Hypothetical MoCo HS Magnet STEM Options

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to post this before the actual selection results come out. (I'm a parent of a current 7th grader, so this will apply to us next year.) Let's say, hypothetically, that a student applied to, and was accepted in, all of Blair SMACS, Wheaton Engineering, and Wheaton Biomed. Which would you choose and why?

(Our child wants to do something in STEM (current TMPS magnet, both parents went to top college and expect the same of our kids). I listed only those three programs because we live in the DCC too far for the bus ride to Poolesville Global Ecology. Unless another magnet program would still have a good math/science education (RMIB?). We're really trying to understand the options here.)

As a DCC resident, you are not qualified to apply to the Poolesville magnet program.

I'm not familiar with the Wheaton programs, but people seem very happy with them. My DC has done very well at the Blair SMACS program - if your DC is highly motivated to study math and science, it's a great program.

Humanities House is only available to local Poolesville students. Global Ecology is available to all student in MoCo. See https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/magnet/application.aspx#who

No, the Poolesville Humanities and SMACS are available to all kids in the (roughly) northern half of the county.
My understanding is that there are no longer “home” seats in the magnets set aside for Poolesville kids, but that is not what the current high school website says. Not sure what is true, there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey, OP. I also have a 7th grader at TPMS looking at the same programs! (I'll bet we know each other). Additionally, I have a 9th grader (currently at Blair SMACS) who applied and got into Blair, RMIB, Wheaton BioMed & Engineering and CAP. Like a previous poster said, the decision should be made based on how your kid works (& practical factors). My eldest was also at TPMS magnet but is really an all arounder who is passionate about math. I thought RMIB would be the program for her, but the long commute plus friend upkeep (few friends were going there) plus lower math level plus rigid requirements all pushed her towards Blair. She also chose Blair over Wheaton for distance, flexibility, math & reputation. She is a type A kid and super studious, but Blair has been tough, and the extra period plus extensive and intense workload have taken their toll. My 2nd (currently 7th) is not as studious as her sister & less excited about school overall but more passionate about tech courses. She will apply for both Wheatons and Blair. If she gets into Blair, she will not take hardest paths & she will utilize older sis for help. She will not apply to RMIB because of the intense workload there + distance. We have a friend at Wheaton (Biomed) who is enjoying the program and doesn't seem as tapped out as my Blair kid. If #2 gets into Blair & Wheaton, she would probably take Blair due to distance and sibling being there, but I would be hoping that her enthusiasm for the subject matter would help her find the extra energy to tackle the extra work. I think she would enjoy Wheaton Engineering. (We went to info sessions on all the programs DD #1 got into, and they all seemed wonderful). #2 will probably also apply to CAP in case she doesn't get into the others (or if interests shift). All the programs will have more in-depth info sessions if your dc gets accepted. they are helpful. I found the most helpful was the student volunteers -- I asked our student guides tons of questions, & they were very candid. Good luck!

NP here. This is a really helpful post, thank you. I have a TPMS kid similar to your oldest. The kid is fast and focused and has never yet had to study much and has a deep love of learning, so on the one hand it's hard for me to believe that any high school program could be too much for him, but then on the other hand I hear all these stories about kids at RMIB and SMCS putting in so many hours of work and feeling under water -- it's worrisome. Because of commute time, I think RMIB is out for us. Is your oldest still happy with her SMCS decision? Were you surprised at how tough she found it, compared to her how easily she handled middle school and other things she does? Does she look at the CAP kids with longing and have any regret for not going with that program? I appreciate any insights!

[Anonymous]

My DD was accepted into 3 magnet programs. We only allowed her to apply for programs that logistically made sense for us. Commute is a huge factor for HS students and any parent that doesn't take that into account is going to have a child that pays the price.

