Julius West and Takoma Park Middle Schools
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
sirinatsai@yahoo.com
Member Offline
Member Offline
| We just moved to Rockville from Bellevue, WA. Our neighborhood middle school is Julius West. This morning, our daughter was offered a spot in the Takoma Park Middle School magnet program. Any insights that might help us decide which is the better choice for her? |
Anonymous
| For 6th grade? When did she test? Anyways. We are a JW family who are happy but I would try Takoma Park. It is a tough spot to get and you can always come back to JW if you choose. Only flaw would be lack of local friends. BTW ignore about 90% of the info especially on the MD board. I only read it for laughs most of the time. |
Anonymous
| I can't compare them for you. TP seems like a great curriculum for kids interested in math/science/computer science but just wanted to check if you've seen the bus schedules (if you'd rely on buses-- probably would pick up around 6:30 at your nearest ES, an hour ride to Eastern MS, then transfer to a shuttle to TP-- http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/takomaparkms/administration/Bus%20schedule%2014-15.pdf) |
Anonymous
| I'm curious what current JW parents think of the IB MYP at JW. Are all kids in JW part of the MYP or do you have to choose to be in it? |
Anonymous
| Everyone is in it. I can't compare to other schools..but I don't think it really makes a huge difference. Still the same curriculum. |
Anonymous
Interesting. If you can't compare, then how do you know there's no big difference? I know the curriculum is the same as other MS, but then what is the difference..maybe it's the way the curriculum is taught? |
Anonymous
| If Takoma Park MS doesn't work out, you can always go back to JW, but you won't get the TPMS spot back once you decline. Our child had to choose between these same two schools, and we ultimately decided to give TPMS a try. The transportation isn't ideal but you can probably find a carpool. Are you in Potomac Woods, OP? |
Anonymous
| Yes, I am in Potomac Woods (or Potomac Springs) and interested in a carpool if we go to TPMS. |
Anonymous
| My kid went to TPMS- loved it and the magnet curriculum is different than th regular mcps curriculum. It's a fantastic program. Mine had a long commute (longer than their HGC commute) but totally worth it, and now it makes the commute to the Magnet at Blair seem like a breeze! |
Anonymous
| I would def do TP if offered a place. |
Anonymous
| It is so unlikely that you would get a spot at this time of year..I would give it s shot. It must be meant to be. Your child really had a good luck charm. It is so competitive and so late in the game. |
Anonymous
|
Takoma Park all day long. JW is yuck. The IB program is not what it claims. My daughter is in classes with everyone of all levels and she just gets a little bit extra to work on and they claim "IB" There has been no challenge. Even Algebra I was really easy and so many kids failed the final and still passed with B's or even A's. Doesn't seem right. Lots of bullying, teasing, a few kids pregnant this year. Overcrowding.
At TP, the kids want to learn, it is cool to learn in magnet. It is just a much better atmosphere. You are lucky to have gotten in so late. |
Anonymous
| ^a few kids pregnant in middle school? Really? Oh dear. |
Anonymous
| You can't get an A if you fail the final.. |
Anonymous
| Hi JW hater! |