elementary school that would welcome my biracial child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm really disturbed by this thread. Honestly, OP, trust me, MOCO is simply not a hotbed of latent (or more blatant) racial prejudice! My kids attend one of the schools mentioned earlier on this thread. It was suggested that, b/c this school has an 80% white population, it must be a hostile, unwelcoming environment for a biracial child. That is nonsense! I would not let my children attend a school where that type of closed-mindedness was the norm. I'd love to see our school become more diverse -- but that won't happen if families like yours are sold a "bill of goods" that you will not be made welcome. Honestly, don't believe what you have read here. You'd be more than welcome at any of the schools mentioned here. Good luck and we hope you consider any of our MOCO schools!

A school with an 80% white population is not diverse. Therefore it is a suspect and potentially problematic environment for a Black or biracial child.

You do realize that only about 13% of the US population is AA, right? So that's already more than reflective of American society as a whole.

See the above charts - the AA population in DC is twice that. We are not talking about the US population as a whole here. We are talking about this geographic area.

A school such as e.g. Carderock or Somerset or Burning Tree, with (speaking from memory here) an 80% white/10% Asian/5% AA/5% other population is not diverse. It just isn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is interesting but it doesn't show school demographics which are very different. For instance, Chevy Chase schools draw from other, more diverse areas. And DC public schools can be majority black or majority white.

Well, it's not hard to find school-level data on the MCPS website. Here is a comparison of Walt Whitman in Bethesda vs. Blair in Silver Spring.

Walt Whitman: 12% Asian, 4% AA, 8% Hisp, 72% white
Blair: 16% Asian, 27% AA, 29% Hisp, 24% white

Seems pretty correlated to the demographics of the neighborhoods feeding these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is interesting but it doesn't show school demographics which are very different. For instance, Chevy Chase schools draw from other, more diverse areas. And DC public schools can be majority black or majority white.

Well, it's not hard to find school-level data on the MCPS website. Here is a comparison of Walt Whitman in Bethesda vs. Blair in Silver Spring.

Walt Whitman: 12% Asian, 4% AA, 8% Hisp, 72% white
Blair: 16% Asian, 27% AA, 29% Hisp, 24% white

Seems pretty correlated to the demographics of the neighborhoods feeding these schools.

That's true but a few schools are not quite as obvious. Rosemary Hills and BCC are good examples. That's why I recommend looking at the individual schools rather than just the neighborhoods..

[Anonymous]

Since you are comparing Whitman and Blair High Schools, the next step on DCUM is typically to insist that their students will be lower achieving at schools with lower SES. Not that Blair is a typical high school, but I think they do right by their highly diverse population (FARMs which is a typical measure of poverty = 34% at Blair, Whitman FARMs = 2%). Blair's performance on the APs is comparable to Whitman's:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/pdf/10.12.03APAttachment_lw.pdf

Page 4 shows FARMs, Special Ed, and ESOL absolute participation and pass rates which for Blair tend to surpass even the Ws. Blair hosts a math/science magnet that draws many out-of-boundary students and CAP, which draws high-achieving students from the DCC. But magnet FARMs rate is 4%, CAP is probably not any higher, while total Blair's FARMs AP participation is over 13%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since you are comparing Whitman and Blair High Schools, the next step on DCUM is typically to insist that their students will be lower achieving at schools with lower SES ...

Huh? I'm the person who compared them. I'm not sure I understand your point. I looked at the numbers after I read the PP which suggested that school demographics might vary from neighborhood demographics. I picked those two schools because they're the first two high schools I could think of in their respective neighborhoods. I'm not sure why you'd think I want to dig into those other issues or make such insinuations about the schools. I thought the focus of this thread was on finding a racially diverse school for OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm really disturbed by this thread. Honestly, OP, trust me, MOCO is simply not a hotbed of latent (or more blatant) racial prejudice! My kids attend one of the schools mentioned earlier on this thread. It was suggested that, b/c this school has an 80% white population, it must be a hostile, unwelcoming environment for a biracial child. That is nonsense! I would not let my children attend a school where that type of closed-mindedness was the norm. I'd love to see our school become more diverse -- but that won't happen if families like yours are sold a "bill of goods" that you will not be made welcome. Honestly, don't believe what you have read here. You'd be more than welcome at any of the schools mentioned here. Good luck and we hope you consider any of our MOCO schools!

