Talking to my brother and other parents about school choices led me to think more about school choices in JCPS. We know that there are many failing schools in JCPS, but JCPS also has several outstanding schools, with Manual and Male in the top five statewide.
So the question is, why aren't there multiple Males and Manuals? With so many kids vying for few spots, why hasn't JCPS created more high schools that offer the equivalent education and activities of Male and Manual to give more of these kids an opportunity?
What JCPS seems to ignore is that many parents who do not get their first choice in the upper levels don't go to other JCPS schools. They move or go to a private school. Is pushing these children and their parents, who are typically heavily involved in the schools their children attend, the best way to bring JCPS schools up? Why not offer programs to meet the demand, rather than driving those same children away?
I'm sure there's something I'm missing, but would love to see Dr. Hargens, her staff, and board trying to figure out ways in which other schools are as desirable to parents and students remaining or wishing to transfer back into the system as Male and Manual are today. Certainly if my daughter receives a rejection from Manual/YPAS three years from now, we're going to be thinking strongly about our next steps if there are no equivalent alternatives.