University Park and Ellicott City schools??

[Anonymous]

If you live in University Park, where do/will your kids go to middle school? I've heard the University Park elementary school is good, but does anyone have a child there now?

If you live in Ellicott city, what are the schools like there? Are they as good as MoCo schools? And by good, I don't mean test scores, but the overall experience of the kids. Do they go beyond teach to the test, and teach the kids to question, make connections, analyze? How are the arts programs? Are they overcrowded?

[Anonymous]

I've heard wonderful things about Howard County Schools (where Ellicott City is) - the district is actually supposedly better than MoCo in many respects (I know, say it isn't so...)

[Anonymous]

I was born and raised in Howard County and a product of their schools. Now, I'm raising my child in MoCo schools. I am biased toward Howard County schools for several reasons. They are very challenging academically, but don't feel as "pressure cooker" as MoCo does. My nephew is in Howard schools and thriving, although he's still only in elementary school.

Ellicott City schools are some of the best in the County. I didn't live there or go to those, so I'm not biased in that regard.

[Anonymous]

What Howard County schools do you recommend? I've heard Centennial is the best high school, but not sure about elementary and middle schools.

Anyone live in Prince Georges County? I've heard schools are terrible, but UP elementary is OK. Are there any good PG schools?

[Anonymous]

We looked briefly at University Park but were not satisfied with the situation beyond elementary school. We've met a few parents in the area who work at the university and send their older kids to private schools. (We ended up in MoCo.)

[Anonymous]

I live in PG county. My child is in second grade at Mt. Rainier Elementary, which we love.

I've heard that Hyattsville Middle is improving, and physically houses multiple magnet programs. Have yet to do the research.

[Anonymous]

OP, I live in PG County. Many elementary schools are fine. I'll be honest -- middle schools here have aren't the greatest. I think they are the weakest link of the school district. I was hoping things would change with the new superintendant who recently left, so I don't know what the future holds.

[Anonymous]

We're in the University Park E.S. district, and our kids would go to Hyattsville M.S. if we didn't send them to private schools.

We prefer paying less for housing and more for our choice of schools, instead of paying for a house/school bundle.

[Anonymous]

Howard County School Thoughts...

Western Howard County- less convenience in location, in general "better" schools.

Southern Howard County - very convenient to DC, lots of upscale development coming in area. Some very good schools and a few that are not so well regarded, but overall becoming an option to choose from as well.

[Anonymous]

I should qualify the "very convenient to DC" comment by adding, relative to other spots in HoCo. Would not call HoCo convenient on its own...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Howard County School Thoughts...

Western Howard County- less convenience in location, in general "better" schools.

Southern Howard County - very convenient to DC, lots of upscale development coming in area. Some very good schools and a few that are not so well regarded, but overall becoming an option to choose from as well.

What cities are considered 'Western Howard Co'? What are housing prices like there? We're in MoCo, considering a move to Howard Co. Anyone lived in both, and can compare/contrast the two counties: family values, culture, diversity, safety, schools, kids activities...etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Howard County School Thoughts...

Western Howard County- less convenience in location, in general "better" schools.

Southern Howard County - very convenient to DC, lots of upscale development coming in area. Some very good schools and a few that are not so well regarded, but overall becoming an option to choose from as well.

What cities are considered 'Western Howard Co'? What are housing prices like there? We're in MoCo, considering a move to Howard Co. Anyone lived in both, and can compare/contrast the two counties: family values, culture, diversity, safety, schools, kids activities...etc.

Mostly anything to the west of Route 29. Clarksville, Fulton, Glenelg, Highland, and parts of Ellicott City.

Howard County compared to MoCo. In general, Howard is like a mini MoCo. It's nice, but it just doesn't have as much. Not as many people, not as much wealth, not as much poverty, not as many cultural events, etc. The hospital is great. If you live in southern HoCo, I would NOT go to Laurel General across the line in PG County.

Family values: Similar to MoCo. Probably not as large a gay/lesbian population though.
Culture: Not as much as in MoCo. You've got Merriweather Post for some concerts, shows, Rep Stage, a couple of dinner theaters. Nothing like Imagination Stage.
Diversity: 75% white, about 15% black, barely any hispanic population.
Safety: Pretty darned safe other than some pockets in Columbia proper and Southern Howard County (stay away from Whiskey Bottom).
Schools: Overall pretty excellent.
Kids activities: Comparable to MoCo, although perhaps not as many choices. (i.e. you can find music lessons everywhere, but are they similar to the Levine School? Probably not).

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. I haven't been on in a while to get this answer. Very comprehensive and helpful!