MacArthur feeder panic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

But if you have a school within a school or magnet schools/programs, than no it is not that big or feel that big.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

But if you have a school within a school or magnet schools/programs, than no it is not that big or feel that big.

I think that's true for classes depending on how the school is set up, but a vast array of extracurriculars is often not all it's cracked up to be at a huge school with only kids with prior experience/expertise can actually make any of the teams because of participation limits. Big schools typically don't get more roster spots, so more extracurriculars may be way less accessible than fewer at a small school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

But if you have a school within a school or magnet schools/programs, than no it is not that big or feel that big.

But there is still just one theatre play. One XYZ team to try out for. One robotics club. etc. in a school of 3,000. If instead you have 4 schools of ~800, that many more kids get to experience teaams, leadership roles, leads in plays. It would be so much better not to have these "cheaper" mega schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

You realize most students at the big schools are not in the magnet programs? And while you may have more offerings, you may then have limitations necessary for getting in and staying in the magnet program.

But the main point is that while taking Portuguese or 4 physics APs may be nice, their is no meaningful educational advantage to that for the vast, vast majority of students. You will make progress towards the same goals taking Spanish and AP Bio, AP Chem, AP CS, etc.

Meanwhile, there are real downsides to going to a school with thousands of other kids and hundreds of teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Eh sports academies definitely care about the academics. Most d1 schools can only hide one or two real idiots before their APR dips into unacceptable ranges, and even the average d1 athlete is expected to go to class and at least get Cs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Eh sports academies definitely care about the academics. Most d1 schools can only hide one or two real idiots before their APR dips into unacceptable ranges, and even the average d1 athlete is expected to go to class and at least get Cs

Nobody sends their kid to IMG because of the academics. IMG offers classes, but honestly, nobody cares how "good" they are. Obviously, the new St James Academy that offers just virtual classes for 4 hours per day, doesn't care much about academics...and the parents sending their kids to the school don't care much either.

Do you know any Power 4 athletes in revenue sports? You think their coaches care what classes they take, or if they attend (honestly, they are expected to train 60 hours per week)? They have people who take care of that for the athletes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Eh sports academies definitely care about the academics. Most d1 schools can only hide one or two real idiots before their APR dips into unacceptable ranges, and even the average d1 athlete is expected to go to class and at least get Cs

Nobody sends their kid to IMG because of the academics. IMG offers classes, but honestly, nobody cares how "good" they are. Obviously, the new St James Academy that offers just virtual classes for 4 hours per day, doesn't care much about academics...and the parents sending their kids to the school don't care much either.

Do you know any Power 4 athletes in revenue sports? You think their coaches care what classes they take, or if they attend (honestly, they are expected to train 60 hours per week)? They have people who take care of that for the athletes.

Yeah actually, I was an athlete at one p5 school and worked at two others, two of which expected conference championships and deep tourney runs in most sports, Coaches would do class checks (and continue to do them mostly everywhere, it’s part of what quality control coaches and GAs are for). You would definitely get pushed into an easier major, and there are pretty strict rules about not taking classes that end after 4 pm, but the penalties for having kids who don’t get at least c’s are pretty severe and really, it’s not that hard to do. One reason you need normies and end of bench guys to graduate is if you do have a bunch of one and dones.

Oh btw you can’t train 60 hours a week. You train maybe 10, less in season because you’re useless if you’re not available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Come on, there's no shortage of evidence that many if not most Ellington grads struggle as adults. I'd much rather have my serious-about-the-arts kids playing at Strathmore in MCYO (4th year for the eldest, 1st year for younger sib) while attending a public school with good facilities and serious academics, however large.

We bailed on DCPS after Deal. I'd kill for a high octane IB Diploma program in DC that I had access to, like in MoCo or VA. It wouldn't trouble me in the least that most of the other students in the school wouldn't be taking the full IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

But if you have a school within a school or magnet schools/programs, than no it is not that big or feel that big.

Not sure why you assume every DCUM kid will get into a magnet or opt for IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Come on, there's no shortage of evidence that many if not most Ellington grads struggle as adults. I'd much rather have my serious-about-the-arts kids playing at Strathmore in MCYO (4th year for the eldest, 1st year for younger sib) while attending a public school with good facilities and serious academics, however large.

We bailed on DCPS after Deal. I'd kill for a high octane IB Diploma program in DC that I had access to, like in MoCo or VA. It wouldn't trouble me in the least that most of the other students in the school wouldn't be taking the full IB.

