Best MS in Rockville area?

[Anonymous]

I am the son of a rising 6th grader heading to Wood in the fall, and I was checking reviews on different websites regarding the rating for the school and it seems very mixed. (2.6 on GreatSchools and around 3 on Niche). Most of these reviews don’t seem to show a lot of positive experiences so I want to see if there are some any good choices outside of Wood if this is the case.

Reviews for Wood:
https://www.greatschools.org/maryland/rockville/887-Earle-B.-Wood-Middle-School/
https://www.niche.com/k12/earle-b-wood-middle-school-rockville-md/

[Anonymous]

You don’t get school choice and would have to move. Ratings aren’t everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don’t get school choice and would have to move. Ratings aren’t everything.

+1 many recent posts presume you can just shop around or are a way to get people to bash other schools

[Anonymous]

Parent in the Rockville cluster. Wood is the weakest link in the cluster, yes, but my kids did fine and no they aren’t the alpha kids. Typical middle school woes, but overall an okay experience. Sadly some of the good teachers they had have left.

If your kid is bullied, they may not get help. The admin tends to sweep it under the rug, which is unfortunate. Encourage your kid to join some clubs and other activities.

It’s too late for you to apply for the magnet programs or to get in the lottery for the parkland/argyle/loiderman options. So unless you’re planning to move or go move; just go into it with an open mind. Most kids at wood are fine.

[Anonymous]

Move or go private.

[Anonymous]

MS is definitely the weak link. That said, you could try JWMS or Frost - both in incorporated Rockville.

[Anonymous]

Wood is not perfect but its fine. I have found that my children have had great teachers who are really invested in giving them a challenging and interactive middle school experience. The teachers are very involved in afterschool clubs, activities, etc--far more than what I found in their elementary school (also in the Rockville cluster).

We have not had any issues with bullying but I have heard of many instances where an act could be perceived as bullying and the administration jumped right on it. And some of those cases were just kids messing around with their friends but the school still made sure to meet with the kids and inform the parents. But again, I have not been involved in serious bullying instances so YMMV.

My kids have found great friends at Wood and I'm glad they will be continuing to high school with those kids. Is it the best middle school in MCPS? No. But I wouldn't base your opinion completely on the ratings you read.

[Anonymous]

Cabin John. Potomac though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Move or go private.

Private is never a good option.

[Anonymous]

My kid had a great experience at Wood. Had good friends who were good kids, good teachers, and a great band program he really enjoyed. One feature is they continue on with the same cohort into HS (for the most part, allowing for kids who went to HS magnet programs and kids who came into RHS for the IB program).

[Anonymous]

I am the son of a rising 6th grader heading to Wood in the fall

Your dad needs to worry about how he became a parent prior to middle school first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I am the son of a rising 6th grader heading to Wood in the fall

Your dad needs to worry about how he became a parent prior to middle school first.

Could be held back

[Anonymous]

Cabin John.

[Anonymous]

Redland

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Redland

Redland is hit or miss as a Magruder HS parent. I don’t know if Shady Grove is any better.