RMIB v. Blair SMAC for all-around kid who loves Computer Science?

[Anonymous]

I know this is a great problem to have, but would love some input. My kid was accepted at both RMIB and Blair SMAC, and we live much closer to Blair and think it's a great school. He's slightly leaning towards RMIB, in part to get a different experience after TPMS magnet -- which he loved. He's truly passionate about learning -- the kind of kid who thinks studying the Iliad would be fun, follows politics, and gets excited doing math competitions. He tells me that the thing he likes most at the moment is computer science, and that if RMIB did not have challenging computer science courses that could be a deal-breaker. I imagine RMIB can't come close to Blair SMAC for computer science, but as long as it was still at a high level, he might think that other benefits of RMIB -- the chance to do really high level English and SS -- would still be the better fit for him. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a great problem to have, but would love some input. My kid was accepted at both RMIB and Blair SMAC, and we live much closer to Blair and think it's a great school. He's slightly leaning towards RMIB, in part to get a different experience after TPMS magnet -- which he loved. He's truly passionate about learning -- the kind of kid who thinks studying the Iliad would be fun, follows politics, and gets excited doing math competitions. He tells me that the thing he likes most at the moment is computer science, and that if RMIB did not have challenging computer science courses that could be a deal-breaker. I imagine RMIB can't come close to Blair SMAC for computer science, but as long as it was still at a high level, he might think that other benefits of RMIB -- the chance to do really high level English and SS -- would still be the better fit for him. Any thoughts?

Computer science @ RMIB is not good.

[Anonymous]

In the same situation too, however, we live closer to RM and even closer to Churchill (our home school). Math and witting both are strong, so wondering at this time if RM has a strong Math program?

[Anonymous]

Last year we were in the same situation -- to select between RM and Blair. We live near RM so it was our first choice before we went to the open house for both programs.

We were much impressed by the presentation at Blair and we believed it was second to none program in the nation !

For example, this year Bliar has 4 Regeneron scholars out of total 6 from Maryland.

https://www.montgomerymag.com/2021/01/08/montgomery-blair-high-school-seniors-named-regeneron-science-talent-search-2021-scholars/

[Anonymous]

What have you thought about the English/SS experience? Although I guess you’ve only had experience during Covid, so that’s a complication.

[Anonymous]

Blair. Hands down.

- parent of RMIB alum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blair. Hands down.

- parent of RMIB alum.

Because of the CS interest, or because overall you think Blair is more rigorous, inspiring, etc.? There have been rumblings in the past few years that RMIB magnet is not supported by the admin — is that what you mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the same situation too, however, we live closer to RM and even closer to Churchill (our home school). Math and witting both are strong, so wondering at this time if RM has a strong Math program?

Well there's the AP track, which is fine, but will not compare to Blair's advanced offerings.

[Anonymous]

Can someone please elaborate on what Blair’s offerings are that are better than RM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blair. Hands down.

- parent of RMIB alum.

Could you please elaborate why you think so? I feel so uninformed right now!

[Anonymous]

I think one thing to consider is that RMIB is an IB program. By definition, those exist all over the world and requirements are determined externally. Blair SMCS is an MCPS program with entirely unique offerings that would not be available in most school systems.

That said, you should consider best fit for your kid, and random internet strangers can’t answer that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair. Hands down.

- parent of RMIB alum.

Could you please elaborate why you think so? I feel so uninformed right now!

Go to both virtual open houses and you'll get more specifics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a great problem to have, but would love some input. My kid was accepted at both RMIB and Blair SMAC, and we live much closer to Blair and think it's a great school. He's slightly leaning towards RMIB, in part to get a different experience after TPMS magnet -- which he loved. He's truly passionate about learning -- the kind of kid who thinks studying the Iliad would be fun, follows politics, and gets excited doing math competitions. He tells me that the thing he likes most at the moment is computer science, and that if RMIB did not have challenging computer science courses that could be a deal-breaker. I imagine RMIB can't come close to Blair SMAC for computer science, but as long as it was still at a high level, he might think that other benefits of RMIB -- the chance to do really high level English and SS -- would still be the better fit for him. Any thoughts?

Computer science @ RMIB is not good.

sadly, I have to agree. DC loves the IB program at RM, but the CS classes are boring for DC who already knows how to do some basic coding. The classes are really for students who have very little base knowledge. So, if your DC has some CS experience, I would say RM CS classes aren't a good match.

That said, my DC is getting a great well rounded education.

[Anonymous]

What do you want from high school? To go more in depth in a field that appears to be the eventual path in college? Or to have the opportunity to become more well rounded and perhaps discover another passion?

[Anonymous]

This is a tough one for us too. RM is home school and Blair bus is ~1.5 hours EACH way! We also have a younger child who will have overlap with older child in HS.

Though I believe Blair is the stronger program, for the sake of our family, sibling relationship, and travel time, RMIB is the better choice external factors considered. I wish their locations were swapped!

We'll see what she chooses though!