Is there a MoCo equivalent to Duke Ellington School for the Arts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

And they don’t actually offer all of the courses listed in the various VAPA pathways. We’ve been waiting years for AP Music Theory!

Richard Montgomery has this AP class. Could an Einstein student join virtually??

[Anonymous]

With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

And they don’t actually offer all of the courses listed in the various VAPA pathways. We’ve been waiting years for AP Music Theory!

Richard Montgomery has this AP class. Could an Einstein student join virtually??

No, there is no way to do it virtually. Einstein has very limited ap classes. You’d have to go to MC. The principal refuses to make the arts a priority and staff it so these classes can be at the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

Both are very good with arts. It will depend each year on the students there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there are no extra teachers and Einstein will still have dance. These programs are in name only and if the school has it or principals choose it, they will be at that school. Otherwise too bad and go to MC or do it privately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, but your kid can apply to Duke Ellington and could be accepted as an out of District resident. You’d have to pay tuition though, or move to DC.

Nothing MCPS has compares with that. But I also know from parents at Duke Ellington that the academics aren’t great, so you’d be giving up quite a bit to have your kid attend it.

I know students this year going from Duke to Yale, Hopkins and Smith.

Not saying this is across the board - but I think it might be improving

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

The regional programs absolutely are established and have been formally announced. MCPS is holding information sessions on them this month, which have already started. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/regional-programs-and-themes/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

And they don’t actually offer all of the courses listed in the various VAPA pathways. We’ve been waiting years for AP Music Theory!

Richard Montgomery has this AP class. Could an Einstein student join virtually??

No, there is no way to do it virtually. Einstein has very limited ap classes. You’d have to go to MC. The principal refuses to make the arts a priority and staff it so these classes can be at the school.

Your student absolutely should be able to take AP Music Theory through the MCPS online AP program:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/onlinelearning/courses/ap/

The principal shouldn't be blocking it. Contact Brian Beaubien if experiencing pushback from the principal: 240-740-4042 [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, but your kid can apply to Duke Ellington and could be accepted as an out of District resident. You’d have to pay tuition though, or move to DC.

Nothing MCPS has compares with that. But I also know from parents at Duke Ellington that the academics aren’t great, so you’d be giving up quite a bit to have your kid attend it.

I know students this year going from Duke to Yale, Hopkins and Smith.

Not saying this is across the board - but I think it might be improving

That is definitely not the norm. People in DC whose kids are serious about academics generally avoid Duke Ellington even when they are very talented.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

And they don’t actually offer all of the courses listed in the various VAPA pathways. We’ve been waiting years for AP Music Theory!

Richard Montgomery has this AP class. Could an Einstein student join virtually??

No, there is no way to do it virtually. Einstein has very limited ap classes. You’d have to go to MC. The principal refuses to make the arts a priority and staff it so these classes can be at the school.

Your student absolutely should be able to take AP Music Theory through the MCPS online AP program:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/onlinelearning/courses/ap/

The principal shouldn't be blocking it. Contact Brian Beaubien if experiencing pushback from the principal: 240-740-4042 [e-mail]

That’s through private vendors, not mcps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, but your kid can apply to Duke Ellington and could be accepted as an out of District resident. You’d have to pay tuition though, or move to DC.

Nothing MCPS has compares with that. But I also know from parents at Duke Ellington that the academics aren’t great, so you’d be giving up quite a bit to have your kid attend it.

I know students this year going from Duke to Yale, Hopkins and Smith.

Not saying this is across the board - but I think it might be improving

That is definitely not the norm. People in DC whose kids are serious about academics generally avoid Duke Ellington even when they are very talented.

They are probably going for arts, not academics. Most of the talented kids do outside Mcps. YAA, MCYO, PVYO, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

The regional programs absolutely are established and have been formally announced. MCPS is holding information sessions on them this month, which have already started. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/regional-programs-and-themes/

Program locations are subject to change based on factors such as school enrollment, facilities, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

Both are very good with arts. It will depend each year on the students there.

It’s less about the students and more about the training and opportunities that each schools offers. Einstein should have the full arts regional program so students can take advantage of the opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With Northwood getting the "Dance" pathway for 2027-28 and beyond, will this degrade/move teachers away from the dance program at Einstein? I know MCPS keeps saying every school can keep their existing "local" programs, but I'm confused as to what that means. I can't imagine there are a ton of high level dance teachers to go around.

No, there is no additional funding attached to these programs—it's really just the designation itself. Einstein is actually adding a lot of improvements to their dance program. The issue is that Einstein has a stronger arts program than Northwood, and many students want access to those opportunities even if Einstein is not their home school.

Since the regional programs have not been finalized yet, we'll have to wait and see which schools receive which programs.

Both are very good with arts. It will depend each year on the students there.

It’s less about the students and more about the training and opportunities that each schools offers. Einstein should have the full arts regional program so students can take advantage of the opportunities.

No, it's about the students. Einstein doesn't have the full arts now as the principal doesn't support it. They'd need to allocate a few more teachers for it to be a full arts regional and given the lack of academics its not going to draw students from other schools who are into stem and other specialties. A bunch of students drop out senior year to go to MC due to the lack of offerings.

Many of the students are good, but if you compare them to other schools, they are average. The higher-level arts students are all doing outside programs and private lessons. The talented theater student last year was in YAA, taking private lessons and more. You don't get that good at an MCPS school alone.