Mistake to move out of Whitman cluster?

[Anonymous]

What gives Whitman its reputation as the best or among the top? Better teachers? Better or more offerings? Or is it just the environment of more serious students (because of having more academic parents) or the test scores?

Last weekend I mentioned to 2 people (who both incidently have kids at WJ) I was considering the WJ district instead of Whitman and they both said "Why? Whitman is the best." So I'm really confused.

Is Whitman high pressure for everyone? Or can some kids feel comfortable and just enjoy the learning process?

[Anonymous]

OP, I went to Whitman. It is only a school. Nothing spectacular. Live where you want.

[Anonymous]

I also went to Whitman and agree with PP. It is just a school and your child will be offered great education. Same for WJ, BCC, Wooton and Churchill - all good.

It's like asking, "Which is a better car, a BMW or a Mercedes?" - in the end, it's just a matter of opinion. BTW, I drive a Honda Odyssey.

However, if you buy a house in the Whitman district, it will most likely retain its value better than the other school districts. Maybe b/c it is closer into town, or maybe because people think Whitman is better. I have friends that live on the boundary between between WJ and Whitman. Literally, the houses across the street are $100k difference in price, just b/c of the school district.

[Anonymous]

I think a lot has to do with your definition of the word "Best." If it means high test scores, most prestigious colleges, etc that is one thing. If it means full quality of life (for family, siblings, etc), reaching personal goals, etc, it's another. Just something to think about...

[Anonymous]

Are you saying that a family can't live in the Whitman district and have both -- a full life and a high school with high test scores? Because I'd dispute that.

[Anonymous]

Is Whitman high pressure for everyone? Or can some kids feel comfortable and just enjoy the learning process?

I had a very laid back son graduate from Whitman. He is bright enough but wasn't particulary concerned about academics and was not at all competitive. He dabbled in cross country and JV wrestling. As for academics, Whitman was a plus. He was able to pick the exact level of class that was at his comfort level.
For example in his junior year he took honors english, grade-level chemistry, grade-level alegbra 2, and AP history. The public schools are a real advantage in that they offer about 3 to 4 level of most classes for students to select from. He had no extra-curricular activities so to speak. When it came time to apply to college, he choose the big state schools (penn state, delaware, maryland, virg tech, james madison) and some smaller ones. He got into every college he applied to except one (wait-listed) and attended a private college. He did great at college and said Whitman prepared him very well and is now successfully employed with health insurance.

At the time he was attending Whitman, I was worried because he did not have a lot of activities. In retrospect, I respect him for finding his own way in a very competitive school and enjoying it in the process.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine who teaches at Whitman recently told me that if she had kids and lived in Montgomery Co., she would probably choose the WJ or BCC districts in which to live. She thought they are more "down to earth". While she thinks Whitman is stellar and that the teachers are really dedicated, she said there is a definite "attitude" and that it really doesn't feel like real world. It's appalling to hear how she is treated by some parents and students. She has obviously had to develop a thick skin!