DuVal's Aerospace Engineering & Aviation Tech Academy

[Anonymous]

When my child took the test for the Science & Tech program at Roosevelt, I didn't realize that the scores counted for this program at DuVal. Apparently, they admit 100 students for 9th grade. The curriculum looks good - http://www1.pgcps.org/uploadedFiles/Schools_and_Centers/High_Schools/DuVal/Departments/Academies/Aerospace%20Engineering%20Pamphlet.pdf and the school is very near NASA, which makes me wonder if the students get to go there.

Does anyone know anyone in the program? Any good reviews?

[Anonymous]

My daughter was also admitted, and Mark Covington is a wonderful principal, but I'm just not sure if I can (even with the curriculum) deal with her going to DuVal right now- peer group, lack of sports options, etc. just isn't want I want for her high school experience at this point.

[Anonymous]

My son was also admitted. FWIW, I think there's a lot of value to attending school with other kids who want to be there, no matter where it is, as opposed to a place where kids don't want to be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter was also admitted, and Mark Covington is a wonderful principal, but I'm just not sure if I can (even with the curriculum) deal with her going to DuVal right now- peer group, lack of sports options, etc. just isn't want I want for her high school experience at this point.

What lack of sports options? What peer group? A lot of you "PG" parents need to get over yourselves, who's your daughter Blue Ivy Carter? She's not testing into MENSA its a magnet program at a regular HS. DuVal like most PG Schools has a mix of kids and peer groups. I came from a 2 parent home in Landover, MD and as a track running, quiet now gay black male I had plenty of peers to mesh with. According to all "PG" parents their kids are so special and need a special like peer group hang with, but why hasn't that translated to overall testing scores in PG. I think a lot parents need to realize your kids aren't that special or different from the average kid at a PG HS

P.S. I graduated from DuVal in 2000. Some of my peers went to Cornell, Colgate, U of MD, Bowie State, even PG

[Anonymous]

My child attends DuVal, in a different academy. Yes, some kids have issues, and even the higher achieving ones may act up from time to time. He has managed to find peers who share his interests and talents. He complains about the silly behavior and occasional fights, but he is adjusting well and hasn't been in trouble. I also like Covington. If anyone can continue to improve DuVal (yes it was worse before), he can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter was also admitted, and Mark Covington is a wonderful principal, but I'm just not sure if I can (even with the curriculum) deal with her going to DuVal right now- peer group, lack of sports options, etc. just isn't want I want for her high school experience at this point.

What lack of sports options? What peer group? A lot of you "PG" parents need to get over yourselves, who's your daughter Blue Ivy Carter? She's not testing into MENSA its a magnet program at a regular HS. DuVal like most PG Schools has a mix of kids and peer groups. I came from a 2 parent home in Landover, MD and as a track running, quiet now gay black male I had plenty of peers to mesh with. According to all "PG" parents their kids are so special and need a special like peer group hang with, but why hasn't that translated to overall testing scores in PG. I think a lot parents need to realize your kids aren't that special or different from the average kid at a PG HS

P.S. I graduated from DuVal in 2000. Some of my peers went to Cornell, Colgate, U of MD, Bowie State, even PG

I just want to say thanks for a.) speaking up in favor of all kids everywhere who find their tribes, so to speak, and b.) speaking up as a graduate of the school in question.

[Anonymous]

My son just completed his first year, lots of communication from the counselor on outside educational experiences as well.

[Anonymous]

This is so encouraging to hear! Everyone is always praising Eleanor Roosevelt and it's good to know that other academies are thriving.

[Anonymous]

Hey, Mr. Covington was my son's middle school principal. He's great!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the insights. I was having a conversation yesterday with a parent who was afraid to let her son go there for the Aerospace program. Everyone has their own beliefs and fears so I can respect it. The good thing though is that when they bypass these opportunities, it opens the door for some other equally deserving kid to reap the benefits. I heard that the program there is really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter was also admitted, and Mark Covington is a wonderful principal, but I'm just not sure if I can (even with the curriculum) deal with her going to DuVal right now- peer group, lack of sports options, etc. just isn't want I want for her high school experience at this point.

What lack of sports options? What peer group? A lot of you "PG" parents need to get over yourselves, who's your daughter Blue Ivy Carter? She's not testing into MENSA its a magnet program at a regular HS. DuVal like most PG Schools has a mix of kids and peer groups. I came from a 2 parent home in Landover, MD and as a track running, quiet now gay black male I had plenty of peers to mesh with. According to all "PG" parents their kids are so special and need a special like peer group hang with, but why hasn't that translated to overall testing scores in PG. I think a lot parents need to realize your kids aren't that special or different from the average kid at a PG HS

P.S. I graduated from DuVal in 2000. Some of my peers went to Cornell, Colgate, U of MD, Bowie State, even PG

Thanks so much for your candid response- I love it..