When the decision came, it was really tough. However, it's really important that you help your child choose the right program based on his or her strengths and weaknesses. The magnet programs are no joke. At acceptance time you might feel flattered by getting into SMCS (ex)- but make sure that's really what your child wants to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey, OP. I also have a 7th grader at TPMS looking at the same programs! (I'll bet we know each other). Additionally, I have a 9th grader (currently at Blair SMACS) who applied and got into Blair, RMIB, Wheaton BioMed & Engineering and CAP. Like a previous poster said, the decision should be made based on how your kid works (& practical factors). My eldest was also at TPMS magnet but is really an all arounder who is passionate about math. I thought RMIB would be the program for her, but the long commute plus friend upkeep (few friends were going there) plus lower math level plus rigid requirements all pushed her towards Blair. She also chose Blair over Wheaton for distance, flexibility, math & reputation. She is a type A kid and super studious, but Blair has been tough, and the extra period plus extensive and intense workload have taken their toll. My 2nd (currently 7th) is not as studious as her sister & less excited about school overall but more passionate about tech courses. She will apply for both Wheatons and Blair. If she gets into Blair, she will not take hardest paths & she will utilize older sis for help. She will not apply to RMIB because of the intense workload there + distance. We have a friend at Wheaton (Biomed) who is enjoying the program and doesn't seem as tapped out as my Blair kid. If #2 gets into Blair & Wheaton, she would probably take Blair due to distance and sibling being there, but I would be hoping that her enthusiasm for the subject matter would help her find the extra energy to tackle the extra work. I think she would enjoy Wheaton Engineering. (We went to info sessions on all the programs DD #1 got into, and they all seemed wonderful). #2 will probably also apply to CAP in case she doesn't get into the others (or if interests shift). All the programs will have more in-depth info sessions if your dc gets accepted. they are helpful. I found the most helpful was the student volunteers -- I asked our student guides tons of questions, & they were very candid. Good luck!

NP here. This is a really helpful post, thank you. I have a TPMS kid similar to your oldest. The kid is fast and focused and has never yet had to study much and has a deep love of learning, so on the one hand it's hard for me to believe that any high school program could be too much for him, but then on the other hand I hear all these stories about kids at RMIB and SMCS putting in so many hours of work and feeling under water -- it's worrisome. Because of commute time, I think RMIB is out for us. Is your oldest still happy with her SMCS decision? Were you surprised at how tough she found it, compared to her how easily she handled middle school and other things she does? Does she look at the CAP kids with longing and have any regret for not going with that program? I appreciate any insights!

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. To answer your questions:
Yes, she is still happy with her choice, but sometimes she doesn't like school, which is a new & scary thing. Even though her hardest class is math (she's in the Functions class), it's Comp Sci that seems to be getting her down and the overall long day. That's what I keep hearing "It's a long day."

I WAS surprised how tough she found it. I was prepared for the math to be tough for her but completely underestimated the toll of the longer day and extra class. She had the occasional late night for TPMS ACSL competition but that was pretty much it. Straight As w/ little work. She has all As now except for Functions. She works 1-4 hrs every night on homework now. Also has music instrument practice. Has tabled pretty much all other ECs this year.

I think the CAP kids have a little less work, but they have a lot too & the same long day. The seem to have a little more time for ECs. Hoping that next year will be a liittle more even paced. I asked her if she regretted choosing Blair over RM when she was complaining about Comp Sci, and she said No. She really loves the math (though it has been really stressful -- I think the Functions class is better suited for kids who already had Alg II or who did extra classes outside school), and she has found a love for Physics. Coming in, she loved math, liked Comp Sci (who doesn't love Ms Wu) and really didn't care much for science. Now, things have shifted, but there is flexibility in the later years of the program, moreso than RM, I think. Sometimes I think the tradeoff of the shorter day at RM for the longer busride would have been OK, but then we have friends at that program, and the workload there is really intense, so I think she made the best choice.

It is hard to say what the "right" choice is. My dd #1 loves math, history, music, theatre and creative writing. Her loves really lined her up w/ RM, but she is happy she didn't choose that commute and workload, and she has found that she really likes Physics, and Blair has some outstanding music programs. I think she also would have liked some of the CAP content. Some kids have a clear focus, so that may help (my 2nd does). The info sessions will help, and if you know who I am at this point, you and ds are welcome to come over and chat w/ me & dd!

