TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Honestly, Algebra I should be open to all 7th graders and TJ should require Geometry HN by 8th and all core courses as HN with min 3.75 GPA. There is no need to gate keep math track and those who are up for the challenge should be allowed to take it.

+1, but I also think that the middle school math teachers need to tighten up any grade inflation, and any coursework beyond Geometry should be given some extra credit or bump. If a kid applies to TJ with straight As in Algebra I Honors, Geometry Honors, Algebra II Honors, and possibly even pre-Calc Honors, that should prove that the kid is eminently capable of handling advanced math.

TJ has almost no data on the math capability of the kids taking Algebra I in 8th. M7H is basically a repeat of 6th grade AAP math for the kids who weren't smart enough to get it the first time. The biggest conceptual leaps in Algebra I happen in the second half of the year, so kids applying to TJ haven't yet been graded on their ability to make those leaps. The only thing that TJ admissions knows about the kids taking Algebra I in 8th is that they weren't good enough in math to join the 10-20% of FCPS kids who did qualify for accelerated math, or they weren't motivated enough to challenge themselves with more advanced coursework. Neither of these suggest that the kid belongs at TJ.

[Anonymous]

STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

That's looser talk! You need to push push push if you want to be successful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

STEM might not be all about math, but any of the science/engineering majors know very well that as you move the up the grades, you need to be really strong in math to do well in physics, chemistry, business etc ex. you can't separate calculus from physics. I might agree with you for other schools, but for STEM magnet school like TJ, requiring at least Geometry by 8th isn't that a high bar. In fact, I fully agree with some earlier poster who suggested 10 or 11 point admission criteria for TJ admissions. I wish TJ admissions committee looks into it, but I highly doubt it leaves this thread and will be forgotten in a day.

I could argue against giving credit to Algebra 2 or pre-cal in middle school as it requires taking math in summer along with some outside enrichment, which is not accessible or affordable to many kids - so I sort of agree with you on this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

There may be cases like that, but likely not many. We know of many students with advanced math classes, top grades, etc. who very much wanted to attend TJ and did not write anything in their essays to indicate otherwise, yet were not admitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

You are one of those who cite the example of Zuckerberg to make a point about how dropping out of Harvard is a better alternative than graduating.

Examples from the fringe make for a nice story but that is all they are - a nice story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

You are one of those who cite the example of Zuckerberg to make a point about how dropping out of Harvard is a better alternative than graduating.

Examples from the fringe make for a nice story but that is all they are - a nice story.

Haha..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

That's looser talk! You need to push push push if you want to be successful!

Yes, having a looser approach towards math acceleration might make everyone happier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

That's looser talk! You need to push push push if you want to be successful!

Yes, having a looser approach towards math acceleration might make everyone happier.

Your happy path may not necessarily a happy path for everyone else!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

If you've truly moved on, I hope you're sharing with DD that life isn't always fair and that she and the other qualified but disappointed kids in her cohort can go on to have a great experience in their base schools.

Honestly, I wouldn't want my kid at the new incarnation of TJ. It's become a demonstration project by which our current School Board gets to showcase its commitment to equity by treating the new TJ admits like precious plants in a greenhouse, or bacteria in a Petri dish to be carefully cultivated. If they could, they'd accelerate the graduation of the Class of 2025 to next year so they had their graduation photos packaged and up on the FCPS web page before the fall 2023 School Board elections.

Meanwhile, there will be more really talented kids at many of the base schools, and they'll hopefully get to enjoy a great HS experience without being lab rats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Naah. I'm pretty sure it's the mom of the 4th grader who brings up in every post how her kid is taking RSM because her kid loves math. It's so great that we have a mom of an elementary student here to tell everyone else what's what about TJ and math acceleration.