School Comparison: Appomattox Gov School vs Open High School (Richmond: houses, private school)

[vanyali]

Hi.

I am new to Richmond, and have been thrown head-long into high school applications for my daughter.

We are applying to both Maggie Walker and Appomattox, and possibly also to Open High School.

A private school administrator today shocked me by saying that the academics at the Appomattox Governor's School were inferior to Open High School. When I look at Open High's test scores, they are really pretty awful. I can't look up any test scores for Appomattox, so I can't directly compare the schools.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of the level of the core academics at Appomattox Governor's School? I understand that their arts focus areas are fantastic, and that students generally love the school and are very enthusiastic. However, I'm nervous about sacrificing academics for those things.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on Open High School? Who goes there? Are the kids bright? Are they enthusiastic? Why do they all take AP tests and flunk them? Would the school let a student self-study for classes they don't offer (like higher math classes), or self-study for an AP class if their classroom teaching isn't good enough to prepare students for the tests?

Thanks for your opinions!

[Karik]

Hello -

I see that no one has replied to your comment. We are currently looking at houses in Appomattox - have you found out any further information since when you posted?


Thanks!!!