Takoma Park vs. Silver Spring ES and MS....how important is the MS before HS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, in the case of Eastern MS vs. Takoma MS, if you were in the Eastern area and child did not make magnet, would a private school (catholic) be better? this has delayed our move due to the MS issue, I like that neighborhood better for ME, but the school is better here for the kids, I just do not like the street I live on (all the houses are group houses/apartments/etc. so we do not know any of our immediate neighbors, I literally wouldnt recognize them)...thanks for any info

It would depend on the Catholic school, I suppose. St. Bernadette's in Silver Spring has a good reputation, but I believe it's hard to get into because of demand.

It used to be hard to get into. Not so much now.

It's a mediocre school.

[Anonymous]

How does St. Bernadette's compare to Eastern MS?

[Anonymous]

"There are three ways to get into Blair:

(1) It's your home school.
(2) Lottery. In the fall of the year before entry, you go to your local school and fill out some forms to enter into the consortium for a different school. You list your first 2, maybe your first 3, schools. They let you know in the spring. I don't know what the odds of getting in from the lottery are.
(3) Magnet programs. There are two test-entry programs at Blair. These are the math/science magnet, and the CAP (communication arts) program. For both, you apply in the fall before entry, by filling out forms and completing essays, and then you take a test in December. You get the results in March. "


How do you get Blair to be your "home school?" Every address I put into the MCPS locator just says the consortium and not just Blair...

http://gis.mcpsmd.org/gis/PublicLocator2.asp

[Anonymous]

PP, not sure what you're seeing, but the locator does tell you the base school assignment. E.g., when I put in an address for a home I know is zoned for Blair, this is what comes up:

Cluster/Consortium

Downcounty Consortium | More..

High School

Downcounty Consortium - Base School:Blair HS - Choice Process (See Special Note Below) | More..

Middle School

Eastern MS | More..

Elementary School

Montgomery Knolls ES | More..
Pine Crest ES | More..

[Anonymous]

Oh I see where it says that! Thanks! So you would be guaranteed your base school?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you are guaranteed your base school if you list it as your first choice.