Enrollment up in PGCPS

[Anonymous]

It means increased funding but the numbers didn't bring the middle class as Rushern was hoping: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/enrollment-in-prince-georges-schools-increases/2014/04/21/e3161308-c59a-11e3-8b9a-8e0977a24aeb_story.html

[Anonymous]

This article was spot on for me. We weren't considering public school as an option for our child because we felt the quality of instruction in PG County schools were lacking. Then we learned of the increased funding for PGCPS and entered the lottery for specialty schools. Due to the increased number of seats, our child received placement at one of the specialty schools. We've learned of the academic offerings at this particular school and decided we would give it a try. We are excitedly optimistic. I think in time, as long as the quality of instruction improves with the increased funding, I think middle class numbers will continue to improve.

[Anonymous]

We entered the specialty lottery last year and obtained a spot for our oldest. The increased funding is promising, but another key component is parental involvement. My husband and I are full time working parents and we make it a point to find time to volunteer at the school. We also have a younger child at a different school. PGCPS is making strides, but it will take time. We have avoided PGCPS for years, but we optimistic. I have talked with many administrators who have been in the PGCPS system system for some time and they are pleased with the current changes.

[Anonymous]

I love the positive attitudes conveyed in these postings!

[Anonymous]

Quickest way to increase middle class enrollment in county schools would be to beef up middle school programs BIG TIME.

I believe there is a sizeable number of parents who are OK (or resigned) to having their kids in public for elementary, but they find the middle school options available to their child unacceptable. This is one reason that so many people I know whose kids are on the k-8 Magnets (Montessori, Immersion) who aren't all that happy with it, remain anyhow -- they'd be OK with going to their neighborhood elementary but are worried about the middle school option.

Increase the quality middle school options -- make sure there is a place for EVERY TAG-identified 6th,7th and 8th grader in a center school (if that's what parents and children choose) for example. Create more academies for kids in grade 6-8 that are open through competitive process (application schools, not just lottery) Fewer parents would bail in 5th grade if they felt there were decent options for their kids in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quickest way to increase middle class enrollment in county schools would be to beef up middle school programs BIG TIME.

I believe there is a sizeable number of parents who are OK (or resigned) to having their kids in public for elementary, but they find the middle school options available to their child unacceptable. This is one reason that so many people I know whose kids are on the k-8 Magnets (Montessori, Immersion) who aren't all that happy with it, remain anyhow -- they'd be OK with going to their neighborhood elementary but are worried about the middle school option.

Increase the quality middle school options -- make sure there is a place for EVERY TAG-identified 6th,7th and 8th grader in a center school (if that's what parents and children choose) for example. Create more academies for kids in grade 6-8 that are open through competitive process (application schools, not just lottery) Fewer parents would bail in 5th grade if they felt there were decent options for their kids in middle school.

Long sigh. I am so conflicted in my decision. DH wants to move to Bowie and I keep saying "but the schools". Anyway, a friend has mentioned two MS that I should consider, James Madison for the IB and Everrett Just for the STEM. Any thoughts on these two MS. It is my understanding, that the comprehensive MS for Bowie is Samuel Ogle. Any information on their curriculum would also be appreciated. TIA

[Anonymous]

I would consider Ogle for comprehensive and, in Beltsville, MLK Middle School, long before I would consider Madison or Just. I have heard mixed things about Just (in the Lake Arbor area), but I haven't heard anything good about Madison (in Upper Marlboro), IB program or otherwise.

Tasker in Bowie gets a bad rap. I have heard from several sources that under the new principal, things look like they are turning around. The TAG and honors children there apparently benefit the most.