reston, VA Patch

The Patch article is somewhat inaccurate, as students don't find out whether they've received an IB diploma until after they graduate from high school and the IB exams are graded. According to later-published FCPS data, 87 South Lakes students from the Class of 2013 received the IB diploma. Only Robinson, a larger school, had more 2013 graduates among FCPS high schools awarded IB diplomas.

http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/apib/2013/table11.pdf

[JD984]

Originally Posted by herndonhomer

The best elementary school in Herndon is Dranesville. The best elementary school in Reston is Buzz Aldrin.

I'd hold out for Buzz Lightyear ES!

In any event, I expect people at other Reston schools such as Sunrise Valley might disagree as to whether Aldrin is "the best" elementary school in Reston, as opposed to one among many good ones.

[hilsmom]

Originally Posted by JEB77

I'd hold out for Buzz Lightyear ES!

In any event, I expect people at other Reston schools such as Sunrise Valley might disagree as to whether Aldrin is "the best" elementary school in Reston, as opposed to one among many good ones.

haha

and yes, I think it is hard to say which is "the best" ES in Reston. There are several that are quite good.

I just don't understand this fleeing Reston schools nonsense.

But, what do I know - my neighborhood gets trashed quite regularly on "the other board."

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by JEB77

The Patch article is somewhat inaccurate, as students don't find out whether they've received an IB diploma until after they graduate from high school and the IB exams are graded. According to later-published FCPS data, 87 South Lakes students from the Class of 2013 received the IB diploma. Only Robinson, a larger school, had more 2013 graduates among FCPS high schools awarded IB diplomas.

http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/apib/2013/table11.pdf

Thanks for providing the accurate information. If you look at percent of total graduates being awarded IB diplomas it is 16.5% for both South Lakes and Robinson.

[mmago]

Originally Posted by drod086

Hi,

My family is moving to Northern Virginal soon. My work is in Reston, VA and I have 2 elementary school aged kids. We plan to rent at the beginning and I prefer to live close to work, so we're focusing on Reston/Herndon. My budget is around $1,500/per month and there can be some wiggling room.

Regarding schools, I've been told to avoid 20170 in Herndon and it's it seems Dogwood in Reston is also a school I should stay away from. My questions are

1) I've hear Oak Hill in Herndon is a good school, but there's very little rental properties close by.
2) What about Hunter Woods PS in Reston. I've heard negative comment on this school but it's ranking is very high. Also I've heard the school you're assigned do not necessarily depends on where you live, is that true?
3) is 20190 in Reston a better area than 20191 in terms of school?
4) There're quite a few apartments in Herndon 20171 area, close to McNair Elementary. Is McNair a decent school?
5) If I rent a place close to McNair in Herndon, is the noise from the airport going to be an issue?
6) Do all schools provide lunch?
7) I read somewhere that VA has vehicle tax of approximately 4%. If my car is values at $20,000, do I pay $800/year for vehicle tax?
8) which internet provider offers best deal in the area? Is it Verizon?

Are there any other suggestions that you can give? Really appreciate your help here.

We are moving from NJ to NOVA end of the month. My husbands job is in Reston VA too. We have kids gping to elementary school. Which place and which schools did you finally decide if you have reached VA already?