HS school selection is driving me crazy!

[Anonymous]

DD got into RMIB, PHS SMCS, Ecology and Humanities. She likes both math and writing, currently does not have a clear preference at this time. I feel Ecology seems to have the best mix in terms of science and humanities, but DD does not like field trips. My son goes to SMCS and I feel 8th period is a bit too much. He is doing well but the course is rigorous to allow him to pursue other interests. MY DD likes to do theater. Do not know much about RMIB, but surely have safety concerns from what I read in this forum (gun, drugs etc). Would love to hear feedback on RMIB and Humanities programs. Does PHS Humanities allow kids to take technology/science courses?

[Anonymous]

My suggestion is that you let your daughter decide.

[Anonymous]

Our household is facing the same issue. DC is indecisive, so would appreciate any feedback re: PHS programs and RMIB.

[Anonymous]

Invited students nights may be helpful. Agree with PP to let your DD decide. All of the programs are rigorous and students need to be invested to get the most out of them. You are so fortunate to have great choices- sounds like the only bad decision would be one DD is not on board with.

[Anonymous]

I would do whichever school is closer to your home. Poolesville and RM are really far away from each other.
If equidistant I would choose Poolesville.
Poolesviile humanities will provide the most balanced of the two choices and it's a really safe school.

[Anonymous]

Factor the commute if there is one! 8th period + commute?

[Anonymous]

Why is it driving your crazy? It's not for you to decide.

[Anonymous]

NP The only benefit I can see from letting a kid pick is that if they dislike it, they only have themselves to blame or if they love it, they gain confidence in making their choice. There is a lot more to consider from commute to future education options and more reasons I'd give greater importance. A kid might be picking based off a friend's choice that they have little in common with and the friendship might not last. They may just like a newer building or familiarity. Everything might line up with a perfect academic fit and yet the next year might end with a terrible social situation. Hope that helps

[Anonymous]

To your last question, yes PHS is wonderful in encouraging kids not in SMCS to take higher level math and science electives that are part of SMCS.
I think your theatre loving DD will love it and you'd have your two kids in one school which would be a bonus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD got into RMIB, PHS SMCS, Ecology and Humanities. She likes both math and writing, currently does not have a clear preference at this time. I feel Ecology seems to have the best mix in terms of science and humanities, but DD does not like field trips. My son goes to SMCS and I feel 8th period is a bit too much. He is doing well but the course is rigorous to allow him to pursue other interests. MY DD likes to do theater. Do not know much about RMIB, but surely have safety concerns from what I read in this forum (gun, drugs etc). Would love to hear feedback on RMIB and Humanities programs. Does PHS Humanities allow kids to take technology/science courses?

1. Poolesville has as many crimes as RMIB. Ie safety for your child is the same. In some ways worse. The bathrooms are dangerous for women. They have had quite a few issues over the years with zero accountability from MCPS. Drugs are extremely prevelant among the community. The program itself is good. However many of the great teachers stay a year or two and leave. Many are cast outs from other MCPS schools where principals push out poor staff. Poolesville is not any safer than RM. Just becasue it is out in the middle of nowhere just means they have different crimes. Guns are very prevelant as many families are farming/ horse owners or just want to own that is why they live out there. When your kid goes over to their home after school there will be guns. Poolesville is not diverse it is racist and antisemitic. Lots of good ole boys.

2. RMIB definitely different program than Poolesville. Not better academically just different. I prefer the structure of RM to Poolesville.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP The only benefit I can see from letting a kid pick is that if they dislike it, they only have themselves to blame or if they love it, they gain confidence in making their choice. There is a lot more to consider from commute to future education options and more reasons I'd give greater importance. A kid might be picking based off a friend's choice that they have little in common with and the friendship might not last. They may just like a newer building or familiarity. Everything might line up with a perfect academic fit and yet the next year might end with a terrible social situation. Hope that helps

Other than that it's their high school education, not the parents'.

If it simply doesn't work for the family, that's one thing. But if it's just which of the possible programs they prefer, it should be their choice. Even if they're indecisive.

[Anonymous]

^^^and 'None of them, I'm going to our home school' is also a possible choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD got into RMIB, PHS SMCS, Ecology and Humanities. She likes both math and writing, currently does not have a clear preference at this time. I feel Ecology seems to have the best mix in terms of science and humanities, but DD does not like field trips. My son goes to SMCS and I feel 8th period is a bit too much. He is doing well but the course is rigorous to allow him to pursue other interests. MY DD likes to do theater. Do not know much about RMIB, but surely have safety concerns from what I read in this forum (gun, drugs etc). Would love to hear feedback on RMIB and Humanities programs. Does PHS Humanities allow kids to take technology/science courses?

1. Poolesville has as many crimes as RMIB. Ie safety for your child is the same. In some ways worse. The bathrooms are dangerous for women. They have had quite a few issues over the years with zero accountability from MCPS. Drugs are extremely prevelant among the community. The program itself is good. However many of the great teachers stay a year or two and leave. Many are cast outs from other MCPS schools where principals push out poor staff. Poolesville is not any safer than RM. Just becasue it is out in the middle of nowhere just means they have different crimes. Guns are very prevelant as many families are farming/ horse owners or just want to own that is why they live out there. When your kid goes over to their home after school there will be guns. Poolesville is not diverse it is racist and antisemitic. Lots of good ole boys.

2. RMIB definitely different program than Poolesville. Not better academically just different. I prefer the structure of RM to Poolesville.

This is interesting. I've never seen Poolesville in the news for the safety/security things RM and other MCPS high schools regularly get reported on.

[Anonymous]

From the mouths of my PHS SMCS junior: Nothing happens in Poolesville. She has not seen a fight since middle school. Everyone is chill and collegiate and there are drugs but there are drugs everywhere. Literally. She said it is not that big of a deal. The bathrooms are not dangerous they are just old and nasty. Soon they will have a new bathroom in their new building and it will all be beautiful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD got into RMIB, PHS SMCS, Ecology and Humanities. She likes both math and writing, currently does not have a clear preference at this time. I feel Ecology seems to have the best mix in terms of science and humanities, but DD does not like field trips. My son goes to SMCS and I feel 8th period is a bit too much. He is doing well but the course is rigorous to allow him to pursue other interests. MY DD likes to do theater. Do not know much about RMIB, but surely have safety concerns from what I read in this forum (gun, drugs etc). Would love to hear feedback on RMIB and Humanities programs. Does PHS Humanities allow kids to take technology/science courses?

I see what you did here. Yet another parent gloating about the achievement of his/her child. Okay, we get it your DD got into all coveted criteria-based program. Now stop saying HS choice is driving you crazy. It’s your daughter who will be going to high school, not you.