Reply to TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Most want to see admissions based on STEM interest and aptitude, not demographics.[/quote]

Sure, but STEM interest and aptitude across the county. Not just a few affluent middle schools. [/quote]

What if the kids with the most interest and aptitude aren't evenly distributed across the county?  Why are you so obsessed with whether certain middle schools are "affluent" and less interested in whether TJ is actually fulfilling the obligations of a Governor's School?  [/quote]

When your privileged kid is in a rich school, they have many opportunities that kids in crappy poor schools don’t. So what looks like “interest and aptitude” in your rich kids is actually a significant function of their privilege. So no, you don’t get to take all or most of the spots. Sorry.[/quote]

So your argument is that kids in “crappy poor” schools need TJ more because their base schools are so bad, regardless of whether they are the best qualified?

Got it. Sounds like quite an indictment of FCPS. [/quote]

We disagree on how to measure the best qualified.

I am fine with using MS GPS based on similar classes across the county. I do think that they should require that kids have Geometry and Algebra 1 in order to apply for TJ but that is the only real change that I think they need to make.

Others, and I don't know if you fall into this group, think that activities outside of MS should be included in the evaluation. They believe that the ability to attend extra curricular activities or enrichment math or STEM programs shows that those kids are more qualified.

I don't see TJ as a place that should demand that 13 year olds have already devoted their childhood to STEM but should be a place for kids who are smart and motivated and interested in STEM to attend. I also see that many kids do not have the ability to participate in STEM extra curricular activities. Those activities require time, money, and transportation. Yes, many programs offer scholarships for under privileged kids but the child still has to get to the class, which requires transportation and someone to drop off and pick up. Not every child has that ability. Not every ES has the same STEM after school programs.

I happen to believe that 1.5% from each MS is a good way of distributing seats because it allows kids from every school an opportunity to attend TJ if their grades are good enough and they are interested in STEM. [/quote]

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