Schools in Gaithersburg

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

This lie gets repeated over and over on DCUM (not sure why) but it is not true at all. I’ve had kids at various schools and it’s not been our experience. Some schools seem to hold the kids more accountable for their work, teachers offer better feedback. And some schools take a much more lax approach.

Also, ‘minor demographic differences’? That is obviously a lie, otherwise people wouldn’t have been pushing for diversity busing and boundary changes in the name of equity. There are some schools that are vastly different from others when you looks at demographics.

Actually it's the truth but sure real estate agents hate it when this gets out.

Saying all MCPS is the same might be true from the MCPS administration standpoint, but not as a parent. I'm glad you're taking the time to find the right fit for your kids. You can google old newspaper articles and make your own family decisions.

Here are two profiles you can compare.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04510.pdf
https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04551.pdf

Since QO was mentioned, here is that profile as well:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04125.pdf

Good luck on your house hunt!

An interesting Data point:
Graduation Rate: 80%, 88%, 91%

Thanks about it, out of these 3 numbers, which % of graduation rate is acceptable to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

This lie gets repeated over and over on DCUM (not sure why) but it is not true at all. I’ve had kids at various schools and it’s not been our experience. Some schools seem to hold the kids more accountable for their work, teachers offer better feedback. And some schools take a much more lax approach.

Also, ‘minor demographic differences’? That is obviously a lie, otherwise people wouldn’t have been pushing for diversity busing and boundary changes in the name of equity. There are some schools that are vastly different from others when you looks at demographics.

Actually it's the truth but sure real estate agents hate it when this gets out.

Saying all MCPS is the same might be true from the MCPS administration standpoint, but not as a parent. I'm glad you're taking the time to find the right fit for your kids. You can google old newspaper articles and make your own family decisions.

Here are two profiles you can compare.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04510.pdf
https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04551.pdf

Since QO was mentioned, here is that profile as well:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04125.pdf

Good luck on your house hunt!

An interesting Data point:
Graduation Rate: 80%, 88%, 91%

Thanks about it, out of these 3 numbers, which % of graduation rate is acceptable to you?

But it's not like the same kid will do worse at one school than the other. Sure, one school may have higher FARMS so some kids do worse there but it's not like that's contagious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No. Actually AP English in a Magnet is much different than AP English at a non-Magnet HS, depending on the high school. I am in a unique situation with twins. Some teachers are experienced and know exactly how to prepare the kids for the AP exam and help them with study skills, etc. And some teachers barely offer feedback.

Also, your experience in Magnets (CES / Magnet MS) is much difference than the average MCPS student.

That's not true. My son is in the magnet program at Blair and is currently taking AP English and it is just that in fact, the majority of people in the class are non-magnet students. Go figure.

That’s great. But that’s not the point.

The point is that an AP English (or AP Gov or whatever) class at Gaithersburg is going to be much different than an AP English class at Blair. Gaithersburg HS does not have the same SMACS Magnet program that Blair has.

Just look at the numbers. How many kids get a 5 on their AP Gov test at Gaithersburg HS versus at Blair HS? That tells the whole story.

Again, your experience with Magnet programs is much different than what an average MCPS student will experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No, AP English is not AP English. Check out the variation in pass rates between schools and realize that schools with small academic cohorts end up with kids who are below grade level placed in AP classes due to staffing shortages. - AP teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No, AP English is not AP English. Check out the variation in pass rates between schools and realize that schools with small academic cohorts end up with kids who are below grade level placed in AP classes due to staffing shortages. - AP teacher

Yes to this.

The high schools just put kids in AP English even if they are not prepared to be in the class. And also because there are not enough teachers.

It brings down the level of discussion and the level of instruction in the class.

AP classes are not the same all over the district. A larger cohort of higher-achieving kids means a better experience in AP classes.