[Anonymous]

Families should know that kids can take a study hall rather than the 9th period...they do not need to have the longer day. This is a particularly good option for kids who do sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to post this before the actual selection results come out. (I'm a parent of a current 7th grader, so this will apply to us next year.) Let's say, hypothetically, that a student applied to, and was accepted in, all of Blair SMACS, Wheaton Engineering, and Wheaton Biomed. Which would you choose and why?

(Our child wants to do something in STEM (current TMPS magnet, both parents went to top college and expect the same of our kids). I listed only those three programs because we live in the DCC too far for the bus ride to Poolesville Global Ecology. Unless another magnet program would still have a good math/science education (RMIB?). We're really trying to understand the options here.)

As a DCC resident, you are not qualified to apply to the Poolesville magnet program.

I'm not familiar with the Wheaton programs, but people seem very happy with them. My DC has done very well at the Blair SMACS program - if your DC is highly motivated to study math and science, it's a great program.

I think Poolesville Global Ecology is open to anyone in MCPS. The rest of Poolesville is more limited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Families should know that kids can take a study hall rather than the 9th period...they do not need to have the longer day. This is a particularly good option for kids who do sports.

Yes, we have a friend doing that this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey, OP. I also have a 7th grader at TPMS looking at the same programs! (I'll bet we know each other). Additionally, I have a 9th grader (currently at Blair SMACS) who applied and got into Blair, RMIB, Wheaton BioMed & Engineering and CAP. Like a previous poster said, the decision should be made based on how your kid works (& practical factors). My eldest was also at TPMS magnet but is really an all arounder who is passionate about math. I thought RMIB would be the program for her, but the long commute plus friend upkeep (few friends were going there) plus lower math level plus rigid requirements all pushed her towards Blair. She also chose Blair over Wheaton for distance, flexibility, math & reputation. She is a type A kid and super studious, but Blair has been tough, and the extra period plus extensive and intense workload have taken their toll. My 2nd (currently 7th) is not as studious as her sister & less excited about school overall but more passionate about tech courses. She will apply for both Wheatons and Blair. If she gets into Blair, she will not take hardest paths & she will utilize older sis for help. She will not apply to RMIB because of the intense workload there + distance. We have a friend at Wheaton (Biomed) who is enjoying the program and doesn't seem as tapped out as my Blair kid. If #2 gets into Blair & Wheaton, she would probably take Blair due to distance and sibling being there, but I would be hoping that her enthusiasm for the subject matter would help her find the extra energy to tackle the extra work. I think she would enjoy Wheaton Engineering. (We went to info sessions on all the programs DD #1 got into, and they all seemed wonderful). #2 will probably also apply to CAP in case she doesn't get into the others (or if interests shift). All the programs will have more in-depth info sessions if your dc gets accepted. they are helpful. I found the most helpful was the student volunteers -- I asked our student guides tons of questions, & they were very candid. Good luck!

NP here. This is a really helpful post, thank you. I have a TPMS kid similar to your oldest. The kid is fast and focused and has never yet had to study much and has a deep love of learning, so on the one hand it's hard for me to believe that any high school program could be too much for him, but then on the other hand I hear all these stories about kids at RMIB and SMCS putting in so many hours of work and feeling under water -- it's worrisome. Because of commute time, I think RMIB is out for us. Is your oldest still happy with her SMCS decision? Were you surprised at how tough she found it, compared to her how easily she handled middle school and other things she does? Does she look at the CAP kids with longing and have any regret for not going with that program? I appreciate any insights!

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. To answer your questions:
Yes, she is still happy with her choice, but sometimes she doesn't like school, which is a new & scary thing. Even though her hardest class is math (she's in the Functions class), it's Comp Sci that seems to be getting her down and the overall long day. That's what I keep hearing "It's a long day."

