Reply to TKPK public schools vs. AUP/Tenleytown/Friendship Heights public schools

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Reply to "TKPK public schools vs. AUP/Tenleytown/Friendship Heights public schools"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thanks — this is all very helpful. Regarding the test-in programs for TPMS and Blair, how does that work? It was my understanding that inbound kids generally have a greater chance of getting in, but any additional insights would be helpful.[/quote]

We have a child who has done the 3-5 and 6-8 magnets. Currently in middle school. You don’t actually do anything except not opt out, and feed them a good breakfast the morning before the tests happen (which are during school). We reminded our child to look over their tests and told them if they don’t know to guess, basic strategy, etc... I think Blair requires student engagement and an essay or something, but we’re not there yet and are unconcerned because once you do the middle school magnet you’re on an accelerated course track anyway. If your child tests in 96-99% in this pyramid you’re likely to be admitted.

For 3-5 the magnet is one whole class out of 8-9 classes.

For 6-8 the magnet is something like 20 kids selected from two elementary schools that feed to TPMS, so while kids from greater MCPS may have a .1 chance of getting in in bounds kids have more like a 1% chance (which, if you have a high performing child is actually
greater).

All that said, this year it’s a strange process due to COVID - no tests - so I have no idea. Who knows what’ll happen in the future. [/quote]

If for some reason you’re not able to get into the magnets, are the schools’ programs still considered reasonably good? Just trying to get a sense as to what one could expect regarding the quality of education generally. [/quote]

Yes, both TPMS and Blair are considered good options even if you are not in one of the magnets. The downside of Blair is that it is absolutely enormous, which is frankly also its strength. Even if you aren't in one of the two magnets inside the HS, you still have lots of options for honors and AP classes, and you'll find a peer group of motivated kids if that's what you are looking for. There are also lots of clubs and sports, and opportunities for any kid to find likeminded peers.

At Piney Branch, they are one of the very few MCPS elementary schools that hosts a "local" Center for Enriched Studies. So, as a PP said, one class out of the entire fourth, and then the entire fifth, grades is receiving an accelerated reading/writing curriculum. A larger number of kid has access to an accelerated math curriculum. In general, PBES is still a good option even if you are not in the CES. One year, they made two CES classes and my impression was that they later regretted it because it meant all of the "strong" kids were in the CES. This meant that kids right on the cusp who didn't make the cut really didn't have any peers. [/quote]

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