Look at pass rates and there is a definite difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quince Orchard has always been the most outstanding high school as far as school spirit, academics, and athletics. Stay the hell away from Gaithersbug Middle and Gaithersbug High. MCPS won’t admit it but they can’t pay teachers to go there.

I second that!

[Anonymous]

Magruder high school can be a great experience but you have to be strategic. Most of the high achieving kids live in neighborhoods that feed into Candlewood ES or Sequoyah ES. These are strong cohorts of relatively high achieving peer groups that maintain strong bonds into Shady Grove MS and Magruder HS. Mill Creek Towne ES benefits from having the gifted and talented program, but many students in the gen Ed programs there can struggle a bit. Avoid Flower Hill ES.

At Shady Grove MS, push to get into the global humanities program. At Magruder push to get into the PEAC program. Again this will help to maintain strong sense of high achieving co-Horts. The lower achieving students will have less interaction with these students.

I am generalizing, but most posters here have very little experience with the Magruder area.

I live in Derwood and teach in the schools here. My kids have been very happy. I enjoy the nice mix of trees lots, affordability and easy access to the Rockville and Gaithersburg.

[Anonymous]

To the OP - I would also read the MCPS School Safety at a Glance report.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/SafetyGlance/currentyear/SafetyGlance2020.pdf

I think you'll see a bigger difference in the schools than perhaps mentioned on this thread.

[Anonymous]

By the time the kids get to high school, the academic programs (which there is a great variety) are pretty much similar. There might be some differences in the Academies. For example, Gaithersburg has the Academy of Finance and another school might not have it but overall, I pretty much think MCPS does a great job regardless of the school. It's the school spirit, clubs, and sports capabilities that are going to differ. You have to consider the social aspect as well. Some kids might feel more isolated if they feel like there are not enough kids who are like them to form a good peer/social group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No. Actually AP English in a Magnet is much different than AP English at a non-Magnet HS, depending on the high school. I am in a unique situation with twins. Some teachers are experienced and know exactly how to prepare the kids for the AP exam and help them with study skills, etc. And some teachers barely offer feedback.

Also, your experience in Magnets (CES / Magnet MS) is much difference than the average MCPS student.

That's not true. My son is in the magnet program at Blair and is currently taking AP English and it is just that in fact, the majority of people in the class are non-magnet students. Go figure.

Very true!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No. Actually AP English in a Magnet is much different than AP English at a non-Magnet HS, depending on the high school. I am in a unique situation with twins. Some teachers are experienced and know exactly how to prepare the kids for the AP exam and help them with study skills, etc. And some teachers barely offer feedback.

Also, your experience in Magnets (CES / Magnet MS) is much difference than the average MCPS student.

That's not true. My son is in the magnet program at Blair and is currently taking AP English and it is just that in fact, the majority of people in the class are non-magnet students. Go figure.

That’s great. But that’s not the point.

The point is that an AP English (or AP Gov or whatever) class at Gaithersburg is going to be much different than an AP English class at Blair. Gaithersburg HS does not have the same SMACS Magnet program that Blair has.

Just look at the numbers. How many kids get a 5 on their AP Gov test at Gaithersburg HS versus at Blair HS? That tells the whole story.

Again, your experience with Magnet programs is much different than what an average MCPS student will experience.

That's more a reflection of student socio-economics than it is the quality of the instruction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

Completely agree! In early ES, my kids went to a focus school. Their classes had 15-16 kids typically. I feel they got way more attention than they would've elsewhere. By the 4th, they were in the CES program (it was called something else back then), and by the 6th grade were in the MS magnets. Overall for a regular neighborhood, they did amazingly well. By high school, also kids have choices and can take challenging classes almost anywhere. Sure, some schools may have seven sections of AP English while others may only have 3, but AP English is AP English.

No. Actually AP English in a Magnet is much different than AP English at a non-Magnet HS, depending on the high school. I am in a unique situation with twins. Some teachers are experienced and know exactly how to prepare the kids for the AP exam and help them with study skills, etc. And some teachers barely offer feedback.

