Sligo middle school

[Anonymous]

Our kid is still young but trying to determine whether to stay in our current house (zoned for Sligo, later Einstein) or figure something else out (including moving). I’ve heard some mildly positive feedback from neighbors, and know it’s pretty small (currently). How are the social dynamics? Quality of instruction? Administration? I know middle school is hard all over. But this is my first kid and we’re a little protective. We will hopefully mellow out by the time the second kid gets to that point.

[Anonymous]

Middle school is hard. My kid is happy at Sligo. I’ve been happy with administration. We had a principal change and current one is acting. I feel like he’s doing a great job - very available to parents. Teachers have been mostly good in person though virtual was a wreck. Class work seems too easy but that’s likely more MCPS curriculum than Sligo. Student body is mostly similar to elementary schools in the area but kids are at a rougher age so act rougher. I hear a lot about altercations.

[Anonymous]

Sligo is fine. Agree that middle school...it's just tough all around. Our elementary school was so great anything after would likely be a letdown.

The things we've liked about Sligo - the invitation only global humanities program was good especially in 6th grade - very engaging. Foreign language has been a good experience. Theater has been excellent - the theater teacher is just fabulous with the kids and has helped my kid be excited about theater. Music program is pretty solid if your child is doing an instrument. There are also trips depending on COVID for both of those interests that the kids get really excited about.

The building is old (especially compared to our elementary which was much newer)....and otherwise we've had some great teachers, and some okay teachers.

[Anonymous]

The work is too easy. My DC was not adequately prepare for high school.

[Anonymous]

My son is thriving there. Some classes are more challenging than others, but he has had some great teachers, made a nice set of friends, and really likes the band program.

[Anonymous]

Both my kids had very good experiences there. They did band, theater, and sports and met a very nice cohort of kids they remained friends with through high school. They were well prepared for high school in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I would worry more about Einstein but any school even the good ones can be bad for kids who lack a support network that teaches them how to deal with crap. Kids get bullied at all schools and typically it’s the same type of kid getting walked over. The only question is how many sharks in the water

[Anonymous]

My kid is new to Sligo and having a good year. The administration is excellent. I hear good things about Einstein from neighbors. They have an IB program and kids seem happy there

[Anonymous]

Sligo is great for a reasonably motivated kid with involved parents. Lots of opportunities to shine. Also, your kid is eligible for the middle school and high school magnets too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would worry more about Einstein but any school even the good ones can be bad for kids who lack a support network that teaches them how to deal with crap. Kids get bullied at all schools and typically it’s the same type of kid getting walked over. The only question is how many sharks in the water

Oh believe me—I’m worried about Einstein too! I feel like I always read relatively positive stuff on here about Einstein but don’t know too many super motivated neighborhood kids who go there. Nice kids, but not super motivated or academically inclined ones. Happy to hear any thoughts about Einstein as well. I went to private school as a kid and I know Einstein is a whole different world. But we’re not millionaires, so…

[Anonymous]

I already posted our experience with Sligo, and I’ll say my neighbors with kids at Einstein seem happy and the kids are academically inclined. It seems like Einstein is better liked than Sligo. So much of the experience is what you make of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would worry more about Einstein but any school even the good ones can be bad for kids who lack a support network that teaches them how to deal with crap. Kids get bullied at all schools and typically it’s the same type of kid getting walked over. The only question is how many sharks in the water

Oh believe me—I’m worried about Einstein too! I feel like I always read relatively positive stuff on here about Einstein but don’t know too many super motivated neighborhood kids who go there. Nice kids, but not super motivated or academically inclined ones. Happy to hear any thoughts about Einstein as well. I went to private school as a kid and I know Einstein is a whole different world. But we’re not millionaires, so…

I wouldn't compare the two, since high school is a whole other world and there are so many more opportunities. Einstein has tons of AP classes, the IB program, and an extremely competitive magnet program as well as competitive academies kids apply to based on their interests. Einstein has an incredible theater program and a top notch band program.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like Sligo has improved since i was a student there in the 90s.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, OP, I have friends with kids in W feeder schools and I don't think the grass is any greener. Most of what I am unhappy with relates back to MCPS and not the school itself.

[Anonymous]

We live in the Sligo and Einstein neighborhood near Dennis and Inwood. My neighbors kids love Sligo and my rising 6th grader is excited to attend. Enjoyed the open houses and offerings - academic and extracurricular.

Family members kids go to Einstein and really like it. Their peers are “academically inclined” and college bound. Same with neighborhood kids. I’m not sure what the threshold is on DCUM for academic inclination but these are kids in IB / AP and who are motivated students. Not sure if that helps, OP.

Also, our neighborhood is wonderful - community feel, convenient, near parks and recreational areas, diverse, near two Metros (Forest Glen and Wheaton). Highly recommend it.