What are the good public high schools for queer kids?

[Anonymous]

I’m looking for a HS that will be nurturing and supportive in the region for my queer kid. Public only. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

We are currently at a high poverty school and haven’t had that experience- isn’t it more about the kids and not the official assigned readings etc?

Would appreciate insight from people not at the upper crust publics.

[Anonymous]

While everyone's experience is different, I can say that Arlington Public Schools has some good protections in place for LGBTQ+ students. There are procedures protecting and affirming trans students, and there are anti-bullying responses in place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

Maybe. My gay kid had a rough time at Whitman but is doing great at BCC.

I think BCC has a pretty tolerant live and let live vibe with a sizable LGBTQ population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

I disagree. I have a kid at a 55% farms high school and there is a big group of lgbtq kids who find their comfort zone in theater and in the music department.

[Anonymous]

My kid went to TJHSST. While they were open & accepted, dating is not happening there. I think other cultural factors played into that though.

[Anonymous]

I will never understand the word queer and the forced teaming. The truth of the matter is the experience will vary depending on the letter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

I don't find this information to be up-to-date. I work in schools all over the city, and many non-white, non-wealthy neighborhoods have vibrantly queer-affirming high schools. I'm thinking of Capital City PCS (charter, not public) and EL Haynes. Banneker, McKinley, and DCI too, which you may associate more with wealthy white families, but the first two I mentioned are Title I and majority Black and brown students and are great places for kids of all rainbow stripes.

[Anonymous]

I think most high schools are going to be FINE for a queer teen in the DMV. Speaking only from personal experience, any MCPS high school will have a GSA, and a peer group of other queer teens plus plenty of allies.

With that baseline, I'd look at other qualifications. If your kid is a standard normie high achiever who just happens to be gay, a school like Whitman would be fine. If they are more political or alternative, I'd look at B-CC or Blair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While everyone's experience is different, I can say that Arlington Public Schools has some good protections in place for LGBTQ+ students. There are procedures protecting and affirming trans students, and there are anti-bullying responses in place.

The middle schools don't have unisex bathrooms though. Not sure about HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

Oh, the horror. /s

What is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

I would think Ellington and School Without Walls (selective DC public schools). I know a family that had a good experience at Alexandria City High School, too--it's so big and diverse that the kids were able to find friends who shared pretty much any interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The wealthiest white neighborhoods. Schools with more immigrants from lower-income countries are way more socially conservative and have not grown up in politically-correct environments, whereas the rich and educated in the DC area are mostly liberal progressives who superficially embrace all differences and diversity.

My kids' middle and high schools in the Bethesda area (Montgomery County, MD) are super-pro-LGBTQ+, to the point where some families think it's too much: there are assigned readings with main characters who are LGBTQ+, assemblies where they invite professionals who are LGBTQ+, and after-school clubs for that group.

If it's "too much" to read books featuring LGBTQ characters, is it also "too much" to read books featuring straight characters? Too much what?

[Anonymous]

Washington-Liberty in Arlington. My straight DD has several gay friends, girls and boys in her mixed friend groups. It doesn't seem to be an issue at all as far as she's concerned.