Lakelands Park Middle School

[WhoopsC]

Hi everyone,

As I review the posts in this forum, I see a lot of negative comments about Lakelands Park Middle School. As a single parent moving to the area and cannot afford to send my child to private school, I would love to hear from someone that might be able to share any positives about this school or at the very least provide a well rounded perspective regarding their experience. I know all middle schools are tough because it's such a difficult age. However, as most parents do, I want the best for my daughter and am concerned about her education and her safety as she progresses to middle school. Are there any parents out there that have had children that have recently had a good experience at Lakelands Park?

[Anonymous]

In August you posted, "Hi everyone,

I am considering a move to the Kentlands/Lakelands area next year. My daughter will be a rising 6th grader and if plans work out, she would be attending Lakelands Park Middle School next Fall. I share the concerns that most parents likely have regarding their child's transition to middle school. However, I have additional worries about her starting anew at the beginning of middle school."

That thread wasn't enough that you needed to make a new one? She'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

If you are involved in your child’s academics, supplement any areas in deficit and parent, your child should be fine. My kids went to a lower ‘ranked’ nearby to LP middle school and were just fine as were there friends who attended LP. Plenty of kids from LP are from families pushing academics and who expect their kids to do well. Overall the kids at LP are college bound so there is an expectation of things like attending class and doing school work. Are there fights? Yes. But your kid can avoid them. I suspect this is true for all middle schools.

Typically the best public schools with the best ratings are also in the wealthiest areas. So they are hard to get into for people who can not afford to buy into those areas and are full of kids whose families are using their resources to pay for anything their kids need to support their academics. Plus the majority of kids at these schools that are predominantly wealthy speak English fluently or get private resources to quickly help them, get private therapists as needed for mental health struggles, have enough food to eat, don’t need to work to supplement family income and are the primary caregivers of younger kids. The wealthier kids in average public schools tend to do well also since parents pay for tutoring, therapists, food etc…. and have resources to help them navigate challenges. The kids who struggle tend to be the ones in average or lower public schools whose parents have to rely solely on the school’s resources.

So if you plan to send your child to LP and you can afford tutors if needed, therapists if needed, food, medical care etc… and you do not need your child to work to supplement family income or to be the caregiver for younger siblings, I would say your child will do great at LP.

[Anonymous]

We are in a nearby MS. It’s the usual who you surround yourself with. If she surrounds herself with positive people she should be fine.

RE: involved parenting—my parents were completely uninvolved, I had no tutors, and I was a top student on my own. If you model good values, she should be fine. If tutoring is needed, fortunately now there are countless free youtube videos, and hopefully you can fill in any gaps. If not, approach the school for leads.

[Anonymous]

LPMS is similar to other local middle schools. Certainly possible to get an excellent education there. Don't worry.