Takoma Middle School Magnet Program-Is it really worth it ?

[Anonymous]

It seems like everybody is so interested in getting into the program but is it really worth it? I mean long commute and hassle of dropping and picking for long three years. And what the DC can achieve out of this ? Regular middle school are also offering same curriculum. Isn't it ?

[Anonymous]

They have similar but not exact same classes/curriculum, and the STEM classes at TP are taught at a much higher level. But, for us, it wasn't worth it. Coming from HGC school, but DC is only interested in the CS program, which I heard is the weakest part of the TP magnet program. As you stated, the long commute (1 hr) is not worth it to us.

[Anonymous]

It depends... It's worth it for some families and not so for others. What are your/DC goals for MS?

[Anonymous]

Every situation is different. For us it definitely was worth it because it provided an escape from a not very strong middle school. The peer group is pretty amazing and it is a runway to the Blair Magnet.

But our commute is not very long. If it was, we'd really have to weigh the value of the program against the quality of life question. Long slogs across county suck.

So what I'm saying is, it is a fantastic program, but if you live far away, I can understand any ambivalence.

[Anonymous]

It might be worth it, or it might not be worth it, depending on your individual circumstances.

[Anonymous]

It is case by case basis.
Depending what your child's interests are.
If it is only one subject out of 3 (advanced math, CS and science) - not worth it.
If it 2 subjects - may be... Depending where you live and what after school things you want.
If your child is doing a lot of out of school activities (MathCount, Robotics, CTY, Advanced camps) - your child is fine in local school...


I have 3 kids. 2 in Takoma. For one it was absolutely critical (child is technical and hates humanities and writing), for another it was best case scenario (everything is boring and kid does not have many friends), for 3rd it does not matter (many friends in local school)...

Got the idea?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like everybody is so interested in getting into the program but is it really worth it? I mean long commute and hassle of dropping and picking for long three years. And what the DC can achieve out of this ? Regular middle school are also offering same curriculum. Isn't it ?

Not true.

To us, it was worth it. Our son did very well there and is doing well at the Blair magnet now. He is a very math-oriented student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every situation is different. For us it definitely was worth it because it provided an escape from a not very strong middle school. The peer group is pretty amazing and it is a runway to the Blair Magnet.

But our commute is not very long. If it was, we'd really have to weigh the value of the program against the quality of life question. Long slogs across county suck.

So what I'm saying is, it is a fantastic program, but if you live far away, I can understand any ambivalence.

+1

One thing to consider if you live far from a magnet program--any magnet--is whether a parent or someone would be available to pick up after school so that a kid could participate in extra-curriculars like sports, the school play, etc. It's such an important part of the school experience.

[Anonymous]

Are there any after school activity buses at TPMS? Or is TPMS accessible by public transportation such as metro train station?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there any after school activity buses at TPMS? Or is TPMS accessible by public transportation such as metro train station?

Yes to both, but the activity buses leave too early to be of any use for kids in most activities. TP Metro (Red Line) is about a 1/2 mile walk and Ride-On buses stop in front of the school and go there.

[Anonymous]

It is worth it. Excellent math, science and computer science curriculum and excellent teachers. Avoid taking Spanish in 6th grade at TPMS.

[Anonymous]

Why the comment about Spanish?

[Anonymous]

Everyone will have different experiences and opinions, of course, so I'll just add my $0.02. In my view, the biggest advantage that magnets have is the peer group, something that is perhaps even more important than the curriculum. Those in the program are constantly surrounded by a group of smart/motivated peers who they get to know very well, due to the program's small size and the fact that they take classes together for 3+ years. Combine that with the fact that most share a general interest in one or more areas of STEM, and it's not hard to imagine why they may be motivated to pursue things they might not have thought about trying in a non-magnet school. Nobody wants to be the weird kid doing a math competition that nobody else is doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone will have different experiences and opinions, of course, so I'll just add my $0.02. In my view, the biggest advantage that magnets have is the peer group, something that is perhaps even more important than the curriculum. Those in the program are constantly surrounded by a group of smart/motivated peers who they get to know very well, due to the program's small size and the fact that they take classes together for 3+ years. Combine that with the fact that most share a general interest in one or more areas of STEM, and it's not hard to imagine why they may be motivated to pursue things they might not have thought about trying in a non-magnet school. Nobody wants to be the weird kid doing a math competition that nobody else is doing.

I agree with you. I think this is the only reason that magnet program worth it.

[Anonymous]

That is strange that the activity buses leave too early. My child goes to the Eastern magnet which shares buses from Blair with TPMS magnet kids. The activity buses leave Eastern to go to Blair at 4:27 after the activities are over.