You bailed so your opinion is not welcome here or illustrative of anything other than the constant, wearying insecurity and maximizing of DCUM parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Eh sports academies definitely care about the academics. Most d1 schools can only hide one or two real idiots before their APR dips into unacceptable ranges, and even the average d1 athlete is expected to go to class and at least get Cs

Nobody sends their kid to IMG because of the academics. IMG offers classes, but honestly, nobody cares how "good" they are. Obviously, the new St James Academy that offers just virtual classes for 4 hours per day, doesn't care much about academics...and the parents sending their kids to the school don't care much either.

Do you know any Power 4 athletes in revenue sports? You think their coaches care what classes they take, or if they attend (honestly, they are expected to train 60 hours per week)? They have people who take care of that for the athletes.

Yeah actually, I was an athlete at one p5 school and worked at two others, two of which expected conference championships and deep tourney runs in most sports, Coaches would do class checks (and continue to do them mostly everywhere, it’s part of what quality control coaches and GAs are for). You would definitely get pushed into an easier major, and there are pretty strict rules about not taking classes that end after 4 pm, but the penalties for having kids who don’t get at least c’s are pretty severe and really, it’s not that hard to do. One reason you need normies and end of bench guys to graduate is if you do have a bunch of one and dones.

Oh btw you can’t train 60 hours a week. You train maybe 10, less in season because you’re useless if you’re not available.

Your experience from 20+ years ago isn't relevant anymore...not even close. The most obvious, is that it's only Power 4 conferences these days.

I literally know a player on the UTK baseball team and he basically never attends class. He is in fact training 6 days per week, nearly 60 hours. He hopes/expects to be an MLB draft pick. Baseball is a revenue sport at UTK (not at many others)...he said it isn't much different for basketball and football players.

No coaches are doing class checks...also, what are you talking about training 10 hours per week in season?

There is too much $$$s in college sports these days. BTW, here is a recent interview with the U Miami QB:

Reporter: "Did you have class yesterday"
Carson Beck: "No class. I graduated two years ago."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But suburban high schools tend to have much better facilities than we have in DC. They also offer test-in school-within-a-school programs in many cases, e.g. well-established International Baccalaureate programs. They have partnerships with vocational/career high schools for enrichment so students in academic programs can access hands-on classes. The big high schools often teach half a dozen language to AP level and offer a vast array of strong extra-curriculars.'

I'd be OK with a giant HS in the District it offered all that!

Research says a 800 student school, with a medium array of extracurriculars but with a community feel, results in a better high school experience than huge size and a "vast array" of extracurriculars.

But huge is cheaper, so that's what happens.

Whose research? There are many obvious reasons to go with a large high school. We have suburban friends whose public-school teens study languages not taught at the advanced level in DCPC or DCPS (Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and more). These kids can take APs not taught in DC public schools because there's a critical mass of schools in these schools to handle the subjects, e.g. all 4 AP Physics exams. They can also play in fine orchestras and bands or perform in serious productions at school without having to attend a high school for the arts with middling academics like Duke Ellington to do it. Many of these students are enrolled in school-within-a-school academic magnet programs with a community feel, e.g. the IB Diploma programs at Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee, or the stellar Blair Montgomery magnets (one for humanities, the other for STEM).

Ellington is leagues above any DMV school if you have a kid serious about the Arts and is looking to make a professional career from it.

I don’t hear of anyone much caring about the academics of LaGuardia or other notable performing arts high schools. Similarly, nobody much cares about the academics of sports academy high schools churning out pro and D1 athletes.

Nobody who plans to make a career of music (outside of popular music) just plays in their public HS orchestra. They all play for non-HS competitive youth orchestras.

Come on, there's no shortage of evidence that many if not most Ellington grads struggle as adults. I'd much rather have my serious-about-the-arts kids playing at Strathmore in MCYO (4th year for the eldest, 1st year for younger sib) while attending a public school with good facilities and serious academics, however large.

We bailed on DCPS after Deal. I'd kill for a high octane IB Diploma program in DC that I had access to, like in MoCo or VA. It wouldn't trouble me in the least that most of the other students in the school wouldn't be taking the full IB.

Nearly all artists struggle as adults. What a strange comment...it's an incredibly tough business. Even "successful" artists working on broadway can struggle.

For every Dave Chapelle or Denyce Graves, there will be 100 struggling artists...BTW, similar types of ratios for Julliard or Berklee Music Grads.