Which high school to choose?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fyi, if a concern is general course offerings at each school, check out this report that details actual course offerings by MCPS middle and high schools

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OLO/Resources/Files/2026_Reports/OLOReport%202026-2.pdf

And then write the BOE and county council to demand answers:

1. Has MCPS created a formal, written course selection policy that limits principal discretion? Where is it published and what are consequences for non-compliance?

2. What specific accountability mechanisms ensure schools in the regional model will deliver promised programs year-to-year?

3. Has MCPS completed cost analysis comparing current spending versus the regional model's projected costs?

4. What prevents the regional model from replicating the principal-driven inconsistencies documented in the OLO report?

5. When will the internal study on "course availability, curriculum and resources" be completed and made public?

[Anonymous]

RE Wheaton Engineering comment, Wheaton is pretty weak at music. If music is important, you have your answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different poster. Appreciate any insights into our choice:

My kid got into the Wheaton Engineering magnet. His local school is Einstein. He wants a smaller school (both fit the bill). He wants to play sports. He wants to be in a high-quality orchestra. He likes math and thinks he likes engineering, but also was intrigued by the IB presentation at Einstein's open house. He's currently in Spanish 3.

What should we be looking at to make this decision--course offerings for grades 11 and 12? Other factors?

For academics, pick Wheaton as Einstein is very weak in STEM. Sports are about equal. Einstein does not have many options for math, engineering and computer science. Einstein stops at Calc BC. Wheaton stops at MVC. Einstein only has two basic engineering classes; Wheaton has many more. Einstein has no science AP's. So, if you choose Einstein, be prepared for dual enrollment if accepted. For the orchestra, Wheaton's program is not good. They have one orchestra. Einstein only has two orchestra's but also has Jazz. Just do a private orchestra. IB math is not equal to AP math. IB is better for humanities students. AP is better for Stem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:RE Wheaton Engineering comment, Wheaton is pretty weak at music. If music is important, you have your answer.

Einstein is weak in Stem. You can do music outside.