Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are what your kid makes of them.

Personally, I would choose NW over Seneca. Academics are similar. Both have AP's, and honors courses.

NW slightly stronger school.

I have no idea what "stronger school" means.

SVHS has a brand-new building and a lot of special programs. NWHS also has some special programs and is one school higher in the Churchill looks down on Wootton looks down on Quince Orchard looks down on Northwest looks down on Seneca Valley looks down on Watkins Mill hierarchy.

The most successful people I know didn’t go to name brand schools. They aren’t even name brand— if they truly were rich they wouldn’t be in public schools. That rat race mentality is an illusion and also why there are so many lost and unhappy people. But you do you.

Anonymous wrote:Recognize that Seneca Valley is a brand new building (2020), added new programs, and doubled in size. A new building and increased programming attracts enthusiastic teachers interested in making their mark on a school's culture. The programs include IB diploma programme, on-site dual enrollment, Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and various career programs. I agree that both schools are good, but each has a different focus and opportunities.

The student body and learning environment are more important than the building.

My daughter goes to NWHS and was just invited to one of the lottery-based part-time programs at SVHS. We thought NWHS was big but SVHS is enormous. It feels more like a college building. They have a ton of programs there. The teachers for the vocational programs were friendly and knowledgeable when we went to the informational presentation. My daughter plans to go to college, but I think these vocational programs are fantastic for any kid who’s interested. I work in IT, and the networking program sounded amazing. A kid in that program could really excel. I’m sure the others also, but that’s the one for which I know the field. My kid picked a different one, though. She will be transported to the school for partial days but if your child goes to SVHS they obviously don’t need that, and it’s a good way to productively fill the hours Junior and Senior year when some kids get internships or a job. NWHS also has a ton of programs. She was more interested in this one.

Going back from covid has been hard for teens. There have been issues at all of the schools. I’m happy NWHS doesn’t sweep anything under the rug. They inform the parents, call authorities if needed. Teachers are accessible. The Counselors are excellent. These things matter to me. My daughter knows that when she has a concern she has a communicative and sympathetic adult to consult. They foster a safe environment to self advocate. That is a skill I think kids need. I don’t feel like I can’t contact them, I’ve just rarely had to do so.

I have a freshman at Seneca Valley. We were previously assigned to Clarksburg HS and were redistricted to the Seneca Valley cluster a couple of years ago. I have to admit, we were not happy when we got moved, but we have been pleasantly surprised. The teachers are fantastic, and the admin staff is friendly and very responsive. The Principal, Dr. Cohen, is loved by the families there. There are great programs (medical, cybersecurity, PLTW, etc.) for students, not to mention the opportunity for kids to get an IB diploma. It also has a really strong community with lots of families and staff who are engaged and motivated to really turn things around and improve its reputation. Oh, and I haven't heard of an abnormal amount of fights or misbehavior. My kid said some kids do pot or vape in the bathroom, but I'm sure it happens in every high school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are what your kid makes of them.

Personally, I would choose NW over Seneca. Academics are similar. Both have AP's, and honors courses.

NW slightly stronger school.

I have no idea what "stronger school" means.

SVHS has a brand-new building and a lot of special programs. NWHS also has some special programs and is one school higher in the Churchill looks down on Wootton looks down on Quince Orchard looks down on Northwest looks down on Seneca Valley looks down on Watkins Mill hierarchy.

Nailed it!

Recognize that Seneca Valley is a brand new building (2020), added new programs, and doubled in size. A new building and increased programming attracts enthusiastic teachers interested in making their mark on a school's culture. The programs include IB diploma programme, on-site dual enrollment, Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and various career programs. I agree that both schools are good, but each has a different focus and opportunities.

Anonymous wrote:They are what your kid makes of them.

Personally, I would choose NW over Seneca. Academics are similar. Both have AP's, and honors courses.

NW slightly stronger school.

I have no idea what "stronger school" means.

SVHS has a brand-new building and a lot of special programs. NWHS also has some special programs and is one school higher in the Churchill looks down on Wootton looks down on Quince Orchard looks down on Northwest looks down on Seneca Valley looks down on Watkins Mill hierarchy.

Anonymous wrote:They are what your kid makes of them.

Personally, I would choose NW over Seneca. Academics are similar. Both have AP's, and honors courses.

NW slightly stronger school.

Thank you.

They are what your kid makes of them.

Personally, I would choose NW over Seneca. Academics are similar. Both have AP's, and honors courses.

NW slightly stronger school.

Thoughts? What are they like?