Parkland middle school magnet program compared to Takoma Park middle school magnet
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Anonymous
| Has anyone had experience with both programs? We're wondering how they compare since they are both math and science based. We know that the biggest difference is that the Takoma Park program requires you to test in whereas Parkland does not, so does that mean that the science and math offered at Takoma Park is more rigourous? We would also be interested in information on how you liked the schools overall and how kids in the magnet program relate to the non-magnet kids in each school. Thanks. |
Anonymous
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We only have experience with TPMS. And while I have no idea if the coursework is any more rigorous than what's offered at Parkland, the overall peer group at TPMS (and its fellow magnet at Clemente) will be comprised of much higher performing kids by virtue of its test vs lottery distinction. So at Takoma you have demonstrably the top math and science students in the county, while at Parkland you would expect kids who are passionate or at least interested in science. In both cases, you should find highly motivated kids.
As for the atmosphere at TPMS? Great, great school all around. My son, soon to graduate, had no trouble fitting in, making friends with magnet and non-magnet kids alike, and just enjoying his three years. |
Anonymous
| My friend teaches at Parkland and has told me (because I asked) that PMS is a whole school magnet because the magnet program was started later, and that's where the county is headed--offering whole school magnets vs. having test-in only magnets housed in schools that are not in those students' neighborhoods. The idea is really about doing away with the division between magnet and non-magnet kids. The coursework should be the same, if it's the same magnet program. |
Anonymous
| Except Parkland & Argle are lottery based, meaning if you want to go, you just have to put your name in and seeing if you get picked. No testing, no nothing. It's not as good Clemente or TPMS, which have a higher caliber of students and classes. |
Anonymous
Parkland, Argyle and Loiderman all are whole school magnets. Students feeding in rank their choices, but it isn't really a lottery. Of course there's no testing in, that's the point of the whole school magnet. The level of instruction for the magnet classes should be the same, and students have to demonstrate their abilities in order to stay in the advanced classes. |
Anonymous
Well said! |
Anonymous
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20:51 poster,
Do you have a child at any of these schools? I'd love to hear your experiences. |
Anonymous
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DD is in Clemente Science Magnet, and currently on a 3 day Natural Science Camp at Chesapeake Bay (they also had outdoor ed. in October last year just like all the other 6 graders). I don't think it is something the whole school lottery magnet able to offer such opportunity to the students. They simply don't have that kind of funding/resources.
Most of the magnet 6th graders are taking IM (pre-Algebra) or above. It should give you some perspective that what level of students they are. Of course there are some problems with the test-in program. The magnet kids typically stay away from the so call "Normies". Poster say that his/her kid blend in perfectly is individual case. |
Anonymous
| "Normies"?? Oh My! |
Anonymous
| Does anyone have first hand experience with the three school wide magnets (Parkland, Argyle, or Loiderman)? |
Anonymous
LOL - so called! That might be the single worst name I've heard used on DCUM in a long time. |
Anonymous
Really? |
Anonymous
| This has turned into a mean spirited thread. |
Anonymous
I actually do not, yet. My kids go to a school that feeds into the Argyle/Parkland/Loiederman group, though, and my husband teaches at Clemente, AND my friend teaches at Parkland. so that's my perspective. The "normies" thing is absolutely real, and my DH has talked about it to the extent that he would NOT want our child to be in a magnet that divides the students in that way. He teaches a special and has classes from both groups, and sees the division as a negative, but that's just his perspective as a teacher. The students themselves (from both groups) are well-behaved and most do well in his class. My oldest kid is not headed to middle school next year, but is talking about which school is preferred. Parkland is the "nerd" school (maybe a good sign?), Loiederman is for girls. Nothing for Argyle just yet, but I'm sure that will show up in the coming year. We're not planning to move, and probably wouldn't be interested in applying for any other magnets, so we will make the decision to be happy sending our kids to one of those three middle schools, however they decide. And I'll just say it, because I know it matters to some people here. We are white. |
Anonymous
My child hs been in GT magnets since elementary school and I would NEVER allow him to use that term. |