Moving - Middle School Advice

[Anonymous]

Loiederman is the creative and performing arts magnet school and has a great orchestra and band program. I don't think they have the coding classes tho.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

neuropoetry wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is what you are looking for, but TPMS has one of the strongest orchestra teachers in the county, and is generally regarded as one of the best-run schools from an administrative standpoint. It houses the STEM magnet for the middle school level in down-county, which means it has active robotics clubs and other options that might not be as robust in other schools.

The fact that you are looking only at Bethesda suggests you've already decided against the eastern part of the county, but just in case you are still open to other options - Takoma Park fits your stated goals pretty ideally.

We are very open minded but I'm concerned about commuting distances. We have been focusing in on Bethesda, northern DC area, Potomac, parts of Rockville/North Bethesda and Takoma Park. Not being from the area, I'm a little afraid that the commute from Takoma Park to Bethesda will not be pleasant. Is it doable?

Yes, Takoma Park to Bethesda is doable. In a few years the Purple Line will be another option.

Rush hour-wise, TKPK to Bethesda is a little better than those other areas you mention because you’re going “across,” while most of those others are likely to get caught up in the into/out of DC traffic. There are plenty of smaller roads that don’t require getting on the Beltway or other major artery. Downtown Silver Spring is also zoned for TPMS, and that would get you a bit closer to Bethesda.

Also, highly recommend TPMS for the interests and strengths you outlined. It’s really a perfect fit, even if you’re too late to apply for the magnet. He can still take advantage of the clubs and extracurriculars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My almost 6th grader just had orientation for the fall at Silver Creek Middle School (not zoned for Bethesda, and maybe not the side of town you want), but here’s what their program is:

Advanced English - they supposedly differentiate within the class for higher and lower levels but I doubt that as I don’t see it happening in 5th grade
SS is a version of ancient world - they have an honors SS course but you must be invited by the “district” and they use standardized testing and other data that you as a parent don’t know about.
Math - tracked from 3rd grade - it appears if you are on level in math you’ll only be able to test out a bit by 7th grade though I am still unclear on that
Foreign Lang - Spanish or French
Electives - choice of orchestra, chorus, or band (full year), or a split year of digital art/regular art coupled with an engineering/ STEM something

OP, hear me.
I just moved here from Bergen County and I’m also an educator in secondary education. This is a different animal here. The academics are decent but it’s very poorly run. Go private or stay in Westchester. We are already looking to move out of the DMV as it’s honestly just not a good fit for any of us.

Best of luck to you!

First of all Silver Creek takes students from Chevy Chase and feeds to Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, so it’s odd to say to it’s not zoned for Bethesda.

Second of all, it’s sort of silly to compare Bergen county, which has something like 50 or 75 different school districts, each of which might have as little as one school and 160 kids, to Montgomery county, which is one of the largest districts in the country with over 200 schools and over 150,000 kids and say you think MCPS is just poorly run. For better or worse, they are just entirely different things and things that might seem “poorly run” to you might actually be a function of those very different scales.
.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My almost 6th grader just had orientation for the fall at Silver Creek Middle School (not zoned for Bethesda, and maybe not the side of town you want), but here’s what their program is:

Advanced English - they supposedly differentiate within the class for higher and lower levels but I doubt that as I don’t see it happening in 5th grade
SS is a version of ancient world - they have an honors SS course but you must be invited by the “district” and they use standardized testing and other data that you as a parent don’t know about.
Math - tracked from 3rd grade - it appears if you are on level in math you’ll only be able to test out a bit by 7th grade though I am still unclear on that
Foreign Lang - Spanish or French
Electives - choice of orchestra, chorus, or band (full year), or a split year of digital art/regular art coupled with an engineering/ STEM something

OP, hear me.
I just moved here from Bergen County and I’m also an educator in secondary education. This is a different animal here. The academics are decent but it’s very poorly run. Go private or stay in Westchester. We are already looking to move out of the DMV as it’s honestly just not a good fit for any of us.

Best of luck to you!

First of all Silver Creek takes students from Chevy Chase and feeds to Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, so it’s odd to say to it’s not zoned for Bethesda.

Second of all, it’s sort of silly to compare Bergen county, which has something like 50 or 75 different school districts, each of which might have as little as one school and 160 kids, to Montgomery county, which is one of the largest districts in the country with over 200 schools and over 150,000 kids and say you think MCPS is just poorly run. For better or worse, they are just entirely different things and things that might seem “poorly run” to you might actually be a function of those very different scales.
.

I think you misunderstood my point. OP asked about Middle school offerings in middle schools in the Bethesda area. I included offerings for SCMS which is not zoned for the western areas of Bethesda she indicated they were looking at. So I’m not sure how I’m technically wrong.

I was also not comparing Bergen to MCPS, but rather that Bergen and Westchester have many similarities that will not be replicated in any way in MCPS due to size and the way it runs as a result of its size. This is important for OP to know if she’s expecting to get the same product. And maybe OP isn’t expecting it to be the same, not wants the same. But I do think it’s worth stating so OP moves with clear eyes and expectations.

