Reply to MCPS level of academic rigor

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PP. Prior to Blair Magnet, DC was in a private school with emphasis in critical thinking and writing. Enormous amount of reading and writing were the norm, and the school consistently has the highest average ACT scores in the nation. The STEM courses were pretty robust (especially math), but nothing compared to the breadth and depth of advanced courses offered [b]at Blair Magnet, which consistently has the highest average SAT scores in the nation.[/b] The English courses at Blair is excellent (especially the AP Lang and AP Lit path), but DC's reading and writing skills would be better served at the previous private school. At the end it doesn't matter, PSAT/SAT scores qualify for National Merit Finalist. [/quote]

Are you saying Blair Magnet's average SAT is higher than 1520, which is TJ's?[/quote]

As a parent who had 2 kids attend the Blair magnet, I think the Blair vs. TJ debate is ridiculous.  While I think the Blair program is outstanding, from everything I’ve heard, the TJ program is as well.

Within each program, there is some variation, with specific classes/teachers that are particularly notable, and that can change from year to year. Moreover, the individual student is a variable.  What is the best program for a student interested in pure mathematics, may or may not be the best program for a student interested in computer programming, biology, mechanical engineering, etc.

You seem very satisfied with this misguided analogy. There is no choice here unless people are willing to move to a different state. So, very different from Gala vs McIntosh apples. You are treating this as a college decision (teachers, experience, fit), but it's not.

[/quote]

PP here
My point is that they’re roughly equivalent.  I think IF students got to choose (which they can’t), Student A might find Blair to be a slightly better choice for themself while Student B might prefer TJ, but both could have a wonderful education and fantastic overall experience at either school.  The two schools are so similar that neither emerges as a superior choice for all students, with each school having individual weaknesses and strengths that balance themselves out.

Or to stretch my misguided analogy, if your favorite apple is unavailable, you can still enjoy another apple that’s also delicious, and that debating which apple is better is pointless because the  basis for comparison is too subjective.[/quote]

[b]I think comparing the two programs is less a comparison of apples to oranges than one of Gala to McIntosh apples - both are wonderful and it just comes down to personal preference.[/b] [/quote]

Again, there is no choice here, you keep talking about hypothetical student considering these two programs but there are no such students. The fact that some program in some other state is "better for a student in pure mathematics" is completely immaterial. It's not an option.

People rarely compare these programs for that reason, but when they do, they are wondering about caliber of students, quality of curriculum/instruction and college preparedness and placement.

Blair is a much smaller program but also drawing from a smaller area. If you make a back of the envelope calculation I think it's something like 1.5-2 times more selective than TJ. On the other hand, TJ has national recognition  - it is often seen as top 5 and even #1 magnet in the US. Blair's doesn't have comparable reputation outside of DMV so people are trying see where is it, comparably.[/quote]

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