TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

Oops.. that kid should have taken taken up essay prep classes. Probably didn't realize that TJ no longer cares about science, but only what you brag about in the essays and how well you present them to the reader. I have heard quite a few of the similar very similar cases as well.

My DC knows this child (assuming same child) and he is a strong writer. Very sweet kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

Yes, I do agree that writing should be a part of the overall evaluation. But, just take a moment and think what TJ admission process is doing? The only two things are taken into consideration as core grades and essays i.e., no electives, stem activities, teacher input are considered. Then the max difference the entire gpa makes is 37.5 points i.e. (4.0 - 3.75) * 75, where as essays account for a total of 600 points. So, in the case of TJ, essays are about 15 times more important than middle school gpa. If essays make up 10-15% of total points, it would make sense. Also, you consider center schools like carson, where AAP alone consists of 500 kids, you can easily find 150+ kids with very similar perfect of near perfect gpa and barring any other input, their admissions entirely depend on the essays. There is no wonder admissions appear so random i.e., many of the smartest kids couldn't get admission, where as average kids got in - because on paper/grades, they look very similar. sorry for the rant!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

My view is that kids who are receiving As in AAP or Honors English in 7th and 8th grade ought to be able to write. If they can't, there's something seriously wrong with the grading in these classes. It shouldn't be necessary to focus on writing to the extent that they do in the TJ application, since the requisite writing skill should be reflected in the GPA.

You are assuming a lot of things. In schools like carson, there will be over 150 kids with perfect gpa or near perfect gpa. So, in your theory, they are all great at math/science and also great at writing because they all got As. But, their actual stem knowledge differs quite a lot, which will be evident if other inputs are considered. In the same way, their ability to pop out essays also differ quite a bit and also style of writing, choice words matter quite a lot and grading of which is very subjective and depending on person who is grading. I mean, they all write well, but some write even better.

The above factors might not matter much in non-center schools, but in center schools, where there is a huge competition (carson has 250-300 kids apply for TJ) for limited quota, tiny differences in writing get amplified and it has nothing to do with someone is good at stem or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

Yes, I do agree that writing should be a part of the overall evaluation. But, just take a moment and think what TJ admission process is doing? The only two things are taken into consideration as core grades and essays i.e., no electives, stem activities, teacher input are considered. Then the max difference the entire gpa makes is 37.5 points i.e. (4.0 - 3.75) * 75, where as essays account for a total of 600 points. So, in the case of TJ, essays are about 15 times more important than middle school gpa. If essays make up 10-15% of total points, it would make sense. Also, you consider center schools like carson, where AAP alone consists of 500 kids, you can easily find 150+ kids with very similar perfect of near perfect gpa and barring any other input, their admissions entirely depend on the essays. There is no wonder admissions appear so random i.e., many of the smartest kids couldn't get admission, where as average kids got in - because on paper/grades, they look very similar. sorry for the rant!

It depends what the range of scores is on the 600 point essay scale. If the vast majority of essays are scored in the 500-550 range for example, then in that sense having a higher-scoring essay would only be worth about 50 points more than a lower-scoring one. I'm not saying that's the range, but AFAIK we don't know what the range of most essay scores is (say 10th vs. 90th percentile of essay scores), so we can't really say how heavily weighted it is relative to GPA in most cases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

Yes, I do agree that writing should be a part of the overall evaluation. But, just take a moment and think what TJ admission process is doing? The only two things are taken into consideration as core grades and essays i.e., no electives, stem activities, teacher input are considered. Then the max difference the entire gpa makes is 37.5 points i.e. (4.0 - 3.75) * 75, where as essays account for a total of 600 points. So, in the case of TJ, essays are about 15 times more important than middle school gpa. If essays make up 10-15% of total points, it would make sense. Also, you consider center schools like carson, where AAP alone consists of 500 kids, you can easily find 150+ kids with very similar perfect of near perfect gpa and barring any other input, their admissions entirely depend on the essays. There is no wonder admissions appear so random i.e., many of the smartest kids couldn't get admission, where as average kids got in - because on paper/grades, they look very similar. sorry for the rant!

It depends what the range of scores is on the 600 point essay scale. If the vast majority of essays are scored in the 500-550 range for example, then in that sense having a higher-scoring essay would only be worth about 50 points more than a lower-scoring one. I'm not saying that's the range, but AFAIK we don't know what the range of most essay scores is (say 10th vs. 90th percentile of essay scores), so we can't really say how heavily weighted it is relative to GPA in most cases.

