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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is not on DC area, but I’m curious to hear your opinion on this.

DC who is interested in a tech career, but is only 14 and may change their mind down the road, has an opinion to pick between

1. Top private, rigorous high school that provides a well rounded education and prepares kids well for college, but doesn’t offer many tech classes

And

2. Top public magnet, that may be not as rigorous and well rounded, but offers a lot of tech and engineering classes, clubs, internships, and maybe certifications

What would be the best option keeping the college application in mind?[/quote]

We are in DC and have a similar choice to make.  Kid is in at the Blair magnet and will have at least one private option.

I'm torn.  On one hand, I know my kid would love the advanced math and science at Blair.  On the other hand, he only reads and writes when school makes him, so maybe a school that will develop those skills is better?

Waiting till Friday to know what the choice is, exactly.[/quote]

I will give you a straight answer, even though others may rake me over the coals.

If your kid really loves STEM and you are OK with the rigor of the STEM program at Blair...pick it precisely because the humanities classes will be far less work than at a private.  The STEM classes (and activities like Robotics) will be a bunch of work and the last thing your kid wants is a history class that is also a ton of work.  I assume you can still take AP english, history, etc. which will be plenty enough.

I don't know which private you are choosing, but your STEM kid will resent not having the STEM options and having hours of homework each night at say a Sidwell, in subjects that aren't interesting to your kid.  Yes, it will make your kid a better writer...but you have to decide at what cost.

In terms of college...there are lots of Blair magnet kids trying for MIT and top schools, while at Sidwell probably far fewer...however, if your kid isn't in the Top 5% at Sidwell, it probably doesn't matter.[/quote]

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