I WAS surprised how tough she found it. I was prepared for the math to be tough for her but completely underestimated the toll of the longer day and extra class. She had the occasional late night for TPMS ACSL competition but that was pretty much it. Straight As w/ little work. She has all As now except for Functions. She works 1-4 hrs every night on homework now. Also has music instrument practice. Has tabled pretty much all other ECs this year.

I think the CAP kids have a little less work, but they have a lot too & the same long day. The seem to have a little more time for ECs. Hoping that next year will be a liittle more even paced. I asked her if she regretted choosing Blair over RM when she was complaining about Comp Sci, and she said No. She really loves the math (though it has been really stressful -- I think the Functions class is better suited for kids who already had Alg II or who did extra classes outside school), and she has found a love for Physics. Coming in, she loved math, liked Comp Sci (who doesn't love Ms Wu) and really didn't care much for science. Now, things have shifted, but there is flexibility in the later years of the program, moreso than RM, I think. Sometimes I think the tradeoff of the shorter day at RM for the longer busride would have been OK, but then we have friends at that program, and the workload there is really intense, so I think she made the best choice.

It is hard to say what the "right" choice is. My dd #1 loves math, history, music, theatre and creative writing. Her loves really lined her up w/ RM, but she is happy she didn't choose that commute and workload, and she has found that she really likes Physics, and Blair has some outstanding music programs. I think she also would have liked some of the CAP content. Some kids have a clear focus, so that may help (my 2nd does). The info sessions will help, and if you know who I am at this point, you and ds are welcome to come over and chat w/ me & dd!

Thanks again, this too was really helpful and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. (No, I don't know who you are, but I wish I did. ). I have a kid who went through/is going through CAP, so I thought I would share some information in case it helps your second kid. My CAP kid also finds the day long, and she certainly has sometimes had 4 hours of homework, but she often does no homework or only an hour. So, on average, I would say a couple of days with no homework (excluding what she did at school or on the bus), a couple of days with an hour of concentrated work (which she probably extends by snapchatting through it so she's actually in her room longer than an hour ostensibly studying), and 1 day of 2-4 hours (there are weeks where there are no days that go up to 4 hours, but sometimes, to get a paper done, she probably does 4 hours for a couple of days). The kid is efficient, and seems to get a lot of her non-CAP classes done during lunch. The difference for her may be that she is pretty much equally good in all subjects, so the math, science, foreign language classes do not take a lot of extra time, and much of the CAP work is done in groups during class. So, I really like the CAP program, and I have been pleasantly surprised that she has not spent an inordinate amount of time on homework.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey, OP. I also have a 7th grader at TPMS looking at the same programs! (I'll bet we know each other). Additionally, I have a 9th grader (currently at Blair SMACS) who applied and got into Blair, RMIB, Wheaton BioMed & Engineering and CAP. Like a previous poster said, the decision should be made based on how your kid works (& practical factors). My eldest was also at TPMS magnet but is really an all arounder who is passionate about math. I thought RMIB would be the program for her, but the long commute plus friend upkeep (few friends were going there) plus lower math level plus rigid requirements all pushed her towards Blair. She also chose Blair over Wheaton for distance, flexibility, math & reputation. She is a type A kid and super studious, but Blair has been tough, and the extra period plus extensive and intense workload have taken their toll. My 2nd (currently 7th) is not as studious as her sister & less excited about school overall but more passionate about tech courses. She will apply for both Wheatons and Blair. If she gets into Blair, she will not take hardest paths & she will utilize older sis for help. She will not apply to RMIB because of the intense workload there + distance. We have a friend at Wheaton (Biomed) who is enjoying the program and doesn't seem as tapped out as my Blair kid. If #2 gets into Blair & Wheaton, she would probably take Blair due to distance and sibling being there, but I would be hoping that her enthusiasm for the subject matter would help her find the extra energy to tackle the extra work. I think she would enjoy Wheaton Engineering. (We went to info sessions on all the programs DD #1 got into, and they all seemed wonderful). #2 will probably also apply to CAP in case she doesn't get into the others (or if interests shift). All the programs will have more in-depth info sessions if your dc gets accepted. they are helpful. I found the most helpful was the student volunteers -- I asked our student guides tons of questions, & they were very candid. Good luck!

