Westland vs. Pyle Advice

[Anonymous]

We will be moving to the area for a two-three year stint and our kids will be in middle school. We are interested in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area and are trying to figure out if there is a big difference between Westland and Pyle. The boards seem to be plus/minus about Westland and favorable about Pyle, but I can't figure out why. One post calls Westland the "weak link" in the BCC cluster but says Pyle is good. Advice?

[Anonymous]

I don't think there is a major difference, but then I haven't had kids at both (of course who has?). I think Pyle is draws from a slightly more affluent area, which I expect will probably reflect in slightly higher test scores, while Westland is more economically and racially diverse (of course these things are relative). Westland has an IB program, if that's of interest.

[Anonymous]

I work with both students at Westland and Pyle. Both are great schools. Like the PP said, Westland is more economically and racially diverse and their IB program is a nice bonus if going on to BCC. There is pressure at both schools to stay ahead of the curriculum and take honors classes. From my experience, teachers at both schools are mixed...you can end up with a really great teacher for a subject or not, just like with any school. The principal at Westland is really great at connecting with and getting to know the students. I don't think you can go wrong with either school.