If accepted to Blair Stem and Richard Montgomery IB

[Anonymous]

Which one (or home school) is your child choosing and why?

[Anonymous]

My child picked Blair, mostly because of during interest in STEM plus commute. Also our home school, so an easy choice.

You should let your child choose based on interests and practicality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child picked Blair, mostly because of during interest in STEM plus commute. Also our home school, so an easy choice.

You should let your child choose based on interests and practicality.

Agree...your child should pick based on their interests, after school commitments, and travel time. Also, see what your kid likes after visiting both places.

[Anonymous]

RMIB has very strong STEM classes and clubs. Pick RM if kid wants to become a better writer and have a more well rounded academic experience. Don’t pick RM if they are really into programming.

But really, if commute times are different by more than 15 minutes, pick the closer commute. 2.5 hrs per week commute savings is a lot.

[Anonymous]

Commute is a big deal. Blair is the better school and better program by far but I'd choose based on commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:RMIB has very strong STEM classes and clubs. Pick RM if kid wants to become a better writer and have a more well rounded academic experience. Don’t pick RM if they are really into programming.

But really, if commute times are different by more than 15 minutes, pick the closer commute. 2.5 hrs per week commute savings is a lot.

All of this. Both great programs—congrats.

[Anonymous]

Blair is a strong program but niche, for STEM obviously but majority pre-engineering. RMIB is better for kids who like STEM and humanities, and produces excellent analytical writers across disciplines. Historically RMIB has had better college outcomes because Ivy+ schools prefer a broader liberal arts focus. Blair does better with MIT. Both are very competitive but RMIB students are a little more chill. Last year RMIB produced twice as many NMSF as Blair. This year it was reversed, Blair produced twice as many. So the cohorts vary too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blair is a strong program but niche, for STEM obviously but majority pre-engineering. RMIB is better for kids who like STEM and humanities, and produces excellent analytical writers across disciplines. Historically RMIB has had better college outcomes because Ivy+ schools prefer a broader liberal arts focus. Blair does better with MIT. Both are very competitive but RMIB students are a little more chill. Last year RMIB produced twice as many NMSF as Blair. This year it was reversed, Blair produced twice as many. So the cohorts vary too.

Debatable. From MS the truly brilliant kids went to Blair, the grinders and strivers went to RMIB.

[Anonymous]

DD picked Blair over RMIB (which was also our home school). She loved her shadow visit at Blair. RMs was poorly organized and 'not fun'. I think RM would have been better for her writing but she loved her time at Blair

[Anonymous]

If you're seeking a well-rounded, enriching experience, RMIB is the clear choice. I have two kids: one who finished the program and another student who’s currently in it right now.

RMIB stands out because it offers a comprehensive curriculum that not only challenges students academically but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness… With a rigorous curriculum and emphasis on research and independent thinking, students are exceptionally well-prepared for top-tier colleges and universities worldwide.

Even looking at the IB philosophy, the focus on international perspectives gives students the chance to engage in global issues, preparing them to become informed and empathetic global citizens.

There are over 100 clubs that have enough variety for students can grow their interests and skills outside the classroom. On top of that the coordinators, office staff, and teachers provide personalized support, ensuring every student’s success and well-being.

When it comes to preparing students for life beyond high school, RMIB delivers the best overall experience, but that’s just based on what I’ve experienced through my own children. A good student will continue to be a good student wherever they go! Congrats on your acceptances!

[Anonymous]

How is your child's tolerance for BS? Try to answer this honestly question, in the privacy of your own mind. If it's very low, go to the Blair. The student needs to be able to live with BS to go to RMIB. It's a much more pompous program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair is a strong program but niche, for STEM obviously but majority pre-engineering. RMIB is better for kids who like STEM and humanities, and produces excellent analytical writers across disciplines. Historically RMIB has had better college outcomes because Ivy+ schools prefer a broader liberal arts focus. Blair does better with MIT. Both are very competitive but RMIB students are a little more chill. Last year RMIB produced twice as many NMSF as Blair. This year it was reversed, Blair produced twice as many. So the cohorts vary too.

Debatable. From MS the truly brilliant kids went to Blair, the grinders and strivers went to RMIB.

I did notice RMIB kids tend not to have had math tutors since they were 5.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair is a strong program but niche, for STEM obviously but majority pre-engineering. RMIB is better for kids who like STEM and humanities, and produces excellent analytical writers across disciplines. Historically RMIB has had better college outcomes because Ivy+ schools prefer a broader liberal arts focus. Blair does better with MIT. Both are very competitive but RMIB students are a little more chill. Last year RMIB produced twice as many NMSF as Blair. This year it was reversed, Blair produced twice as many. So the cohorts vary too.

Debatable. From MS the truly brilliant kids went to Blair, the grinders and strivers went to RMIB.

I did notice RMIB kids tend not to have had math tutors since they were 5.

It's the opposite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is your child's tolerance for BS? Try to answer this honestly question, in the privacy of your own mind. If it's very low, go to the Blair. The student needs to be able to live with BS to go to RMIB. It's a much more pompous program.

Pompous? It does have high expectations for excellence in STEM and the humanities, including foreign language. If they’re only good at STEM, and think any humanities work entails “BS,” they should go to Blair. As PP said, it’s excellent for pre-engineering studies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair is a strong program but niche, for STEM obviously but majority pre-engineering. RMIB is better for kids who like STEM and humanities, and produces excellent analytical writers across disciplines. Historically RMIB has had better college outcomes because Ivy+ schools prefer a broader liberal arts focus. Blair does better with MIT. Both are very competitive but RMIB students are a little more chill. Last year RMIB produced twice as many NMSF as Blair. This year it was reversed, Blair produced twice as many. So the cohorts vary too.

Debatable. From MS the truly brilliant kids went to Blair, the grinders and strivers went to RMIB.

I did notice RMIB kids tend not to have had math tutors since they were 5.

It's the opposite.

Nope. I know many kids at both. The kids themselves are honest about the tutors and SAT prepping, even if the parents aren’t.