I also provided

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

neuropoetry wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is what you are looking for, but TPMS has one of the strongest orchestra teachers in the county, and is generally regarded as one of the best-run schools from an administrative standpoint. It houses the STEM magnet for the middle school level in down-county, which means it has active robotics clubs and other options that might not be as robust in other schools.

The fact that you are looking only at Bethesda suggests you've already decided against the eastern part of the county, but just in case you are still open to other options - Takoma Park fits your stated goals pretty ideally.

We are very open minded but I'm concerned about commuting distances. We have been focusing in on Bethesda, northern DC area, Potomac, parts of Rockville/North Bethesda and Takoma Park. Not being from the area, I'm a little afraid that the commute from Takoma Park to Bethesda will not be pleasant. Is it doable?

Yes, Takoma Park to Bethesda is doable. In a few years the Purple Line will be another option.

Rush hour-wise, TKPK to Bethesda is a little better than those other areas you mention because you’re going “across,” while most of those others are likely to get caught up in the into/out of DC traffic. There are plenty of smaller roads that don’t require getting on the Beltway or other major artery. Downtown Silver Spring is also zoned for TPMS, and that would get you a bit closer to Bethesda.

Also, highly recommend TPMS for the interests and strengths you outlined. It’s really a perfect fit, even if you’re too late to apply for the magnet. He can still take advantage of the clubs and extracurriculars.

I'm the PP who mentioned TPMS and agree that the commute is fine, assuming you are going to downtown Bethesda. From my house in DTSS (zoned for TPMS and Blair) to downtown Bethesda would probably take 20 minutes on E-W Highway even with traffic. Once the Purple Line is in, I would walk 10 minutes to the Silver Spring Library and pick up the train, which I am guessing would take no longer than 10 minutes.

I mean, it's one more option if it appeals to you. For HS, one of the Bethesda schools will get you a more universally UMC peer group, but Blair is well-run and the presence of the STEM magnet means there are tons of extracurricular opportunities for a science-y kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Loiederman is the creative and performing arts magnet school and has a great orchestra and band program. I don't think they have the coding classes tho.

I love Loiderman, but this is TERRIBLE advice for someone looking for a high quality orchestra program. Just rotten advice. At the MS level, the best orchestras are going to be the ones with enough kids who have been playing since they were in early elementary (at least) to make up an ensemble and to justify a separate teaching section.

Loiderman, which is lovely in many ways, does not draw from a student demographic with those opportunities. The most dedicated orchestra instructor in the world cannot take a bunch of kids who've had once-a-week instruction since 4th grade and teach them at the level of kids who have been receiving private instruction + youth orchestra opportunities since pre-K.

[Anonymous]

I would never move my kids out of a wealthy westchester county district to mcps. Consider your move carefully OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My almost 6th grader just had orientation for the fall at Silver Creek Middle School (not zoned for Bethesda, and maybe not the side of town you want), but here’s what their program is:

Advanced English - they supposedly differentiate within the class for higher and lower levels but I doubt that as I don’t see it happening in 5th grade
SS is a version of ancient world - they have an honors SS course but you must be invited by the “district” and they use standardized testing and other data that you as a parent don’t know about.
Math - tracked from 3rd grade - it appears if you are on level in math you’ll only be able to test out a bit by 7th grade though I am still unclear on that
Foreign Lang - Spanish or French
Electives - choice of orchestra, chorus, or band (full year), or a split year of digital art/regular art coupled with an engineering/ STEM something

OP, hear me.
I just moved here from Bergen County and I’m also an educator in secondary education. This is a different animal here. The academics are decent but it’s very poorly run. Go private or stay in Westchester. We are already looking to move out of the DMV as it’s honestly just not a good fit for any of us.

Best of luck to you!

First of all Silver Creek takes students from Chevy Chase and feeds to Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, so it’s odd to say to it’s not zoned for Bethesda.

Second of all, it’s sort of silly to compare Bergen county, which has something like 50 or 75 different school districts, each of which might have as little as one school and 160 kids, to Montgomery county, which is one of the largest districts in the country with over 200 schools and over 150,000 kids and say you think MCPS is just poorly run. For better or worse, they are just entirely different things and things that might seem “poorly run” to you might actually be a function of those very different scales.
.

I think you misunderstood my point. OP asked about Middle school offerings in middle schools in the Bethesda area. I included offerings for SCMS which is not zoned for the western areas of Bethesda she indicated they were looking at. So I’m not sure how I’m technically wrong.

I was also not comparing Bergen to MCPS, but rather that Bergen and Westchester have many similarities that will not be replicated in any way in MCPS due to size and the way it runs as a result of its size. This is important for OP to know if she’s expecting to get the same product. And maybe OP isn’t expecting it to be the same, not wants the same. But I do think it’s worth stating so OP moves with clear eyes and expectations.

