Tell me what you love about BCC

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of moving from private school to BCC next year. Please tell me what you love about the school so I can talk it up to my kid. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think it would be more helpful to share why you're considering moving from private to BCC in the first place.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s hard because how many of us have experience with different high schools but here are a few things—

— IB program (esp in 11 and 12th when it becomes a smaller group)
— good facilities generally and lots of class options (expansion gave more classroom space, and plus more room for ceramics)
— lots of clubs, activities
— enough school spirit that games are fun to attend
— walkable to downtown bethesda

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're thinking of moving from private school to BCC next year. Please tell me what you love about the school so I can talk it up to my kid. Thanks!

It's a fine school like any MCPS HS; it has many advanced offerings.

[Anonymous]

IB program

Internship program

Job opportunities for students in downtown Bethesda

Low turnover of staff and faculty who tend to be quite strong

Many clubs for all kinds of kids

Sports teams with lots of spirit

Tattler student run newspaper/journalism class

Impressive theater kids and music program

Lots of motivated students who take initiative to affect positive change

Frequent engaging guest speakers for students from government, international organizations, authors etc.

Proximity to Round House Theater and opportunities for students to see shows there with English/Creative writing classes

[Anonymous]

The PTA is very organized and communicative, and does a lot of great things for the school.

[Anonymous]

Can accommodate a very wide range of HS students' interests and big enough for any kid to find a peer group

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can accommodate a very wide range of HS students' interests and big enough for any kid to find a peer group

That's true for almost every MCPS HS.

[Anonymous]

IB program in 11th and 12th

Internship program is great

Job opportunities adjacent to school in downtown Bethesda

Strong alumni network, educational foundation and PTSA

Clubs for every interest

Great sports teams, parent boosters and games

Talented theater kids

Strong music program

Many seasoned teachers with little turnover of faculty and staff

Many guest speakers from all areas--government, authors, etc. routinely visit to speak to students

Tattler run newspaper and journalism class is top notch

Very responsive college and career coordinator

Active college and career subgroup of PTSA --provides opportunities for practice SAT, ACT for student body and information sessions for parents

Proximity to Round House Theater for internship and opportunities to see productions/field trips with English/creative writing classes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it would be more helpful to share why you're considering moving from private to BCC in the first place.

OP here. Our child's current school is fairly small (he's been with the same kids for many years) and the kids that attend the school are all fairly similar. Our son doesn't really "fit into the box" that most of the other kids are in. He's really in to computers, robotics, tech and gaming, and his school is more old school and doesn't have a lot of these types of classes. His school pushes sports and he's just not that sporty of a kid. Plus, kids don't really have many different class options to choose from. I thought our son might have a better chance of finding "his people" in a public school, plus I think he'd be really into the much broader array of clubs and activities that are offered. Tuition is also very high at his private, and if he isn't getting a lot out of his current school, it's starting to get harder to justify keeping him there and paying so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it would be more helpful to share why you're considering moving from private to BCC in the first place.

OP here. Our child's current school is fairly small (he's been with the same kids for many years) and the kids that attend the school are all fairly similar. Our son doesn't really "fit into the box" that most of the other kids are in. He's really in to computers, robotics, tech and gaming, and his school is more old school and doesn't have a lot of these types of classes. His school pushes sports and he's just not that sporty of a kid. Plus, kids don't really have many different class options to choose from. I thought our son might have a better chance of finding "his people" in a public school, plus I think he'd be really into the much broader array of clubs and activities that are offered. Tuition is also very high at his private, and if he isn't getting a lot out of his current school, it's starting to get harder to justify keeping him there and paying so much.

Public will be surely far better in this situation.

[Anonymous]

For your kid into robotics this was note on the BCC listserve today: “B-CC Robotics -- headed to Maryland States for the second straight year!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it would be more helpful to share why you're considering moving from private to BCC in the first place.

OP here. Our child's current school is fairly small (he's been with the same kids for many years) and the kids that attend the school are all fairly similar. Our son doesn't really "fit into the box" that most of the other kids are in. He's really in to computers, robotics, tech and gaming, and his school is more old school and doesn't have a lot of these types of classes. His school pushes sports and he's just not that sporty of a kid. Plus, kids don't really have many different class options to choose from. I thought our son might have a better chance of finding "his people" in a public school, plus I think he'd be really into the much broader array of clubs and activities that are offered. Tuition is also very high at his private, and if he isn't getting a lot out of his current school, it's starting to get harder to justify keeping him there and paying so much.

This explains a lot. As BCC is so much bigger, lots of different types of kids and many more options for clubs. We are grateful to no longer have to pay tuition, of course.

You did not ask about the downside, but BCC classes are huge, lots of misbehavior without consequence (kids would be suspended or even dismissed from the privates I know for what sadly is frequent at BCC), and I am sometimes concerned about safety.

Good luck to you and your DS!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it would be more helpful to share why you're considering moving from private to BCC in the first place.

OP here. Our child's current school is fairly small (he's been with the same kids for many years) and the kids that attend the school are all fairly similar. Our son doesn't really "fit into the box" that most of the other kids are in. He's really in to computers, robotics, tech and gaming, and his school is more old school and doesn't have a lot of these types of classes. His school pushes sports and he's just not that sporty of a kid. Plus, kids don't really have many different class options to choose from. I thought our son might have a better chance of finding "his people" in a public school, plus I think he'd be really into the much broader array of clubs and activities that are offered. Tuition is also very high at his private, and if he isn't getting a lot out of his current school, it's starting to get harder to justify keeping him there and paying so much.

Got it. Then yes, public and B-CC should be perfect for your kid. There are an array of different kinds of people and activities and courses for him to explore. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Walkable to our house, DD's part-time job (many opportunities in downtown Bethesda), and public transportation
Fun sports teams in a competitive league (Jackson-Reed doesn't really have any peers in DC)
Overall, nice building and fields
Large enough population that there's always someone new to meet
So many electives and class options