Blair CAP Program or RM's IB?
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Anonymous
Well that was mature.... |
Anonymous
+1. It seems to be a pretty mixed bag. Plus, it's not clear any of these results are statistically significant or would be fairly stable from year to year. |
Anonymous
My kid, who attended the Eastern magnet, was accepted to both Blair CAP & Blair Magnet as well as RM IB. It was a close call because all three programs are excellent but we ultimately chose RM IB. Even though Blair is located closer to our home than RM, one of the factors that weighed in our decision was visiting both schools during the school day -- more importantly, during the changing of classes -- and experiencing firsthand the significant difference (for us) in attending a school with approximately 3000 students (Blair) versus one with approximately 2000 (RM). My kid also felt that either of the Blair programs would have required a choice between STEM and humanities, but RM's program combined both (for a kid who is equally passionate about history as about math). By the way, a handful of Easternites joined my kid at RM but it seems to me that the majority of fellow classmates who were also accepted at both Blair and RM, chose Blair so hopefully some of those parents will chime-in and share their reasoning. |
Anonymous
| I think for some kids who choose Blair over RM, the commute is what tips the scales. For kids we know who live downcounty, the trip up to RM involves two busses and a very early morning departure indeed (leaving at 5:00 or 5:30 am, I forget which). Then at the end of the day, the busses home are a timing constraint. You hear stories about kids who do their homework or sleep on the bus, but that isn't for every kid. Kids can carpool and seniors can drive, of course, and avoid the bus transfer, but that requires a parental or own car and it's still a longish trip. |
Anonymous
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In making the decision between the Blair programs and RM IB we visited both schools in the morning, during class changes, and in the afternoon. Multiple visits in the morning and afternoon, in particular pretty much helped make up our mind. One school had a huge police presence on two ocassions (not the SRO) and we saw fighting.
We were also lucky enough to speak to a few people directly associated with the programs (not identifying them for fear of retaliation) and heard a few things we did not hear during the organized visits. Some of the kids who were not the chosen escorts during the visits offered by the programs were extremely truthful about the programs. The coursework and the choices were also much superior at one school. Yes, it involves looooong bus trips but DC thinks it was worth it. |
Anonymous
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To be fair, a statement like "the coursework is superior" at one school or the other gets us into the broader debate about IB vs. AP programs. That debate probably justifies its own separate thread.
But here's a broad summary, and YMMV. IB backers argue that colleges have greater respect for IB grads. AP backers argue that more colleges accept high AP test results for credit. CAP classes themselves, being a one-of-a-kind program, are not accepted for college credit. Many RM IB kids also take some AP classes. Both the IB and CAP programs have a heavy emphasis on writing. As someone who is familiar with both programs, and who knows kids in both programs, I'd say there isn't a huge difference in how well your kid will be prepared for college-level research and writing. Some kids like the flexibility of having fewer CAP core courses with the freedom to choose also from a range of AP classes. Others prefer the more cohesive and structured IB program, with its over-arching approach that includes Theory of Knowledge and an emphasis on research. If your liberal arts kid also wants to do some heavy-duty science or math, CAP kids can take advantage (controversially on DCUM at least) of the Blair magnet course offerings. There are also running debates about relative stress levels in the two programs, and that's an important consideration. RM IB is more stressful than CAP. And CAP is more stressful than regular Blair. Some kids thrive under pressure and others don't. There's no perfect program that fits every kid, and you have to figure out what's right for you. |
Anonymous
Yes, Blair is definitely a larger school than RM. Blair also has a more SES-diverse student body, although the non-IB part of RM is also somewhat mixed in terms of SES. It seems a little incredible to me that you witnessed two fights during 2-3 visits to Blair, which itself seems like a lot of visits. In any case, many kids thrive at Blair. Many others need a smaller environment. It all depends on your kid. |
Anonymous
All hail the reasonable, balanced reponse!! Thanks PP. DC just received acceptances to both and will choose CAP. He wants to get the liberal arts angle plus take advantage of higher level math/science, wants to do AP, is looking for a lower stress environment, and wants to play after school sports (not possible with the long RM commute). So CAP works best for us. Congrats to all the kids who got into one or more of their magnet choices! |
Anonymous
| Can someone explain how one gets into CAP? Is it a magnet application? We live in the Downcounty but not in the Blair catchment per se. It was my understanding that kids in the Blair catchment don't have to apply to be able to do CAP--is that correct?? What about kids in the Downcounty? Is there any advantage to being in the downcounty in terms of getting into CAP or am I thinking of another liberal arts or media focused program at Blair? Sorry...confused. |
Anonymous
Anonymous
CAP is only open to DCC kids, it is not a county-wide magnet like Math & Science. One does have to apply and take a test. All kids have to apply, including kids in the Blair zone. There are approx. 75 spots per class, I think. |
Anonymous
http://cap.mbhs.edu/admission.html if you attend a down county consortium feeder middle school, then you are able to apply. But you still need to submit the required application and be selected for the program - you are not automatically considered just based on residence. Hope that helps. Good luck. |
Anonymous
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DC and friend chose RM for the rigorous STEM and arts courses. The environment at RM was also superior. They think the teachers at RM are more seasoned veterans,
Just a personal choice. No slight at Blair. |
Anonymous
| Thanks for explaining CAP entrance! |
Anonymous