True, I will give you that. However, in points, we are pretty clear about the how much role grades play in differentiating the candidates. However, essay grading is purely speculation. The raw probability of point for range of 400-550 is 3 times as the probability for 500-550. We have no way of knowing how the essays are graded. However, I would love to see you are correct here as if applicants lied about ED are stripped of the extra points, a ton of wait listed AAP center kids will get TJ admissions as the 'your' range for essays is less than the points for ED

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

who did this? It's probably just your imagination.

[Anonymous]

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

Wow. Project much?

I really hope you’re not a teacher or anyone’s lawyer. (“Your honor, it’s true because I said it is!”) 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

who did this? It's probably just your imagination.

Unfortunately it happens at Longfellow among a certain STEM crowd. Thankfully it's a small group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

It should be outlawed. GTFO.

what should be outlawed? Learning?

Going to Kumon to accelerate math learning. It's a headache for schools, admins and other normal folks. This is not how we do things in the US. Quit being hellbent on your kid taking Algebra in 6th grade. It does nothing of any value longterm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

You we we have computers and software that does all sort of math. Did your kid start with graduate level math and skip everything until then? I remember when my kids pre-school teaching assistant had to use calculator for 20-6 or something so simple - when she has to give me change back for my $20. I asked the her the same and she gave the exactly the same as answer as you did i.e, why do you have to know all these calculations when you have a calculator in hand. I sincerely hope your kid doesn't end up like that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

what should be outlawed? Learning?

Going to Kumon to accelerate math learning. It's a headache for schools, admins and other normal folks. This is not how we do things in the US. Quit being hellbent on your kid taking Algebra in 6th grade. It does nothing of any value longterm.

How do "we" do things in the US? Please enlighten us...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

It should be outlawed. GTFO.

what should be outlawed? Learning?

Going to Kumon to accelerate math learning. It's a headache for schools, admins and other normal folks. This is not how we do things in the US. Quit being hellbent on your kid taking Algebra in 6th grade. It does nothing of any value longterm.

My kid goes to RSM because math at school moves slowly and doesn't engage him. He likes math and wants to do math that is more challenging. He is not taking Algebra in 6th grade because it is not an option at his school. But I am not going to say no when he asks to do more challenging math.

[Anonymous]

Was anyone’s reevaluated application for the free food question rejected?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

what should be outlawed? Learning?

Going to Kumon to accelerate math learning. It's a headache for schools, admins and other normal folks. This is not how we do things in the US. Quit being hellbent on your kid taking Algebra in 6th grade. It does nothing of any value longterm.

How do "we" do things in the US? Please enlighten us...

+1

Also want know how math learning happen in US. Thanks you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

It should be outlawed. GTFO.

what should be outlawed? Learning?

Going to Kumon to accelerate math learning. It's a headache for schools, admins and other normal folks. This is not how we do things in the US. Quit being hellbent on your kid taking Algebra in 6th grade. It does nothing of any value longterm.

My kid goes to RSM because math at school moves slowly and doesn't engage him. He likes math and wants to do math that is more challenging. He is not taking Algebra in 6th grade because it is not an option at his school. But I am not going to say no when he asks to do more challenging math.

Different poster here. If the kid wants it, I see no harm. We should encourage our kids’ interests and encourage them to explore new things. RSM might even be fine at the parent’s initiative for the kid to explore, but then drop it if the kid isn’t into it. It’s the same as sports in that way. Let the kids see where their interest lies.

My objection is the parents (there are quite a few parents like this, but certainly not everyone who has a kid at RSM and Kumon) who do it not because their kid needs the reinforcement or because their kid likes it, but because they want to push their kid ahead for the bragging rights or out of fear that their kid won’t get their piece of the economic pie as an adult. Honest to God, your career is not dependent on whether you took Algebra in 6th grade or even (gasp) 9th grade. It just isn’t. Your kid would be much better off trying a bunch of things and seeing what they like and are good at. You can force math and science but for some kids, it’s downright painful. You can’t bend their strengths and interests to your will as much as you may want to.

For what it’s worth, my kids did a year at Kumon. For one, it was really helpful as she needed math fact reinforcement. The other has ADHD and it was torture. She did not need the rote reinforcement. It’s kind of a ripoff, too. You do most of the work (forcing your kids to do the homework and grading it). Then you pay for them to go into a center and do the same boring worksheets with 20 other kids and some mean lady (at least in FC she was mean) yells at them and grades the papers. It was much more wffective for us to do reinforcement at home and in more fun ways.