No one is disputing your personal account. I dispute your assertion that entire elementary school populations (named in this thread) are racist and unwelcoming. That is the bill of goods to which I referred. Your posts sound like you have made a decision to not enroll your child in a school with a lot of white children b/c you have had bad experiences with some white people. That is your right, but it also makes you closed minded and, frankly quite racist yourself. Sad for you but it doesn't mean that all white people are racist or unwelcoming. Painting entire populations with a broad and disparaging brush is the hallmark of racism. Hopefully the op and others like her are more broad minded and will move into these areas. I know they will be welcome (despite what you may believe).



You are unbelievable! Are you saying that I am lying about my children's experiences in Montgomery County schools? Why would I want to do that? It is in my best interest, as a mom of biracial children, to encourage parents of non-white children to send their kids to Montgomery County schools. But I can't lie and pretend that their children will not ever experience racism in the Montgomery County schools. I live here and I do think this environment is better than most but it is not perfect, even in the more diverse areas where I have lived. I told three stories that actually happened to my kids and you are calling this "a bill of goods?" You need to wake up and take a good look around you or you are helping to perpetuate the problem that you claim does not even exist in Montgomery County.

I find your post hilarious. You are calling me a racist and I have to ask: racist against whom? I am white myself. I have not painted an entire population with a "disparaging brush." I have said, in effect, that black and biracial kids are likely to experience some forms of racial prejudice in school and that it's better for them to go to schools where at least some of the other children look like them. My kids do go to schools with "a lot of white children." They go to school in Montgomery County so of course there are a lot of white children. It is not a child's responsibility to represent their race and integrate schools on their own. The OP is looking for a more welcoming environment for her biracial kids. I also have biracial kids so I have some experience with this.

Some kids (in the more diverse schools which my children currently attend) have made comments that were pretty disturbing. I used those comments to illustrate the fact that racial prejudice does exist here in Montgomery County whether we like it or not. I am not saying that everyone is prejudiced although I really question people like you who become overly defensive when the subject comes up. I mean, look at what you did! You assumed I was black and that I was somehow racist against you and your children! That's so absurd that it almost doesn't deserve a response.

I would like to say to the OP that overall, Montgomery County is a great place for biracial kids to go to school but that I would investigate the demographics of individual schools pretty closely. Some are MUCH better than others. I would avoid the richest, whitest areas where people like the PP are in complete denial about their own views on other races and their children will reflect those views. Some of these white kids have never really interacted with black people as friends and equals. This will make a difference in how your children are treated. Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Kensington, Wheaton, Rockville, and parts of Chevy Chase are pretty good for diversity in the schools. I would not recommend most of Bethesda if you are looking for diversity.

I'm the pp you are responding to. You said that I "assumed you were black" and that you were "racist against" me and my children. Where, exactly, do you get that from my post?!? I have no idea your racial background and made no such assumption. I stated that you had made a decision for your family (that these schools had too many white children enrolled for your comfort level). This is what YOU said. You ARE judging those schools simply b/c there are too many "white" kids for your comfort level. Your posts continually lay blame against entire schools and the children attending those schools. You seem unable to believe that these schools are filled with good people (despite the fact that some of us would love more diversity). Seriously, you really are not in the mainstream. I wish you well.

[Anonymous]

15:33, I am not the pp you are debating, but you seem to be reading stuff into her posts that I just don't see. And you seem to be taking this very personally. It is not about you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm really disturbed by this thread. Honestly, OP, trust me, MOCO is simply not a hotbed of latent (or more blatant) racial prejudice! My kids attend one of the schools mentioned earlier on this thread. It was suggested that, b/c this school has an 80% white population, it must be a hostile, unwelcoming environment for a biracial child. That is nonsense! I would not let my children attend a school where that type of closed-mindedness was the norm. I'd love to see our school become more diverse -- but that won't happen if families like yours are sold a "bill of goods" that you will not be made welcome. Honestly, don't believe what you have read here. You'd be more than welcome at any of the schools mentioned here. Good luck and we hope you consider any of our MOCO schools!

