Anonymous
02/04/2023 19:30
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
The Wheaton biomed magnet is pretty small. There are about 30 kids per grade. The girls outnumber the boys quite a bit. (Engineering is the opposite). The biomed and engineering magnet kids take math and science classes together, so the kids aren't necessarily with the same 30 kids in their magnet the whole time. History, English and elective classes are with the general population.
The difference between the magnet and the academy is that the bioscience classes are required for the magnet, whereas the academy classes are a la carte. DC says the hardest class so far has been AP biology, which is a double period and required for the magnet. It is a lot of content and the kids basically have to teach themselves/memorize everything.
DC's favorite classes have been AP NSL and AP Physics 1 and C. They thought NSL and APUSH were excellent classes. The school building itself is gorgeous. Very new, with wide hallways, light-filled stairwells and the entire school has lunch during the same period, so lots of activities and clubs meet during lunch.
Homework isn't awful, but it's really hard to tell because DC just doesn't complain about it and is very efficient with doing it. I would say they have a pretty good work/life balance.
Like the other high schools, there are sports and lots of activities. I thought at first that there wasn't too much school spirit (if football games are any measure of that) but then we attended a girls' volleyball game, and there was tons of school spirit. So I think it just depends on the sport/activity.
For activities, there's debate, mock trial, model UN, National Honor Society, and my kids' favorite, D&D club. I'm sure there are tons of other things I'm missing, but there's plenty for everyone.
And finally, thank goodness for College Tracks, which is a service they provide to help kids applying to college. They basically help them through the entire process.
Definitely go to the open house and learn more about the program and check it out for yourselves. It's been great, but it's not for everyone because there is SO MUCH SCIENCE. I think DC was taking 2 science classes per term, so you don't get to explore with a lot of electives, but that was fine for them.
The difference between the magnet and the academy is that the bioscience classes are required for the magnet, whereas the academy classes are a la carte. DC says the hardest class so far has been AP biology, which is a double period and required for the magnet. It is a lot of content and the kids basically have to teach themselves/memorize everything.
DC's favorite classes have been AP NSL and AP Physics 1 and C. They thought NSL and APUSH were excellent classes. The school building itself is gorgeous. Very new, with wide hallways, light-filled stairwells and the entire school has lunch during the same period, so lots of activities and clubs meet during lunch.
Homework isn't awful, but it's really hard to tell because DC just doesn't complain about it and is very efficient with doing it. I would say they have a pretty good work/life balance.
Like the other high schools, there are sports and lots of activities. I thought at first that there wasn't too much school spirit (if football games are any measure of that) but then we attended a girls' volleyball game, and there was tons of school spirit. So I think it just depends on the sport/activity.
For activities, there's debate, mock trial, model UN, National Honor Society, and my kids' favorite, D&D club. I'm sure there are tons of other things I'm missing, but there's plenty for everyone.
And finally, thank goodness for College Tracks, which is a service they provide to help kids applying to college. They basically help them through the entire process.
Definitely go to the open house and learn more about the program and check it out for yourselves. It's been great, but it's not for everyone because there is SO MUCH SCIENCE. I think DC was taking 2 science classes per term, so you don't get to explore with a lot of electives, but that was fine for them.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 18:57
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
Anonymous wrote:Do you have any specific questions, OP? That might elicit more responses.
Sure. What is the rigor like? How is it different from the academy (non-selective)? From looking at the info online, which there is very little of, it seems undifferentiated from the academy to me. How are the other classes at Wheaton? What is the school like in general? Homework? Interests? Gender balance?
Basically all the questions.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 18:56
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
No one?
Anonymous
02/04/2023 09:45
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
Do you have any specific questions, OP? That might elicit more responses.
Anonymous
02/03/2023 22:14
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
I had hoped you'd get responses. I've heard good things about it but only have 2ndhand info.
Anonymous
02/03/2023 16:23
Subject: Wheaton Biomed
Can anyone speak about Wheaton Biomed experiences? Not seeing much about this program, but my DC is interested and we want to hear more. I know very little about it.