Reply to Hypothetical MoCo HS Magnet STEM Options

Forum Index » Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

Reply to "Hypothetical MoCo HS Magnet STEM Options"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hey, OP. I also have a 7th grader at TPMS looking at the same programs! (I'll bet we know each other). Additionally, I have a 9th grader (currently at Blair SMACS) who applied and got into Blair, RMIB, Wheaton BioMed & Engineering and CAP. Like a previous poster said, the decision should be made based on how your kid works (& practical factors).  My eldest was also at TPMS magnet but is really an all arounder who is passionate about math. I thought RMIB would be the program for her, but the long commute plus friend upkeep (few friends were going there) plus lower math level plus rigid requirements all pushed her towards Blair. She also chose Blair over Wheaton for distance, flexibility, math & reputation.  She is a type A kid and super studious, but Blair has been tough, and the extra period plus extensive and intense workload have taken their toll. My 2nd (currently 7th) is not as studious as her sister & less excited about school overall but more passionate about tech courses. She will apply for both Wheatons and Blair. If she gets into Blair, she will not take hardest paths & she will utilize older sis for help. She will not apply to RMIB because of the intense workload there + distance. We have a friend at Wheaton (Biomed) who is enjoying the program and doesn't seem as tapped out as my Blair kid. If #2 gets into Blair & Wheaton, she would probably take Blair due to distance and sibling being there, but I would be hoping that her enthusiasm for the subject matter would help her find the extra energy to tackle the extra work. I think she would enjoy Wheaton Engineering. (We went to info sessions on all the programs DD #1 got into, and they all seemed wonderful). #2 will probably also apply to CAP in case she doesn't get into the others (or if interests shift).  All the programs will have more in-depth info sessions if your dc gets accepted. they are helpful. I found the most helpful was the student volunteers -- I asked our student guides tons of questions, & they were very candid. Good luck! [/quote]

NP here.  This is a really helpful post, thank you.  I have a TPMS kid similar to your oldest.  The kid is fast and focused and has never yet had to study much and has a deep love of learning, so on the one hand it's hard for me to believe that any high school program could be too much for him, but then on the other hand I hear all these stories about kids at RMIB and SMCS putting in so many hours of work and feeling under water -- it's worrisome.  Because of commute time, I think RMIB is out for us.  Is your oldest still happy with her SMCS decision?  Were you surprised at how tough she found it, compared to her how easily she handled middle school and other things she does?  Does she look at the CAP kids with longing and have any regret for not going with that program?  I appreciate any insights!  [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics