Deciding between magnets

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

Thanks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

One child in TPMS. The math, computer and science classes are great. Your child will learn a lot and keep the edge in these subjects. The English and social study classes are so slow that my DC and his peers said they learned everything already in 4th grade. If your DC are strong in english and humnaity, they may lose interest in these subject during the three years in tpms. However, the is a very nice Tv production class in tpms. As you expected, we heard opposite complain from parents whose kids went to estern ms. If you kid is well balance and you can supplement at home, either program should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

I only said that it was heavier than Takoma. We know lots of kids in 7th who say it's not too bad. Also, my child has to do the work, not me, so hopefully I won't lose my mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

I only said that it was heavier than Takoma. We know lots of kids in 7th who say it's not too bad. Also, my child has to do the work, not me, so hopefully I won't lose my mind.

I'd be curious to know who says it isn't too bad. I know kids who are juniors and seniors in the Blair magnet right now who still shudder when they talk about their 7th grade year at Eastern. And say the workload at Blair is more balanced in comparison.

As for my kid, oh yeah, she did the work, and not me. But it was me getting up at 1:00 in the morning to find that she was still up working on homework after I told her to be in bed by 11:00. So in some ways, it did affect me – and our whole family a lot of nights.

[Anonymous]

Have you read the posts that talk about computer science being weakest part of 3? And reading/writing also weaker? IMHO writing is important life skill to keep at MS level. Lots of posts about Eastern strength there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be sure to read the threads on workload. People saying RMIB students do 4-5 hrs of HW per night. If your child loves math and physics it seems Blair would be the better choice. Sounds like kids are happier there than RM pressure cooker.

HW is usually less than 4-5 hours but "HW + studying" usually more than 4-5 hours per night (and weekends). RM is a pressure cooker but kids are surprisingly happy. We tried to pull our kid out (transfer to assigned home school) after 9th grade and she cried all weekend so she ended up staying. Looking back it was the right decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

I only said that it was heavier than Takoma. We know lots of kids in 7th who say it's not too bad. Also, my child has to do the work, not me, so hopefully I won't lose my mind.

I'd be curious to know who says it isn't too bad. I know kids who are juniors and seniors in the Blair magnet right now who still shudder when they talk about their 7th grade year at Eastern. And say the workload at Blair is more balanced in comparison.

As for my kid, oh yeah, she did the work, and not me. But it was me getting up at 1:00 in the morning to find that she was still up working on homework after I told her to be in bed by 11:00. So in some ways, it did affect me – and our whole family a lot of nights.

Magnet program (MS and HS both) is a family commitment. Make sure you understand that before committing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be sure to read the threads on workload. People saying RMIB students do 4-5 hrs of HW per night. If your child loves math and physics it seems Blair would be the better choice. Sounds like kids are happier there than RM pressure cooker.

HW is usually less than 4-5 hours but "HW + studying" usually more than 4-5 hours per night (and weekends). RM is a pressure cooker but kids are surprisingly happy. We tried to pull our kid out (transfer to assigned home school) after 9th grade and she cried all weekend so she ended up staying. Looking back it was the right decision.

That sounds like a lot. Any idea if Blair SMAC is as intense? Went to the info meeting last night and asked a few of the kids who all said it was between 1-3 hours a night with 3 being rare except Junior year. Of course I did not think to ask them if they meant just HW or "HW + studying".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

I only said that it was heavier than Takoma. We know lots of kids in 7th who say it's not too bad. Also, my child has to do the work, not me, so hopefully I won't lose my mind.

I'd be curious to know who says it isn't too bad. I know kids who are juniors and seniors in the Blair magnet right now who still shudder when they talk about their 7th grade year at Eastern. And say the workload at Blair is more balanced in comparison.

As for my kid, oh yeah, she did the work, and not me. But it was me getting up at 1:00 in the morning to find that she was still up working on homework after I told her to be in bed by 11:00. So in some ways, it did affect me – and our whole family a lot of nights.

Magnet program (MS and HS both) is a family commitment. Make sure you understand that before committing.

+1,000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a girl, deciding between Eastern and Takoma. It is tough that Takoma cancelled the orientation - the Eastern presentation was extremely impressive.

From conversations with other parents, it seems that Takoma is more integrated with the rest of the MS, while Eastern is more of a school within a school?

Any thoughts from parents that have been through the programs appreciated.

I have a 6th grader at Eastern. I think that they are integrated, but my child prefers the magnet classes and magnet teachers to the non magnet program. The magnet program is fantastic if your child loves reading, social studies, and media. There are a couple of downsides as compared to Takoma. I get the impression from talking to TPMS magnet parents that the workload at Eastern is much heavier, at least in 6th. Takoma is on a block schedule (which would be wonderful, imho). Also, if your child plays an instrument they can choose band or orchestra in 6th at Takoma and they can start a foreign language in 6th. (These last two were not important to my child).

I don't think you can go wrong though. Does your child prefer the magnet classes taught at Eastern or the ones taught at Takoma?

Eastern parent here. If you think the workload is heavy in 6th, you'll lose your mind in 7th.

I only said that it was heavier than Takoma. We know lots of kids in 7th who say it's not too bad. Also, my child has to do the work, not me, so hopefully I won't lose my mind.

I'd be curious to know who says it isn't too bad. I know kids who are juniors and seniors in the Blair magnet right now who still shudder when they talk about their 7th grade year at Eastern. And say the workload at Blair is more balanced in comparison.

As for my kid, oh yeah, she did the work, and not me. But it was me getting up at 1:00 in the morning to find that she was still up working on homework after I told her to be in bed by 11:00. So in some ways, it did affect me – and our whole family a lot of nights.

Magnet program (MS and HS both) is a family commitment. Make sure you understand that before committing.

+1,000

Even the HGC is a family commitment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you read the posts that talk about computer science being weakest part of 3? And reading/writing also weaker? IMHO writing is important life skill to keep at MS level. Lots of posts about Eastern strength there.

Clearly reading/writing are not the focus but you can still take AP English starting in 11th grade. Not exactly slacking..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you read the posts that talk about computer science being weakest part of 3? And reading/writing also weaker? IMHO writing is important life skill to keep at MS level. Lots of posts about Eastern strength there.

Clearly reading/writing are not the focus but you can still take AP English starting in 11th grade. Not exactly slacking..

This is about middle school though

[Anonymous]

DC has his mind set to be an anesthesiologist (or a violist). Which program (RMIB, SMAC, or GE) will prepare him better? and reason?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're having a tough time deciding between Eastern and Takoma Par for DD, especially since Takoma has cancelled their orientation meeting.

Why did they cancel?

The meeting was scheduled for Tuesday night, but got cancelled because of schools being closed. TP has decided not to reschedule.

We missed the open house in the fall, figured we would have an opportunity to visit if DD got in. DD is into both humanities and math/science and especially programming.

Curious to know what you decide, and reasons.