MCPS level of academic rigor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

Not relevant to anything as TJ is not MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

Seriously, no one outside DMV area knows about Blair.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it's not known nationally. MCPS would rather artificially boost numbers for a mediocre school than have a nationally recognized magnet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS had a similar situation—took all APs + Honors classes and got straight As, but never really seemed to be working hard at home. SATs scores were not good (sub 1200). We had him go to Capital Educators, he brought his score up a ton, and landed at a well regarded college and is doing well. He is really working for his grades now.

In MCPS you have to take all Honors and APs if you are a decent student but the honors classes are a joke and people who point to their kid’s high number of AP classes as evidence of high rigor are deluding themselves. DS and neighborhood friend who attended a private school had very different levels of rigor re teacher expectations, work, grading, exams, etc even though on paper they were both taking very similar classes. Private was not an option for us, but the low SAT score vs high grades/rigor was a real wake up call for us.

Let’s stop this BS comparisons between private and public. I went to a private. Guess what I took? All Honors and AP courses. The problem is we’ve gotten to ridiculous expectations of the SAT score because of all the prepping and review that is now available.

I think the point here was that honors and AP classes may not be a rigorous as they once were and that when there is a huge disparity between SAT scores and grades in “rigorous” classes, that might be an indication something is off with the rigor ar Mcps generally. Even with massive amounts of prep and lots of retests, there’s no chance a 1080 is bumping up to high 1400/1500s that you might expect from someone taking the most challenging course load.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Yes, Blair is like TJ if they had only the top 100 kids per grade otherwise they're the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, it's not known nationally. MCPS would rather artificially boost numbers for a mediocre school than have a nationally recognized magnet.

Or...Virginia has a tradition of whole-school criteria-based magnets and Maryland does not, and both models are fine actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

Seriously, no one outside DMV area knows about Blair.

Maybe you should tell that to Intel, Regeneron, NY times or the society for sciences, just to name a few.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

Seriously, no one outside DMV area knows about Blair.

Maybe you should tell that to Intel, Regeneron, NY times or the society for sciences, just to name a few.

Are you really suggesting companies like Intel and Regeneron actually care and give shit about what high school their employees attended? Seriously? Blair magnet is a great program, but it doesn’t have the same level of fame nationwide that TJ does. It just doesn’t, okay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

Seriously, no one outside DMV area knows about Blair.

Maybe you should tell that to Intel, Regeneron, NY times or the society for sciences, just to name a few.

"intel" is not one thing. a lot of people who work at intel who have heard of e.g. stuyvesant have never heard of blair. it's not on any list of magnets and educated people in other states don't know about it, even if they have kids in other magnets or selective privates. it's not the fault of the program, it's the setup.

people who i believe have heard of blair outside of DMV are parents who have extremely high achieving kids e.g. kids going to national competitions, selective summer programs etc, and yes, judges at those competitions. but that doesn't make it "nationally known".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation. The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist.

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous. While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable. What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.



You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent. I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school. The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the basis for comparison is too subjective.

I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.

This is where you're wrong. Blair is known nationally.

Seriously, no one outside DMV area knows about Blair.

Maybe you should tell that to Intel, Regeneron, NY times or the society for sciences, just to name a few.

"intel" is not one thing. a lot of people who work at intel who have heard of e.g. stuyvesant have never heard of blair. it's not on any list of magnets and educated people in other states don't know about it, even if they have kids in other magnets or selective privates. it's not the fault of the program, it's the setup.

people who i believe have heard of blair outside of DMV are parents who have extremely high achieving kids e.g. kids going to national competitions, selective summer programs etc, and yes, judges at those competitions. but that doesn't make it "nationally known".

+1