Level of Science/Math Rigor at MacArthur
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| We are in boundary for MacArthur and are thinking about public for high school for 9th. I read the extensive MacArthur post about fights, social issues, etc., but I'm curious about the level of math/science rigor. It looks like all kids have to take honors chem, bio, and physics and that there is no option for earth/environmental science. I realize the school now only has 9th and 10th graders, but I'd love to hear from parents about the science curriculum, particularly, if your kid dislikes and/or struggles with science/math. Thanks. |
Anonymous
I, too, am interested in this answer from a different angle. My kid loves science and math is way ahead in these subjects. I'm wondering whether Macarthur will have strong enough offerings. |
Anonymous
| Hardy family here, this will influence our choice of target high schools as well. Does anyone know if MacArthur plans to offer AP calculus AB or BC, statistics, environmental science, one or both AP physics tracks, AP bio or chem? |
Anonymous
One detail: Hardy will offer Physics next year for post-Algebra 8th Graders, which I think is a plan made in coordination with MacArthur, suggesting Physics AP is on the agenda. |
Anonymous
| According to the course selection for next year, students can take BC calculus. The science offerings are all listed as pre-AP in bio, chem, physics, but there is a note that AP environmental science will be new for next year. I don't know if that's pre-AP or regular AP. |
Anonymous
Good to know that this is the plan! My post algebra rising 8th grader was not excited about taking physics (and put in a preference for a different elective). Maybe this will help convince them. |
Anonymous
|
MHS offered three Advanced Placement course this year.
Next year, they will offer ten Advanced Placement courses. Calc BC is one I remember, but I'd have to check for the others. But 10 is the number of APs for next year. |
Anonymous
| My son took Algebra II in 9th. Ms. Pascual is a fantastic teacher and plenty rigorous. Everything going forward is a plan, but the faculty have all been adamant that a full slate of AP Math and Science classes will be available and I am satisfied that the teachers of these subject are great. Hope that helps. Also, my son has never mentioned a fight or any of the other nonsense that folks have "heard of" on this board. fwiw |
Anonymous
| What is the level of rigor mortis at MacArthur? |
Anonymous
|
AP course info here:
https://www.macarthurhighschooldc.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=564545&type=d Environmental Science was offered this year, although not AP. The instructor was a PhD from a local university. |
Anonymous
So AP calculus BC is the only math and barely any AP science. |
Anonymous
|
It is so interesting how some people consistently just want to be negative about Macarthur. Like what is your agenda?
Here is what the College Board recommends re: AP classes per grade https://blog.collegeboard.org/popular-ap-courses-grade Note that Macarthur does have AP Psychology for 11th graders. The school will only have around 50 11th graders so realistically the school can’t offer a million AP classes because between that and dual enrollment, there wouldn’t be enough 11th graders to even fill a class. The school is just starting out so relax. |
Anonymous
There is an irrational level of negativity for all high schools in the district other than JR, SWW and now Banneker. Given that more high school students are choosing DC public high schools than ever clearly some people are looking beyond the negative whisper campaign. I suggest that, in considering high schools, parents and students look to data and people with actual experiences with the schools discussed rather than just this board. |
Anonymous
| Hi - I'm the OP. I'm actually curious about the other end. Our kid's strengths are in the humanities, not math/science, and I am curious what a pre-AP course means for a kid who isn't great at (or interested in) science. |
Anonymous
|
FYI this is the current list for next year:
AP World History: Modern AP Human Geography AP Pre-Calculus AP US History AP Psychology AP Environmental Science AP Seminar AP English Language & Literature AP Calculus BC AP Computer Science--Principles So Science/Math APs in ES, Calc (BC) and CS. Seems pretty good for a new HS without seniors and barely any juniors. Looks like Physics, Bio and/or Chem plus Spanish will be offered the year after. Pre-AP/Honors means nothing in the DC school system. Really just regular classes. |