Science and Art oriented kid - not applying to Blair SMACS - other ideas?

[Anonymous]

I've read all the threads I could find on this topic but am still confused on the DCC process. My kid is currently in the Eastern magnet and doesn't want to continue with the heavy reading/writing focus and would prefer to pivot to science, math, and computers. DC also loves art, including digital art.

DC is interested in the VAC magnet at Einstein - maybe the arts focus there would be good even if DC doesn't get in? (Can't find any info on the "portfolio" requirements - maybe those will show up when DC expresses interest?)

In terms of science, math, computers, the SMACS program at Blair seems too intense. But does it make sense to list Blair as #2 in the Choice process on the theory that Blair would have more advanced class options in those areas?

Can anyone comment on Engineering at Wheaton vs. MC2 at Northwood vs. CS Career IB at Rockville vs. IT at Wheaton? There are just too many choices. I know it's meant to make high school more interesting and relevant but I'm confused.

Does "Career IB" mean something different than IB generally? Are the career programs at Wheaton more of (what we used to call) trade school?

Anyone with a kid who has a science/math/computer focus who is not in the Blair magnet with good suggestions? My DC is a good student and tests well - but more like As and Bs rather than all As all the time.

[Anonymous]

We’re going through the same process and I have had the impression that a Blair has the widest options in STEM for kids outside of the magnet compared to other schools. It’s so big.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the threads I could find on this topic but am still confused on the DCC process. My kid is currently in the Eastern magnet and doesn't want to continue with the heavy reading/writing focus and would prefer to pivot to science, math, and computers. DC also loves art, including digital art.

DC is interested in the VAC magnet at Einstein - maybe the arts focus there would be good even if DC doesn't get in? (Can't find any info on the "portfolio" requirements - maybe those will show up when DC expresses interest?)

In terms of science, math, computers, the SMACS program at Blair seems too intense. But does it make sense to list Blair as #2 in the Choice process on the theory that Blair would have more advanced class options in those areas?

Can anyone comment on Engineering at Wheaton vs. MC2 at Northwood vs. CS Career IB at Rockville vs. IT at Wheaton? There are just too many choices. I know it's meant to make high school more interesting and relevant but I'm confused.

Does "Career IB" mean something different than IB generally? Are the career programs at Wheaton more of (what we used to call) trade school?

Anyone with a kid who has a science/math/computer focus who is not in the Blair magnet with good suggestions? My DC is a good student and tests well - but more like As and Bs rather than all As all the time.

What is your kids' homeschool?

That would impact the question of what you put second.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the threads I could find on this topic but am still confused on the DCC process. My kid is currently in the Eastern magnet and doesn't want to continue with the heavy reading/writing focus and would prefer to pivot to science, math, and computers. DC also loves art, including digital art.

DC is interested in the VAC magnet at Einstein - maybe the arts focus there would be good even if DC doesn't get in? (Can't find any info on the "portfolio" requirements - maybe those will show up when DC expresses interest?)

In terms of science, math, computers, the SMACS program at Blair seems too intense. But does it make sense to list Blair as #2 in the Choice process on the theory that Blair would have more advanced class options in those areas?

Can anyone comment on Engineering at Wheaton vs. MC2 at Northwood vs. CS Career IB at Rockville vs. IT at Wheaton? There are just too many choices. I know it's meant to make high school more interesting and relevant but I'm confused.

Does "Career IB" mean something different than IB generally? Are the career programs at Wheaton more of (what we used to call) trade school?

Anyone with a kid who has a science/math/computer focus who is not in the Blair magnet with good suggestions? My DC is a good student and tests well - but more like As and Bs rather than all As all the time.

What is your kids' homeschool?

That would impact the question of what you put second.

Homeschool is Northwood.

[Anonymous]

Information about applying to the Einstein VAC is here:

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/vac/apply/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the threads I could find on this topic but am still confused on the DCC process. My kid is currently in the Eastern magnet and doesn't want to continue with the heavy reading/writing focus and would prefer to pivot to science, math, and computers. DC also loves art, including digital art.

DC is interested in the VAC magnet at Einstein - maybe the arts focus there would be good even if DC doesn't get in? (Can't find any info on the "portfolio" requirements - maybe those will show up when DC expresses interest?)

In terms of science, math, computers, the SMACS program at Blair seems too intense. But does it make sense to list Blair as #2 in the Choice process on the theory that Blair would have more advanced class options in those areas?

Can anyone comment on Engineering at Wheaton vs. MC2 at Northwood vs. CS Career IB at Rockville vs. IT at Wheaton? There are just too many choices. I know it's meant to make high school more interesting and relevant but I'm confused.

Does "Career IB" mean something different than IB generally? Are the career programs at Wheaton more of (what we used to call) trade school?

Anyone with a kid who has a science/math/computer focus who is not in the Blair magnet with good suggestions? My DC is a good student and tests well - but more like As and Bs rather than all As all the time.

I feel you. It’s so complicated! Here’s what I can tell you though, from experience. The county, for all its other issues, does a great job of getting information out to parents of 8th graders. You are going to get robo calls and texts and emails about all the options and open houses. It’s still a lot, but by the end of this it will be clear.

VAC is great for an arts kid, but if your child’s jam is digital? They can get that instruction anywhere. VAC is more drawing/painting etc.

Blair magnet is super heavy math and science, but that doesn’t dribble over to the regular classes until your child is a jr/sr- then they can take magnet electives if they have taken enough math etc.

Science and math at Einstein are really not great, sadly, so I would try for Wheaton or Blair in the lottery.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

My kid is loving Wheaton Engineering. Chose it over Blair for hands on aspect. Other kid went to Blair. Great program but intense, and some students can be overly competitive. Also, the extra class period seems great until it just feels like too long a day with ECs and all. Wheaton is pretty cooperative and great teachers for the most part. Mine hasn't taken any art yet, but a friend is super artsy and seems to be thriving. I've been impressed with art teachers I've met and with student work I've seen. If interested in theatre, Wheaton got a new director last year who is fantastic.

I hear great things about Einstein's programs as well. Friends there love it.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

In an IB program they could take advanced science and advanced art. That's what I'd do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In an IB program they could take advanced science and advanced art. That's what I'd do.

One of the PPs above- I’d +1 this too. IB would be a good fit perhaps….

[Anonymous]

Kennedy IB or RMIB