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[quote=Anonymous]I have a current 8th grader and it's been a pretty amazing experience, even with 6th grade mostly remote.

[b]Academics:[/b] The academic lift is definitely intense, and time consuming. In some ways, 6th grade feels the hardest. Maybe because it's an adjustment, or maybe there's a little bit of "trial by fire" in the mix. The magnet courses are incredible, of course, but my child also had pretty good experiences with non-magnet. Math instruction was good (AIM, Algebra, and now Geomety) and while the science curriculum is standard MCPS, the teachers have been uniformly very good.

[b]Projects:[/b] This is where the program really shines. The project-based learning, culminating in the NHD project and multiple documentaries over the course of the three years, is a really great way to reach this age group. They get to pursue something they have passion about, by using specific new skills and tools.

[b]Administration:[/b] I was a big fan of the previous principal, who was old enough and experienced enough to navigate the MCPS system. The new principal seems much more likely to toe the Central Office line, and long-term I worry that will erode some of the things that make the school special. I don't really blame her - she's youngish and probably gunning for a HS job eventually, but my experience is that those "gunners" are much less willing to protect their schools/teachers/students from bureaucratic nonsense, since they think they will be gone in a few years anyway.

[b]Extracurriculars:[/b] As a PP said, some of the band and orchestra options are offered after school as well as during the school day to allow magnet kids (or just kids who want an extra elective) to participate. There are a lot of lunchtime clubs and opportunities to get involved, and after-school sports seem to bring a lot of kids together across the school. For theater, Eastern puts on two shows per year - a winter musical and a spring Shakespeare production. Both are unusually well-done for middle school productions. The musical will perform this coming weekend, so you could bring your child if they wanted to see the overall "vibe" of the school.

Happy to answer any other questions, as someone closing out this journey.

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