2021-22 Abingdon-Drew Transfer Pilot

This transfer pilot allows students who live in the Abingdon attendance zone, and who will be in Grades K-5 in the 2021-22 school year, to apply for a neighborhood transfer to Drew. This is a new tool to manage enrollment between two neighboring schools, one that is over capacity and one that can accommodate additional students.

New!  Drew Principal Chat for Abingdon Families with Principal Kimberley Graves (March 24 at 7 p.m.)

What is the curriculum at Drew?

All APS elementary schools use the same curriculum but how it is taught may vary by school. Drew uses STEAM, an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to guide student inquiry, discussions, and critical thinking. Students engage in rich learning experiences created to provide deep, real-world, problem-solving through integrated, inquiry-based units designed to connect learning across all subject areas. Learn more by watching the Drew Information Session.

Who can apply?

Rising Grades K-4 students who live in the Abingdon attendance zone are eligible to apply for a neighborhood transfer to Drew. Please note that there are fewer seats available in the upper grades.

What is the application timeframe?

Feb. 22 – Apr. 15, 2021.

Will transportation be provided?

Yes. More information will be shared with families of transfer students later this year.

Will transfer students need to reapply each school year?

No. Transfer students can remain at Drew through Grade 5 when they matriculate to middle school, regardless of boundary changes.

Is there sibling preference?

Yes. Families must submit transfer applications for all children. Sibling preference will be given based upon capacity in each grade. Sibling preference does not apply to the VPI program.

How will the increased enrollment impact students at Drew?

Drew has ample classroom and common area space to accommodate more students. As a Title 1 school, the class size for all grades will remain the same and increasing enrollment through the transfer pilot will not change the lunch schedule or result in crowding on the playground, in the library or in other general use spaces. Also, the school will receive additional resources, as needed, to support the increased enrollment.

If my child transfers to Drew, can they return to Abingdon later in the year?

Yes.

How do I register my child to attend Drew?

You need to register your child at Abingdon and complete the transfer application at apsva.schoolmint.net/signin. Once your transfer is finalized, your child’s information will be sent to Drew.

Will this transfer pilot mean that APS will not need to change boundaries for Abingdon and Drew in Fall 2022?

No. This pilot will address immediate capacity concerns at Abingdon for 2021. In Fall 2022, both schools will be part of the countywide elementary boundary process. Please note that if a student who transfers from Abingdon to Drew lives in a planning unit that is reassigned during the 2022 boundary process, that student can remain at Drew through Grade 5 and will not be required to attend a newly assigned school other than Drew.

How can I learn more about Drew?

• Watch the Drew Information Session
• 

  Mascot: Dragon Colors: Red/White

  Visit the school website for highlights and details about the school community

• Reach out to the PTA 
• Reach out to the school directly to schedule time to meet with school administration
• March. 24, 7 p.m.: Virtual Principal’s Chat with Drew Principal Kimberley Graves.  

Transfer Application Process Timeline:

• April 15, 2021: The online application closes at 4 p.m.
• April 22, 2021: If needed, a virtual lottery for the targeted neighborhood transfer applications will be held by the APS Welcome Center.
• April 30, 2021: Families will be notified of their acceptance or placement on the waitlist.
• May 14, 2021: Families must confirm or decline attendance to Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School.