No one is disputing your personal account. I dispute your assertion that entire elementary school populations (named in this thread) are racist and unwelcoming. That is the bill of goods to which I referred. Your posts sound like you have made a decision to not enroll your child in a school with a lot of white children b/c you have had bad experiences with some white people. That is your right, but it also makes you closed minded and, frankly quite racist yourself. Sad for you but it doesn't mean that all white people are racist or unwelcoming. Painting entire populations with a broad and disparaging brush is the hallmark of racism. Hopefully the op and others like her are more broad minded and will move into these areas. I know they will be welcome (despite what you may believe).



You are unbelievable! Are you saying that I am lying about my children's experiences in Montgomery County schools? Why would I want to do that? It is in my best interest, as a mom of biracial children, to encourage parents of non-white children to send their kids to Montgomery County schools. But I can't lie and pretend that their children will not ever experience racism in the Montgomery County schools. I live here and I do think this environment is better than most but it is not perfect, even in the more diverse areas where I have lived. I told three stories that actually happened to my kids and you are calling this "a bill of goods?" You need to wake up and take a good look around you or you are helping to perpetuate the problem that you claim does not even exist in Montgomery County.

I find your post hilarious. You are calling me a racist and I have to ask: racist against whom? I am white myself. I have not painted an entire population with a "disparaging brush." I have said, in effect, that black and biracial kids are likely to experience some forms of racial prejudice in school and that it's better for them to go to schools where at least some of the other children look like them. My kids do go to schools with "a lot of white children." They go to school in Montgomery County so of course there are a lot of white children. It is not a child's responsibility to represent their race and integrate schools on their own. The OP is looking for a more welcoming environment for her biracial kids. I also have biracial kids so I have some experience with this.

Some kids (in the more diverse schools which my children currently attend) have made comments that were pretty disturbing. I used those comments to illustrate the fact that racial prejudice does exist here in Montgomery County whether we like it or not. I am not saying that everyone is prejudiced although I really question people like you who become overly defensive when the subject comes up. I mean, look at what you did! You assumed I was black and that I was somehow racist against you and your children! That's so absurd that it almost doesn't deserve a response.

I would like to say to the OP that overall, Montgomery County is a great place for biracial kids to go to school but that I would investigate the demographics of individual schools pretty closely. Some are MUCH better than others. I would avoid the richest, whitest areas where people like the PP are in complete denial about their own views on other races and their children will reflect those views. Some of these white kids have never really interacted with black people as friends and equals. This will make a difference in how your children are treated. Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Kensington, Wheaton, Rockville, and parts of Chevy Chase are pretty good for diversity in the schools. I would not recommend most of Bethesda if you are looking for diversity.

I'm the pp you are responding to. You said that I "assumed you were black" and that you were "racist against" me and my children. Where, exactly, do you get that from my post?!? I have no idea your racial background and made no such assumption. I stated that you had made a decision for your family (that these schools had too many white children enrolled for your comfort level). This is what YOU said. You ARE judging those schools simply b/c there are too many "white" kids for your comfort level. Your posts continually lay blame against entire schools and the children attending those schools. You seem unable to believe that these schools are filled with good people (despite the fact that some of us would love more diversity). Seriously, you really are not in the mainstream. I wish you well.

You actually called me closed minded and "quite racist." Those were your own words. I don't know who you think I am racist against but you clearly called me a racist. Your interpretation of my post is just bizarre. I never said that the people in those schools are not "good people." I'm sorry that people like you find it so difficult to step outside your own world of privilege and try for one second to understand where people of other races are coming from. It is really is sad that this is so impossible for so many people. You just went straight into defensive mode and couldn't hear what people in this thread were actually trying to say.

[Anonymous]

Wow! Frankly, you sound nuts!

