Reply to Trying to decide about the magnet program at Eastern MS

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Reply to "Trying to decide about the magnet program at Eastern MS - any advice?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here, This is my first time posting on DCUM and I am thrilled with the feedback you all have given me. It is really enormously helpful. Thank you!

Our daughter is on the fence, and is hoping we will make the decision for her. She would have friends at both schools, which is really great, but was turned off when we visited Eastern both times because it was evening, and the lights were off in unused hallways and it seemed dark and foreboding! She is sensitive to 'ambience', I guess, and really hates big, institutional feeling places (will not stay in a mall for more than 20 min, for example). She visited Westland on a sunny morning, on the other hand, and was impressed with the art on the walls (that's an interest).

I love the idea of helping her to find a strong peer group, but she's definitely not one of those kids who's a fish out of water right now. Happy enough with her friends at her regular school... Her self-esteem seems to hinge on art and music rather than academics. She's not a kid who needs to be the smartest in the room, pretty quiet.

I know she'd love the classes at Eastern though, and we would like to give her an academic challenge at some point...Just wondering whether now's the time, if she's happy enough with, and doing well with, MCPS business as usual. Or should we wait to apply to the magnet programs at the HS level.

My husband and I go back and forth (daily, sometimes hourly) on this. He benefited from a special, small gifted school, while I managed to float along with regular fare at schools like Westland and BCC, and we can see the pros/cons of both!

Again, I really appreciate your taking the time to offer me your experiences. Thank you![/quote]

OP, I wish you the best with whatever you decide.  Both of my kids attended the TPMS magnet, and it was wonderful for them (in particular w/regard to the peer group).  But of course, only you and your DD can know what is best for her.

One thought:  She could choose the magnet on the understanding that she will commit to e.g. one semester.  Worst-case, she doesn't like it and can then go to Westland.  She cannot, OTOH, attend Westland and then change her mind re: the magnet program.[/quote]

If she ever opts to leave, she can let Eastern know on a Friday and be enrolled in her home school come Tuesday.  At one point in 6th grade, my child thought the homework/commute/workload were too much with her outside activities -- so we investigated the transfer process.  Super easy.  So glad my child stayed.  She said it was the best decision she ever made.  [/quote]

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