Mold-Breaking Schools Can Reach Every Student

I would also argue that the mold-breaking schools do reach the other 60 to 75 percent of students, particularly those freshmen and sophomores. They are getting much better at preparing them for AP and IB.

Dear Extra Credit:

As a parent of a J.E.B. Stuart High sophomore, I'd like to mention a few things I think contribute to the school's success.

Not much goes on that Principal Pamela Jones and Liz Bojtos, director of student services, and their staff members don't know about. Jones and Bojtos are omnipresent and have created a palpable sense of community among the parents, students and staff.

I attended a PTSA meeting at which Jones talked about loving and nurturing our children. I can't tell you how comforting it was to hear a Fairfax Country public school principal use these words when talking about teenagers.

Despite all the talk about AP, IB and uber-achievement that Northern Virginians love, as a former special-ed teacher, Jones has a special place in her heart for children with learning differences and has made it a priority to make sure they are given their fair share of resources.

Marie Cavanagh

Fairfax County