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm biracial (black/white) and I've lived in this area all my life. I think you'll find that virtually anywhere will welcome your child and there will not be overt racism. However, if you want your child (I'm assuming they are AA/hispanic based on your post) to be surrounded by other kids of that background, then I think your best bets are sticking to Silver Spring/Takoma and Rockville. I would avoid most of Bethesda/Potomac, not because they are racist or unwelcoming, but simply because I don't want my child to be one of only a handful of black/hispanic/whatever students in the class. I think it's isolating and unhealthy to be constantly perceived as "the other", which is inevitable when you are in a racial minority. Since we live in an area where it's possible to get good (although not THE BEST) schools and diversity, that's what I'm aiming for. Just my two cents.

[Anonymous]

"that although we divide by race, it's really a matter of socio-economics"

I love how people say it is socio-economics and not race. Is it just a coincidence that the more affluent neighborhoods have more white people? It is not exclusively about race but you can't act like it doesn't play a part. It is so much easier for white people to blame socio-economic status. Why do you think they call it "white flight"? - they don't call it rich flight!

That being said, MoCo does an absolutely amazing job educating it's black students, particularly in the more diverse schools. The OP will be very fortunate to have her child at any MoCo school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"that although we divide by race, it's really a matter of socio-economics"

I love how people say it is socio-economics and not race. Is it just a coincidence that the more affluent neighborhoods have more white people? It is not exclusively about race but you can't act like it doesn't play a part. It is so much easier for white people to blame socio-economic status. Why do you think they call it "white flight"? - they don't call it rich flight!

That being said, MoCo does an absolutely amazing job educating it's black students, particularly in the more diverse schools. The OP will be very fortunate to have her child at any MoCo school.

I can point out neighborhoods around mine with McMansions I can't even afford to look at - majority of them owned by affluent people of color. It's socio-economics across the board, hon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"that although we divide by race, it's really a matter of socio-economics"

I love how people say it is socio-economics and not race. Is it just a coincidence that the more affluent neighborhoods have more white people? It is not exclusively about race but you can't act like it doesn't play a part. It is so much easier for white people to blame socio-economic status. Why do you think they call it "white flight"? - they don't call it rich flight!

That being said, MoCo does an absolutely amazing job educating it's black students, particularly in the more diverse schools. The OP will be very fortunate to have her child at any MoCo school.

I can point out neighborhoods around mine with McMansions I can't even afford to look at - majority of them owned by affluent people of color. It's socio-economics across the board, hon.

Are you in Montgomery County? Are the owners of those McMansions black? If so, I would love to know where this neighborhood is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"that although we divide by race, it's really a matter of socio-economics"

I love how people say it is socio-economics and not race. Is it just a coincidence that the more affluent neighborhoods have more white people? It is not exclusively about race but you can't act like it doesn't play a part. It is so much easier for white people to blame socio-economic status. Why do you think they call it "white flight"? - they don't call it rich flight!

That being said, MoCo does an absolutely amazing job educating it's black students, particularly in the more diverse schools. The OP will be very fortunate to have her child at any MoCo school.

I can point out neighborhoods around mine with McMansions I can't even afford to look at - majority of them owned by affluent people of color. It's socio-economics across the board, hon.

Are you in Montgomery County? Are the owners of those McMansions black? If so, I would love to know where this neighborhood is.

yes - Mo Co
black (African American and African), Asian, and Middle Eastern

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"that although we divide by race, it's really a matter of socio-economics"

I love how people say it is socio-economics and not race. Is it just a coincidence that the more affluent neighborhoods have more white people? It is not exclusively about race but you can't act like it doesn't play a part. It is so much easier for white people to blame socio-economic status. Why do you think they call it "white flight"? - they don't call it rich flight!

That being said, MoCo does an absolutely amazing job educating it's black students, particularly in the more diverse schools. The OP will be very fortunate to have her child at any MoCo school.

I can point out neighborhoods around mine with McMansions I can't even afford to look at - majority of them owned by affluent people of color. It's socio-economics across the board, hon.

Are you in Montgomery County? Are the owners of those McMansions black? If so, I would love to know where this neighborhood is.

yes - Mo Co
black (African American and African), Asian, and Middle Eastern

I wanna know too - I want to move there!! A neighborhood in MoCo with a majority of the McMansions being minority-owned? (although I doubt that majority is predominantly black)