Reply to CAP vs. RMIB

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am 40 and still kind of regret doing the IB program rather than CAP! (Or, my good home school). I was a real grind, all four years and not very intellectually fulfilling, whereas I loved Eastern. That said, having not done the CAP program, I have no idea what I'd have thought of it. And I was really very well prepared for college and didn't struggle with the work or work load at all.

[b]For a fairly competitive personality that wants to do advanced classes in math, sciences and humanities it's a good option, though and skirts the either/or nature of either the Blair Math Science Magnet or the CAP.[/b] [/quote]

In practical terms this is what RMIB is essentially - 
1)  [b]It is like doing BOTH the magnet programs - SMACS and Humanities[/b]  - or in IBspeak "well rounded and world class"
2) Add in the requirements of the IB diploma - an Extended Essay (dissertation), 150 hours of CAS hours (not SSL) in 11th and 12th grade etc...
3) Most IB kids double up on the AP exams as well for all the IB exams they take.  And build up an impressive list of SAT 2 subject exams, APs and IBs.

All of this comes when they are also applying for colleges. So, fun times!

Having said that, 9th grade is the hardest because kids are still operating with the attitude of competitiveness in grades, and so peer support is minimal. So, I agree with what another PP had said, Trust me, that by the 11th grade they are in SURVIVAL mode, and these kids are helping each other as much as time allows!    You are worthy of respect just because you survived RMIB. :-)  And considering that almost all make it till the very end with great results - that is saying something. [/quote]

This is just not accurate.  I have one kid at the Blair magnet and another who graduated from RMIB a year ago.  The math at RMIB does not begin to compare to the math at the Blair magnet.  Doing math at RMIB is NOT like doing the magnet at Blair.  Not even close.[/quote]

I am not doubting you.  However,  I have seen kids with varying Math levels in RMIB. I know of one kid who did Geometry in 9th grade, and another who did Calculus BC in 10th grade.  So, they will accommodate based on where the kid is in Math. However, RMIB is not the SMACS or CAPS program. It is different than these and the end goal is to get you the IB diploma and a rigorous all-round education, that includes elements of both Science/Math and Humanities.  For a STEM student, this is an excellent chance to be exposed to a rigorous humanities curriculum and develop communication, analysis and critiquing skills.  And the same for the Humanities student - they get an opportunity to be in a rigorous STEM program.  Perhaps they will not have this opportunity once they go to college.

I do think that the students come out of RMIB capable of handling any subject in college and excelling.

Is it a beyond gruelling, hard program for 4 years of HS?  Yes.

Do they sacrifice sleep and social life? Yes.

Don't push your kid into this program if they do not want to do this. That's all.

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