NP here. This is a really helpful post, thank you. I have a TPMS kid similar to your oldest. The kid is fast and focused and has never yet had to study much and has a deep love of learning, so on the one hand it's hard for me to believe that any high school program could be too much for him, but then on the other hand I hear all these stories about kids at RMIB and SMCS putting in so many hours of work and feeling under water -- it's worrisome. Because of commute time, I think RMIB is out for us. Is your oldest still happy with her SMCS decision? Were you surprised at how tough she found it, compared to her how easily she handled middle school and other things she does? Does she look at the CAP kids with longing and have any regret for not going with that program? I appreciate any insights!

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. To answer your questions:
Yes, she is still happy with her choice, but sometimes she doesn't like school, which is a new & scary thing. Even though her hardest class is math (she's in the Functions class), it's Comp Sci that seems to be getting her down and the overall long day. That's what I keep hearing "It's a long day."

I WAS surprised how tough she found it. I was prepared for the math to be tough for her but completely underestimated the toll of the longer day and extra class. She had the occasional late night for TPMS ACSL competition but that was pretty much it. Straight As w/ little work. She has all As now except for Functions. She works 1-4 hrs every night on homework now. Also has music instrument practice. Has tabled pretty much all other ECs this year.

I think the CAP kids have a little less work, but they have a lot too & the same long day. The seem to have a little more time for ECs. Hoping that next year will be a liittle more even paced. I asked her if she regretted choosing Blair over RM when she was complaining about Comp Sci, and she said No. She really loves the math (though it has been really stressful -- I think the Functions class is better suited for kids who already had Alg II or who did extra classes outside school), and she has found a love for Physics. Coming in, she loved math, liked Comp Sci (who doesn't love Ms Wu) and really didn't care much for science. Now, things have shifted, but there is flexibility in the later years of the program, moreso than RM, I think. Sometimes I think the tradeoff of the shorter day at RM for the longer busride would have been OK, but then we have friends at that program, and the workload there is really intense, so I think she made the best choice.

It is hard to say what the "right" choice is. My dd #1 loves math, history, music, theatre and creative writing. Her loves really lined her up w/ RM, but she is happy she didn't choose that commute and workload, and she has found that she really likes Physics, and Blair has some outstanding music programs. I think she also would have liked some of the CAP content. Some kids have a clear focus, so that may help (my 2nd does). The info sessions will help, and if you know who I am at this point, you and ds are welcome to come over and chat w/ me & dd!

Thanks again, this too was really helpful and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. (No, I don't know who you are, but I wish I did. ). I have a kid who went through/is going through CAP, so I thought I would share some information in case it helps your second kid. My CAP kid also finds the day long, and she certainly has sometimes had 4 hours of homework, but she often does no homework or only an hour. So, on average, I would say a couple of days with no homework (excluding what she did at school or on the bus), a couple of days with an hour of concentrated work (which she probably extends by snapchatting through it so she's actually in her room longer than an hour ostensibly studying), and 1 day of 2-4 hours (there are weeks where there are no days that go up to 4 hours, but sometimes, to get a paper done, she probably does 4 hours for a couple of days). The kid is efficient, and seems to get a lot of her non-CAP classes done during lunch. The difference for her may be that she is pretty much equally good in all subjects, so the math, science, foreign language classes do not take a lot of extra time, and much of the CAP work is done in groups during class. So, I really like the CAP program, and I have been pleasantly surprised that she has not spent an inordinate amount of time on homework.

PP, here. You're very welcome, and thank YOU for the CAP info. I think #2 is really a STEM kid, but she is into theatre and creative writing, so I think she will also apply to CAP. This was very helpful. If you (or anyone else) ever want to meet up to chat about various HS programs, you can reach me by responding to any one of the messages about Books and Basketball on the listserv! I'm the parent heading that up.

