MoCo vs Nova?

[Anonymous]

Moved from NOVA to MOCO for access to all the privates. Publics died everywhere with being exposed by Covid. Total disgrace

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

It's not like mental health and well-being has any relevance to academics, or anything.

That said, "the leader in me" is not a social/emotional learning program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

It's not like mental health and well-being has any relevance to academics, or anything.

That said, "the leader in me" is not a social/emotional learning program.

Focus on social emotional learning without making sure that kids are academically prepared and challenged means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

Like what? Genuinely curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

It's not like mental health and well-being has any relevance to academics, or anything.

That said, "the leader in me" is not a social/emotional learning program.

Focus on social emotional learning without making sure that kids are academically prepared and challenged means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

Focusing on academics without making sure kids are socially/emotionally able to learn means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

It's not like mental health and well-being has any relevance to academics, or anything.

That said, "the leader in me" is not a social/emotional learning program.

Focus on social emotional learning without making sure that kids are academically prepared and challenged means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

Focusing on academics without making sure kids are socially/emotionally able to learn means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

and yet, so many have done fine without it. Your thinking is black and white, like we can only focus on social emotional learning because focusing on both is just too hard. Why bother with school. Why not just have daycare for students and have them sit in group therapy. Forget challenging academics. Just make sure they know how to read at a 5th grade level, do basic math, and then call it a day. That's a great way to prepare them for low level, menial jobs after they graduate HS.

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Anonymous wrote:MoCo in general and MCPS in particular peaked decades ago. I’d go with one of the strong pyramids in FCPS, of which there are more and at different price points than can be said of MCPS: for example, Langley, McLean, Oakton, Chantilly, Madison, Woodson, Marshall, Lake Braddock, Robinson, or West Springfield.

I went to MCPS decades ago. My kids are there today. They are getting a much better education than I ever got at W's. This is because many programs are available to kids interested in learning if you want to take advantage of them. Yes, the world has changed. The demographics of Montgomery County are different than 30 years ago; however, you can get as good or even better education today if you care about that.

the only really good thing about MCPS IMO is that they have some really good programs at the HS level, from magnet STEM to IB, aviation to automotive training, etc..

Agree my kids were in magnets the whole way through. They got an amazing education, and it's really available to anyone who is interested.

Anyone who is interested can get in to a magnet? Wow. Please let me know how. My kid has applied to the high school magnets and I thought it was a crap shoot whether he’d get in, despite very strong academics. And my younger one has a shot to the middle school magnet only though a lottery, so please tell me where I express this “interest” and they are guaranteed places!

I swear there are older parents on here who talk about MCPS like we are still in Kansas. Yes you used to be able to ‘get’ your kid on magnet track - particularly if you showed your liberal bona fides and volunteered in the schools - this was especially true at Takoma Park Magnet - and they held seats for local kids…but now, no way. All those special seats are only if you are smart and parents came from a rural farm in Nicaragua. So stop mentioning MCPS from even four years ago. Times have changed.

DP here. Not sure if you're aware, but at the high school level the programs at MCPS are vast. It's not just magnets. Whether it's the academies, middle college, IB programs, early college, dual enrollment, Project LEad the Way, college and career programs (healthcare, biotech, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, construction), etc. There are so many options for a ton of MCPS students these days, not just the geniuses who aspire to be in the magnet program. l mean kids in the dual college can even earn Montgomery College credits for free or graduate HS with an Associate's Degree. I think that's amazing and a vast improvement from the olden days.

+1 I have many gripes about MCPS, but the vast array of programs is one good thing about it.

My one kid is at a magnet. My other kid is looking at dual enrollment with MoCoCC. I know of some kids who did this, and they now have college credits they can take with them into a 4 yr, all without taking AP exams.

I think it's really great.

So, here's my gripe: the progressive uber liberal stuff is getting out of hand, everywhere. I support diversity. We picked a diverse cluster (we are a mixed race family). But, the schools are too focused on things like gender identity rather than real academics and closing the achieving gap. It's like they are failing to close that gap, so let's find something else to divert the attention. MS academics is completely lackluster. They focus too much on social, emotional learning and not enough on academics and preparing MS students for more rigorous HS courses, like APs. Once again, they can't close the achievement gap so let's divert the attention. This isn't helping URM at all.

This is a reality that is not unique to MCPS. Even in colleges (most are uber liberal). But I do agree that the weak link in MCPS is Middle School. We liked elementary and are pleasantly surprised and happy with the High School (a HS that most here in DCUM dump on). I have some gripes about MCPS too, but for some reason, I'm starting to notice improvements since the new Superintendent took office. I don't know if it's related to her. If they just figure out a way to ramp up the academic focus at the MS level, it would be fantastic.

It's not like mental health and well-being has any relevance to academics, or anything.

That said, "the leader in me" is not a social/emotional learning program.

Focus on social emotional learning without making sure that kids are academically prepared and challenged means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

Focusing on academics without making sure kids are socially/emotionally able to learn means nothing in terms of preparing them for HS and college.

and yet, so many have done fine without it. Your thinking is black and white, like we can only focus on social emotional learning because focusing on both is just too hard. Why bother with school. Why not just have daycare for students and have them sit in group therapy. Forget challenging academics. Just make sure they know how to read at a 5th grade level, do basic math, and then call it a day. That's a great way to prepare them for low level, menial jobs after they graduate HS.

???? Both are important. If you're getting good grades but your mental health is terrible and/or you're miserable in school, then you're not "doing fine".