I also provided

Nice attempt at cleanup but nowhere did OP indicate she was looking at the “western areas of Bethesda” and if you wanted to indicate that the are differences between small districts like Bergen county and large districts like MCPS there are surely more helpful and thoughtful ways to do so than to say in MCPS academics are fine but it’s poorly run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Loiederman is the creative and performing arts magnet school and has a great orchestra and band program. I don't think they have the coding classes tho.

I love Loiderman, but this is TERRIBLE advice for someone looking for a high quality orchestra program. Just rotten advice. At the MS level, the best orchestras are going to be the ones with enough kids who have been playing since they were in early elementary (at least) to make up an ensemble and to justify a separate teaching section.

Loiderman, which is lovely in many ways, does not draw from a student demographic with those opportunities. The most dedicated orchestra instructor in the world cannot take a bunch of kids who've had once-a-week instruction since 4th grade and teach them at the level of kids who have been receiving private instruction + youth orchestra opportunities since pre-K.

+1. I'm laughing at the idea that anybody moving from westchester cty would even consider Loiderman anyway.

There are county-wide honor orchestras for older MS students and high school students. Get your hands on a list of participants by school and you'll know which schools have the most students taking private lessons. In general this will be correlated by wealth of student body. All MS have string and band. In some schools there aren't enough kids to do a separate strings and band class, they would be mixed. You'd have to talk to the band director at each school to determine if they offer separate sections. Or ask here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My almost 6th grader just had orientation for the fall at Silver Creek Middle School (not zoned for Bethesda, and maybe not the side of town you want), but here’s what their program is:

Advanced English - they supposedly differentiate within the class for higher and lower levels but I doubt that as I don’t see it happening in 5th grade
SS is a version of ancient world - they have an honors SS course but you must be invited by the “district” and they use standardized testing and other data that you as a parent don’t know about.
Math - tracked from 3rd grade - it appears if you are on level in math you’ll only be able to test out a bit by 7th grade though I am still unclear on that
Foreign Lang - Spanish or French
Electives - choice of orchestra, chorus, or band (full year), or a split year of digital art/regular art coupled with an engineering/ STEM something

OP, hear me.
I just moved here from Bergen County and I’m also an educator in secondary education. This is a different animal here. The academics are decent but it’s very poorly run. Go private or stay in Westchester. We are already looking to move out of the DMV as it’s honestly just not a good fit for any of us.

Best of luck to you!

First of all Silver Creek takes students from Chevy Chase and feeds to Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, so it’s odd to say to it’s not zoned for Bethesda.

Second of all, it’s sort of silly to compare Bergen county, which has something like 50 or 75 different school districts, each of which might have as little as one school and 160 kids, to Montgomery county, which is one of the largest districts in the country with over 200 schools and over 150,000 kids and say you think MCPS is just poorly run. For better or worse, they are just entirely different things and things that might seem “poorly run” to you might actually be a function of those very different scales.
.

I think you misunderstood my point. OP asked about Middle school offerings in middle schools in the Bethesda area. I included offerings for SCMS which is not zoned for the western areas of Bethesda she indicated they were looking at. So I’m not sure how I’m technically wrong.

I was also not comparing Bergen to MCPS, but rather that Bergen and Westchester have many similarities that will not be replicated in any way in MCPS due to size and the way it runs as a result of its size. This is important for OP to know if she’s expecting to get the same product. And maybe OP isn’t expecting it to be the same, not wants the same. But I do think it’s worth stating so OP moves with clear eyes and expectations.

I also provided

Nice attempt at cleanup but nowhere did OP indicate she was looking at the “western areas of Bethesda” and if you wanted to indicate that the are differences between small districts like Bergen county and large districts like MCPS there are surely more helpful and thoughtful ways to do so than to say in MCPS academics are fine but it’s poorly run.

OP did indicate western Bethesda in a follow up post. Feel free to go back and find it on page 1

I won’t hijack this thread from OP getting the info he/she wants, but if you want to die on the MCPS sword, be my guest. I truly was trying to be polite in what I originally wrote. My opinion is that it is poorly run. You’re also entitled to yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Takoma Park middle school

OP said Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t base middle school choice on who has the best orchestra program. Just have your child audition for and join the MCYO, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra at Strathmore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Takoma Park middle school

OP said Bethesda.

OP said "We have been focusing in on Bethesda, northern DC area, Potomac, parts of Rockville/North Bethesda and Takoma Park."

[Anonymous]

If you’re looking at Rockville OP, Julius West MS has a great orchestra program. The administration, especially the principal and teachers we’ve had so far are fantastic. Very responsive when we’ve had questions and have done an excellent job with communications to the parents. DL has presented some issues but it’s gone smoothly (as much as it can under the circumstances). Good luck with your search OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would never move my kids out of a wealthy westchester county district to mcps. Consider your move carefully OP.

LOL
Even though Westchester county has Many schools districts compare to just 1 for MoCo (MCPS), if you look at USNews top 200 Schools, 4 are in MoCo (MCPS) compare to 3 in westchester county which has several schools districts.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings