John Poole Middle School

[Anonymous]

We are moving to the area and are considering sending our kids John Poole Middle School. Kids are not currently in MCPS. My kids are currently in a GT track in their school ( top 25 percent) and score in the top 20 percent on standardized tests. I've read through the forums and seems like MCPS is going away from tracking. It is too late to apply for magnet as they will be in 6th in the fall. Will they be okay?

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

OP I want to know if John Poole Middle will offer enriching classes or do they teach to the middle? I am not that familiar with MCPS. What are the opportunities for enrichment?

[Anonymous]

Top 20-25 percent would likely not have gotten you into the magnets which is geared for about the top 2% (and you have to apply in 5th grade). Our middle school offers advanced and regular work within the same classroom. The level of differentiation depends on the teacher. Not knowing where you are coming from makes it hard to know how challenging your kids will find MCPS

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP. We are coming from a competitive private system where they break up the kids into reading/math groups by ability. With DC area home prices being so expensive, we would really like to try a top public. We like the rural feel of Poolesville and DH wouldn't gave a bad commute. What does in class differentiation mean? Are there two tests? Do teachers group kids within the classroom? How are behavorial problems handled? Thamjs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP, I think it's unlikely (but not impossible) that there will be somebody here who can answer your questions about John Poole MS specifically.

In general, the curriculum is the same at all middle schools in MCPS. There might be fewer different classes offered, since it's a tiny middle school by MCPS standards (351 students, from 2 elementary schools), but I'm just speculating. If you want to know specifics, probably the best thing is to go to the school website and look.