Also, your experience in Magnets (CES / Magnet MS) is much difference than the average MCPS student.

That's not true. My son is in the magnet program at Blair and is currently taking AP English and it is just that in fact, the majority of people in the class are non-magnet students. Go figure.

That’s great. But that’s not the point.

The point is that an AP English (or AP Gov or whatever) class at Gaithersburg is going to be much different than an AP English class at Blair. Gaithersburg HS does not have the same SMACS Magnet program that Blair has.

Just look at the numbers. How many kids get a 5 on their AP Gov test at Gaithersburg HS versus at Blair HS? That tells the whole story.

Again, your experience with Magnet programs is much different than what an average MCPS student will experience.

That's more a reflection of student socio-economics than it is the quality of the instruction.

Maybe. But a kid from a lower SES who has a good, experienced AP teacher is going to do better that a kid from a lower SES who has a terrible AP teacher. Also a class with more high-achieving, motivated kids is going to have better discussions than a class with kids are just pushed into the class even if they're not really ready for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Magruder high school can be a great experience but you have to be strategic. Most of the high achieving kids live in neighborhoods that feed into Candlewood ES or Sequoyah ES. These are strong cohorts of relatively high achieving peer groups that maintain strong bonds into Shady Grove MS and Magruder HS. Mill Creek Towne ES benefits from having the gifted and talented program, but many students in the gen Ed programs there can struggle a bit. Avoid Flower Hill ES.

At Shady Grove MS, push to get into the global humanities program. At Magruder push to get into the PEAC program. Again this will help to maintain strong sense of high achieving co-Horts. The lower achieving students will have less interaction with these students.

I am generalizing, but most posters here have very little experience with the Magruder area.

I live in Derwood and teach in the schools here. My kids have been very happy. I enjoy the nice mix of trees lots, affordability and easy access to the Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Not a teacher but I also live in Derwood and find this to be true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I am househunting in this market. I am orginally from the area but not familiar with the current schools situation in Gaithersburg. I have elementary schools kids but would like to stay in an area until Highschool. What is the school situation in Gaithersburg? I looked at a house zoned for Magruder and Gaithersburg High.

Any insights are appreciated.

All MCPS schools are pretty much the same. They have the same pool of teachers and even the same curriculum. Yes, there are minor demographic differences that affect bulk test score averages but this isn't as important as some people might have you believe. In the end the same kid will get the same education at any MCPS school.

This lie gets repeated over and over on DCUM (not sure why) but it is not true at all. I’ve had kids at various schools and it’s not been our experience. Some schools seem to hold the kids more accountable for their work, teachers offer better feedback. And some schools take a much more lax approach.

Also, ‘minor demographic differences’? That is obviously a lie, otherwise people wouldn’t have been pushing for diversity busing and boundary changes in the name of equity. There are some schools that are vastly different from others when you looks at demographics.

Actually it's the truth but sure real estate agents hate it when this gets out.

Saying all MCPS is the same might be true from the MCPS administration standpoint, but not as a parent. I'm glad you're taking the time to find the right fit for your kids. You can google old newspaper articles and make your own family decisions.

Here are two profiles you can compare.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04510.pdf
https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04551.pdf

Since QO was mentioned, here is that profile as well:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04125.pdf

Good luck on your house hunt!

An interesting Data point:
Graduation Rate: 80%, 88%, 91%



Thanks about it, out of these 3 numbers, which % of graduation rate is acceptable to you?

Interesting that Magruder has higher SAT scores than Quince Orchard. I would not have expected that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Quince Orchard has always been the most outstanding high school as far as school spirit, academics, and athletics. Stay the hell away from Gaithersbug Middle and Gaithersbug High. MCPS won’t admit it but they can’t pay teachers to go there.

I second that!

I will let my neighbor know. She claims that she teaches at Gaithersburg HS. Maybe she just hides at Starbucks every day …