Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is a 9th grader in the CAP program and really likes it. The best part is having a cohort of 25 students that take 4 classes together in freshman year - he is really bonding with his group. CAP now has about 100 students for this year. New parent so I don't know how CAP is now compared to previous years.

We are considering the CAP program because several of my kids' friends are considering it, too. My question is what classes make up CAP? As a 9th grader, can you be in CAP as well at French 4, Band, Alg 2, and AP Gov? We don't want academics to suffer and don't want to miss out on foreign language and band.

Yes you can take level 4 language, band, honors algebra 2 as a freshman in cap. All Blair students take US History before government though and the course is part of the CAP sequence. The CAP courses freshman year are English, US History, Drama, Photgraphy/Scriptwriting

I will check the website. So APUSH first? I don't think band would fit as even with an extra hour, she would need to squeeze in science.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is a 9th grader in the CAP program and really likes it. The best part is having a cohort of 25 students that take 4 classes together in freshman year - he is really bonding with his group. CAP now has about 100 students for this year. New parent so I don't know how CAP is now compared to previous years.

We are considering the CAP program because several of my kids' friends are considering it, too. My question is what classes make up CAP? As a 9th grader, can you be in CAP as well at French 4, Band, Alg 2, and AP Gov? We don't want academics to suffer and don't want to miss out on foreign language and band.

Yes you can take level 4 language, band, honors algebra 2 as a freshman in cap. All Blair students take US History before government though and the course is part of the CAP sequence. The CAP courses freshman year are English, US History, Drama, Photgraphy/Scriptwriting

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is a 9th grader in the CAP program and really likes it. The best part is having a cohort of 25 students that take 4 classes together in freshman year - he is really bonding with his group. CAP now has about 100 students for this year. New parent so I don't know how CAP is now compared to previous years.

We are considering the CAP program because several of my kids' friends are considering it, too. My question is what classes make up CAP? As a 9th grader, can you be in CAP as well at French 4, Band, Alg 2, and AP Gov? We don't want academics to suffer and don't want to miss out on foreign language and band.

The required courses are posted on the website.

Anonymous wrote:DS is a 9th grader in the CAP program and really likes it. The best part is having a cohort of 25 students that take 4 classes together in freshman year - he is really bonding with his group. CAP now has about 100 students for this year. New parent so I don't know how CAP is now compared to previous years.

We are considering the CAP program because several of my kids' friends are considering it, too. My question is what classes make up CAP? As a 9th grader, can you be in CAP as well at French 4, Band, Alg 2, and AP Gov? We don't want academics to suffer and don't want to miss out on foreign language and band.

I have had two kids go through CAP. CAP kids are not all the same, of course! I’ve known some who were very into theater (neither of mine) and those who were brilliant at math; those who are extroverts and chatty, and others who are quiet observers. What they have in common is curiosity, diligence, and a real interest in learning and discussion. In the program they learn to step outside their comfort zones (drama and public speaking), master new skills (video editing, debate) and work collaboratively (lots of small group projects). College placement tends to be very good. There are CAP kids who take high level STEM classes at Blair and end up as math and science majors because that’s where their primary interest lies, but they’ve become excellent writers and speakers while in high school. I’m a big fan of the program.

What are CAP students like? On the paper? Theatre kids? Any with STEM interests?

This is an obnoxious question but does anyone know how many kids apply to CAP and how many attend?

Bumping this thread - our child just got into the CAP program, and we'd welcome any input from parents with students currently there. Has the program benefitted your kid, and what do you like (or not) about the program?

DS is a 9th grader in the CAP program and really likes it. The best part is having a cohort of 25 students that take 4 classes together in freshman year - he is really bonding with his group. CAP now has about 100 students for this year. New parent so I don't know how CAP is now compared to previous years.

DC is a freshman in CAP and really likes it. The 4 CAP classes are in a cohort so the same group of 25 kids have 4 classes together. So far the work has been interesting and challenging but not overwhelming and this is not coming from eastern. Do you have specific questions? Several of DC’s friends from Eastern got into RMIB but turned it down for CAP. Not complaining about long day but commute is not bad.

My kid is a CAP senior. Incoming CAP cohorts have been bigger and the school is working to get more students from other middle schools interested in attending, not just kids from Eastern. The 9th period was just for freshman year, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things for my kid. It’s one way of finding your people at Blair, since there are so many kids enrolled at the school. Is Blair your home school anyway? If it is, then your kid will still have access to great teachers. If you’re not in-boundary for Blair (like our family), CAP was our entry point because we didn’t make it through the lottery.

But as a PP mentioned, why would you kid want to attend?

Anonymous wrote:I’m the parent of an Eastern kid who decided not to apply for CAP, but has friends in the program. As the PP says, I don’t have inside knowledge, but I most at least provide some insight.

What aspect of CAP is most appealing to your 8th grader? Are there unique elements of communications and media that your student is really interested in, or do they just want an advanced program that isn’t STEM-oriented?

Why not go for RMIB?

I’m the parent of an Eastern kid who decided not to apply for CAP, but has friends in the program. As the PP says, I don’t have inside knowledge, but I most at least provide some insight.

What aspect of CAP is most appealing to your 8th grader? Are there unique elements of communications and media that your student is really interested in, or do they just want an advanced program that isn’t STEM-oriented?

Kid was in magnet, not cap, but since no one else has responded....

The extra class seems great in terms of having more choices but makes for a long day, especially if involved in a sport. Mine was a soph when pandemic hit, and it was a relief. But, kids don't always have to take 9th period.

How has CAP at Blair been this year? We are considering it for our student. They have an extra period (as does the Math/Science Magnet). Does the day seem extra long? Are you CAP kids happy with the program?