Comments on: Learn to obsess about Academic Centers

By: joyce

joyce — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:42:44 +0000

We are now waiting for the results to see if my 6th grader will be accepted into the WY academic center. I hope he gets in. My other son is a freshman there who started two years ago in the ac and LOVED being an ackie. Lots of homework but never complained. I don’t like how as a tier 4 my son has to get such a higher score than others~I don’t really think it’s fair but I hope he gets in with his brother!

By: anothermom

anothermom — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:55:06 +0000

How many students test for the AC programs?

By: WRP Mom

WRP Mom — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:20:59 +0000

I heard Lane will have 30 spots for 8th grade for this fall.

By: IB&RGC Mom

IB&RGC Mom — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:44:09 +0000

I guess that depends on what school. I believe I saw a post that Taft had 10 8th grade spots last year, and I spoke to the OAE to find out if it was worth while to apply to WY for 8th and it sounded like they never really have openings, but go ahead and apply if you want. We didn’t bother.

I think there is always a slim chance for an opening or two in any advanced program because if there are kids that are not used to or do not have the support necessary to keep up, they may end up going elsewhere. We saw this year after year in a regional gifted program.

Good luck.

By: mom

mom — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:19:31 +0000

Does anyone have any idea how many current 7th graders apply for 8th grade openings?

By: dad

dad — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:49:04 +0000

My child took the academic center test and she told me that there was writing all over her test booklet. The prior student had put asteriks and stars in the book. As she was taking the test, the proctor told her not to write in the book. She said it was already written in and they looked to the end of the test and said okay. Then another child was accused of cheating and he admitted it and was removed from the class very upset. These test conditions are horrible! It’s hard enough to answer 72 questions in 40 minutes but these distractions are really unfair and they should check the test booklets for notes after and before the tests!

By: RL Julia

RL Julia — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:12:55 +0000

My son is at Taft, currently in 8th grade. Its been a mixed bag. On the one hand, socially its been great -generally the kids are really friendly and pretty nice, however, coming from a neighborhood school that was extremely warm, Taft does have a lot of rules that are enforced. There is a uniform and kids will be sent home if they are out of uniform. My son once a got a detention for wearing his coat inside – and this is a kid who is very good at avoiding getting into trouble with school authorities.

This year the 8th graders were basically all enrolled in high school level classes (in an effort to keep up with Lane, I imagine) which is great except that the credits will count towards their hs gpas which seems pretty unfair to me as it penalizes kids who didn’t have the opportunity to take high school level classes. Taft adminisitration also is not so interested in having their 8th graders leave for other cschools- we didn’t find out my son’s hs exam date until the Tuesday before the test was being held and that was only because I called the central office about why I hadn’t heard anything.

On the other hand, I think my son has benefitted from attending Taft overall. He has had some good teachers and while the classes haven’t been as hard as we thought they would be he doesn’t lack for work. If only because of its size and because it is a high school, Taft is able to offer more things than your average elementary school. At Taft, everyone takes a language everyday, has gym/fine arts 2-3 times a week and technology everyday as well.

By: mil mom

mil mom — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:18:34 +0000

skittles- glad (I guess!) me and the kid aren’t alone in this struggle. I don’t blame the teacher, I just think my kid wasn’t well prepared and therefore can’t move as fast as he needs to in order to keep pace and especially figure out which strategy to apply (and how) on the tests. We will get tutoring and see if that helps.

Good luck to your second son, it is such a fantastic opportunity, even with all the algebra!

By: Academic Center Applicant

Academic Center Applicant — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:57:49 +0000

@#48
I did indeed have a combined test. Classical and Academic Center.

By: skittles

skittles — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:07:12 +0000

I totally agree with you, “mil mom”. My son, a 7th grader is also having a difficult time with Honors Algebra. He currently has a high B but that can easily be drag down with just a low homework, quiz or test. He spends hours everyday just doing Algebra homework and doesn’t have time to read the book and really sink in the concepts. Its really advance Algebra, good thing my husband can tutor him, but it can be frustrating. Although there are some kids who do well, I’ve heard several parents had the same issue. I’m just lucky he’s such a trooper and never complains. Its the mom feeling sorry for her son that’s complaining. I wish he could spend more time being a kid too and having some free time during weekends and holidays instead of doing homework non-stop. But inspite of everything, my son really loves going to Whitney Young and I have to say the teachers are very good, they do want to help your child succeed once they’re in the program.
Now I will have to wait for my 2nd son’s W.Y. test results in March next year. This year the test was 40 minutes for 72 questions I believe. He finished the test and had 10 minutes left to review. I hope and pray he gets in too. Living in tier 3, he needs to score much higher, so I relate to those tier 4′s.