[Anonymous]

Mcps magnets are now a social engineering crapshoot.

You’d be an idiot to move here because you liked and wanted the magnet program. Mcps wants you to shut up and stay at your home schools and spin the lotto for magnets and enjoy your two hour commute to/from school each day if you choose to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mcps magnets are now a social engineering crapshoot.

You’d be an idiot to move here because you liked and wanted the magnet program. Mcps wants you to shut up and stay at your home schools and spin the lotto for magnets and enjoy your two hour commute to/from school each day if you choose to go.

Let me guess: your precious snowflake didn't make it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mcps magnets are now a social engineering crapshoot.

You’d be an idiot to move here because you liked and wanted the magnet program. Mcps wants you to shut up and stay at your home schools and spin the lotto for magnets and enjoy your two hour commute to/from school each day if you choose to go.

Let me guess: your precious snowflake didn't make it.

I suspect no because pp is in wrong group

[Anonymous]

OP here. So ... back to the original question: If a student applied to, and was accepted in, all of Blair SMACS, Wheaton Engineering, and Wheaton Biomed, which would you choose and why?

Can anyone give an answer without referring to whether magnets are good/bad or whether a student should want to limit themselves to STEM?

So far, all I've seen on topic basically says choose Blair SMACS because it's more competitive, has higher top-college admission rates, and has been around longer. All very good points. Maybe the answer is just go with the "best" as marketed.

Are there any arguments for the other two (or among the other two)? Again, presuming a student is accepted to all three and has an actual choice....

[Anonymous]

Have two in the Blair SMACS who both applied and got into Wheaton Engineering. First off, listen to your kids' opinions when you visit the schools. For one of ours, we really liked Wheaton. If it were just me deciding, he would have gone to Wheaton instead of Blair - the child is much more of a project-based, hands on learner and I thought he'd get more support there. At Blair, he's definitely on the lower end of the magnet cohort in terms of grades. BUT, he has found his niche and really loves it. He made the decision based on the fact that he wanted both strong comp sci and math/physics. At Wheaton, he couldn't get both since they have the 7-period day. My other one actually almost chose Wheaton - he loved it more than Blair at the open house - it felt calmer and smaller. But he went into this thing knowing that he wants math as fast and furious as he can get it (he takes extra math classes on his own over the summer). He LOVES functions - even with the extra work. I think, ultimately, the math acceleration, peer group and many electives, along with his brother already being at Blair sealed the deal.

I know many families with children at Wheaton Engineering and they are all really happy with the program and the school. I don't think you can go wrong there. With the kids, I do think it has a bit of a reputation of being the school where the kids who didn't get into Blair Magnet go.

In terms of college stuff - we're not there yet. But I have no doubt that my older one will get into a good school - not a top school. He just doesn't have the academic drive (extra curriculurs and sleep are more important to him). I am certain that he will be fine and find a good college that works for him. But don't go into Blair with the idea that it is just a ticket to a top school. There are only a couple who will get into those top tier from each school. Also, if you have a child more like my older one, then know that there will be some "putting self down" stuff that you'll likely encounter. Mine has what I consider a great SAT score - but he thinks it's terrible b/c it's not what the other "magnets" have gotten.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. So ... back to the original question: If a student applied to, and was accepted in, all of Blair SMACS, Wheaton Engineering, and Wheaton Biomed, which would you choose and why?

Can anyone give an answer without referring to whether magnets are good/bad or whether a student should want to limit themselves to STEM?

So far, all I've seen on topic basically says choose Blair SMACS because it's more competitive, has higher top-college admission rates, and has been around longer. All very good points. Maybe the answer is just go with the "best" as marketed.

Are there any arguments for the other two (or among the other two)? Again, presuming a student is accepted to all three and has an actual choice....

Well, does the 8th grader know if he or she wants to become an engineer, or do biomedical sciences? It would seem that those two programs have a more precise focus.