Eleanor Roosevelt Science and Tech vs. St. John's

[Anonymous]

Entrance into the science/tech program are objective, based on a numerical calculation that takes into consideration: a) grades from all of 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade; b) verbal score from a test administered by Roosevelt in December of your child's 7th grade year; c) math score from the same test.

You can learn more here, including typical scores from prior years: http://www1.pgcps.org/eleanorroosevelt/index.aspx?id=173914

The test is very short. They take ~225 of the top scorers.

I will add that your child should have a passion and real ability for science and math. The program is rigorous. Students in the program choose a major field of study and are required to take various advanced courses. All seniors are required to take a year-long Research Practicum class and complete an extensive paper and poster, complete with final presentation. My son was lucky enough to intern during his senior year, and he was even flown to Oregon to present his work at a professional conference.

[Anonymous]

Oops, *is* objective...wish there were an edit button.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP.

Can you tell me what this means?

"Algebra and geometry taken either year receive extra weight for A's and B's"

[Anonymous]

ERHS -- hands down. Private school can always be a fall back and St. John's just isn't that well regarded for the price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, PP.

Can you tell me what this means?

"Algebra and geometry taken either year receive extra weight for A's and B's"

I think they mean they are adding weight for taking above grade level math successfully.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that is correct...there is a slight numerical weight given for, say, Algebra I taken in 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

Ivy interviewer here. I've found the ERHS applicants to be more impressive than St John's, although the latter has been improving.

The ERHS kids take a lot of initiative, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so. They also receive encouragement to do original research.

ERHS is indeed a large school. I know one PG County family that sent two of their kids to ERHS, but the youngest went private, because they felt he needed a smaller environment.

[Anonymous]

My two ERHS kids came from a very small private K-8 school and thrived, though they aren't particularly outgoing (just very geeky). My Seton kid loved the small school atmosphere at first but felt very constrained by her junior and senior years. She felt there weren't enough people like her (again, geeky).

The great thing about a large school like ERHS is that you can grow with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My two ERHS kids came from a very small private K-8 school and thrived, though they aren't particularly outgoing (just very geeky). My Seton kid loved the small school atmosphere at first but felt very constrained by her junior and senior years. She felt there weren't enough people like her (again, geeky).

The great thing about a large school like ERHS is that you can grow with it.

Yes, the kids I know at ERHS absolutely love it and revel in the geeky (and awesome) smart-is-cool environment.

[Anonymous]

I'm reviving this thread in the hopes that the OP will check in. OP, how is your child doing at Roosevelt? We are in the same position you were in. My DC got into the science and tech program there for next year. We are turning down a partial scholarship at a private and saying yes to Roosevelt. We're impressed with the S/T program and desperate to be done with private school tuition. I'd love to hear a positive report about your child's experience.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm reviving this thread in the hopes that the OP will check in. OP, how is your child doing at Roosevelt? We are in the same position you were in. My DC got into the science and tech program there for next year. We are turning down a partial scholarship at a private and saying yes to Roosevelt. We're impressed with the S/T program and desperate to be done with private school tuition. I'd love to hear a positive report about your child's experience.

Thanks.

Another ERHS S/T grad here who got a full ride to UMCP, LOVED the school, was involved in everything (although I also had numerous scholarships to other places),was able to take Languages out the wazoo, be involved in highly ranked sports programs and literally have friends for life. I say if you have the chance, go to ERHS S/T.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, PP. It's very nice to hear from a graduate!

[Anonymous]

May I ask, OP and PP, what private K-8 school your kids attended pre-Roosevelt? Weighing elementary options and always contemplated public elementary and private high school but this way of doing things seems excellent! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Demanding middle school math courses and a test prep course helped my DC get into the STEM program at Roosevelt. Definitely send your kid to a test prep course in the Fall of 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

When I attended ERHS, I knew a bunch of people that had gone to catholic school for K-8 and switched to public for HS. They had no issues fitting right in!