Blair mom of artsy kid here. Don't listen to the knee jerk "No" people. They are likely fishing for your spot! This really depends on your kid.

My kid was more of an RM kid. She did go to TPMS magnet over Eastern because it was closer and she wanted to give STEM a go. She came out loving math, not super keen on science and so-so on CS. Also, still loving literature, theatre, history, film and music. In the end w/ HS, she decided that the RM commute would be too much and chose Blair. At Blair, there are a certain number of STEM classes needed for the magnet in addition to what a kid would normally take. 2 years of CS, which can open the door for interesting classes design based elective classes, R&E which is like physics meets shop, a few extra science classes, and the same amount of math as normal (because everyone takes 4 years anyway) unless you want extra, and a research class or two, depending on if your kid does the sr. project. There are some interesting electives -- marine biology, optics, race/gender in STEM, etc. My kid was meh about science and got really turned off on CS by a student teacher (who is now at PHS I think, hope he mellowed a bit!) but loved math. She did mostly math electives to finish out her magnet requirements and did not do the project. She is at an Ivy doing a blend of math, arts and music.

The Blair magnet day has an extra period, so kids can take electives. Mine was able to take music and arts most years. Also AP history electives. Almost all the AP teachers my kid had were good. I would say half the day is STEM, but 1/4 of that would have been required/recommended classes anyway.

So, if you think your kid might blossom in that kind of setting, give it a go! I suggest going to the open house and asking LOTS of questions before deciding either way. Congrats on the admit, and good luck!

Anonymous wrote:DC was expecting RMIB, but only got invited by Blair SMAC. As a non-stem kid, will DC be unhappy if going to Blair SMAC?

It's an awful lot to take on especially if you aren't passionate about STEM, but before deciding at least go to the open house and look over the course offerings.

Anonymous wrote:DC was expecting RMIB, but only got invited by Blair SMAC. As a non-stem kid, will DC be unhappy if going to Blair SMAC?

The magnet involves 4 classes: math, science, cs, and engineering+research. They would probably take 3/4 of that even in a non-stem program. Further, they can focus on the areas that interest them most in 11th and 12th. They could focus on math or cs instead of science if that interested them more.

I have a child who had to choose between Blair SMAC and CAP a couple of years ago. They were about as “non-STEM” as you could get. They chose CAP and I think that was the right decision, despite everyone on this board saying you’ve got to be an idiot to pass up a SMAC spot and they would never amount to anything if they chose CAP.

How did they even get picked? Probably high cogat scores, great recommendations from MS science and math teachers, maybe the magnet wanted to round out their program. They’ve taken AP math and science classes while at CAP and found them very fast paced and did not enjoy the classes. So I’m glad they didn’t do SMAC.

You know your kid better than the magnet coordinators who selected your kid. We think ours made the right decision. I guess you could always send your kid to SMAC and let them go back to their home school if that doesn’t work out, but a lot of kids have a hard time with that decision/adjustment afterwards. Again, you know your kid and should make the decision based on their interests and abilities, not what DCUM says on this forum.

Your kid can always try it for one year and if he doesn’t like it return back to your home school. Who knows maybe they will love it!

I say try it. My 2, one at blair, one graduated, both got into RMIB too. Always figured one would go to RMIB. Nope, both decided on Blair. The humanities one embraced science and thrived. The Humanties teachers (English and social studies) at blair are fantastic too!

Anonymous wrote:It could be be hard to fit in socially with the nerdy hard core stem kids

That has been DC’s society 4th grade actually. DC may find more friends/familiar people there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC was expecting RMIB, but only got invited by Blair SMAC. As a non-stem kid, will DC be unhappy if going to Blair SMAC?

How did DC get in if DC is "non-stem"?

I guess it’s because the middle school stuff is not too hard yet.

Anonymous wrote:Everyone is going to tell you your kid won’t like it do theirs gets in. No one wants to go to RM right now. Don’t buy it. If your kid was strong enough to get in, go!

This is such poor advice imo.

In reading all these magnet threads, I realize how craze parents and students can be. Magnets are not for everyone. You can have an exceptionally bright kid who do better at his/her local school. Just because your child got in does not mean it's the right program, especially the way the admissions work these days.

I have a DD who made into multiple programs including Blair and RMIB and had turn all down to stay local.

Your student should pick the environment that s/he will best thrive in.

Everyone is going to tell you your kid won’t like it do theirs gets in. No one wants to go to RM right now. Don’t buy it. If your kid was strong enough to get in, go!

It could be be hard to fit in socially with the nerdy hard core stem kids

Anonymous wrote:DC was expecting RMIB, but only got invited by Blair SMAC. As a non-stem kid, will DC be unhappy if going to Blair SMAC?

How did DC get in if DC is "non-stem"?

No it’s likely your non-stem kid will get stressed and burnt out. Is he/she in the waitpool for rm? I know quite some dc’s friends (10+) received invitations from both, who will all likely choose Blair. Chances for rm from wait pool is bigger.

No. The math is exceptional but consuming. If your DC doesn't love math/tech, I think they would be unhappy. From what I've seen, they all are really into it. Keep in mind, the magnets lock you into a program. They are great if your DC is really engaged on the focus of the program -- SMAC, biomed, art. There is no flexibility to not take certain classes. If it's not your DC's thing, there's no reason to do it when there are so many rigorous AP options to choose from.

DC was expecting RMIB, but only got invited by Blair SMAC. As a non-stem kid, will DC be unhappy if going to Blair SMAC?