Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yesterday DS received a spot in the Eastern Middle Magnet program after we committed to SAES. What would DCUM do in this case? DS excels in the humanities.

My DC had a very inexperienced English teacher at St. Andrew's. I'm not sure if this public school is the answer, but St. Andrew's isn't.

What grade? Did she/he/they have an advanced degree (masters)?

What is your child's high school plan? If you'd like your child to stay in private I'd stick with St. Andrew's. You won't get another chance if you turn them down now.

Anonymous wrote:Eastern will be great from an education standpoint, definitely challenging with very purposeful coursework and projects. It’s a public school, which I know people on this board think is akin to a prison, but that’s not really true. The building itself has not been renovated recently.[b] I don’t have experience with SAES but it seems like the opposite. Warm, small, not particularly challenging, shielding you from the real world people you might encounter at Eastern.[b] So which is the priority? Eastern is better academically and SAES is a more nurturing environment.

Unlike the poster above, I will only comment on the school with which I have actual experience -- St. Andrew's. Yes, SAES is a small school and for my DC, an AA student who graduated from St. Andrew's and is now attending a highly-ranked SLAC, St Andrew's was also a warm and friendly place that did an excellent job of preparing DC well for college. SAES teachers were innovative and encouraged students nopt only to challenge themselves, but also develop an awareness of how they learn best. DC's friend group was diverse and supportive -- and they remain so even as graduates. Finally, college counseling was welcoming of parents and completely transparent. Whatever you and your DC decide, OP, I wish you the best!

I think they are very different environments and you have to think of where your child will thrive. I know several kids who have been very happy at Eastern despite the environment (though this was before the lottery admissions). They worked very hard and got lots of writing experience. I think they all ended up at RMIB for Hs. I know less about St Andrews except it was recommended to us for my dyslexic son..who would have been a disaster at Eastern.

Eastern will be great from an education standpoint, definitely challenging with very purposeful coursework and projects. It’s a public school, which I know people on this board think is akin to a prison, but that’s not really true. The building itself has not been renovated recently. I don’t have experience with SAES but it seems like the opposite. Warm, small, not particularly challenging, shielding you from the real world people you might encounter at Eastern. So which is the priority? Eastern is better academically and SAES is a more nurturing environment.

Apples and oranges. For more on Eastern, check out this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1109598.page.

Anonymous wrote:Yesterday DS received a spot in the Eastern Middle Magnet program after we committed to SAES. What would DCUM do in this case? DS excels in the humanities.

My DC had a very inexperienced English teacher at St. Andrew's. I'm not sure if this public school is the answer, but St. Andrew's isn't.

Anonymous wrote:I cannot comment on Eastern Magnet because I am unfamiliar with it, but do think SAES is fantastic.

St. Andrew's is ok, not fantastic.

The magnet middles are going through a unique time with the lottery entry rather than the application entry that used to exist. At the magnet classes will be bigger, the school bigger, the school day earlier.

A pretty common sentiment when reading here and talking to others is that private school is most worthwhile for middle school.

Eastern is indeed a rough environment. You are comparing apples to oranges. I’d chose St Andrews if the tuition isn’t a hardship

I hope you cross posted in the MCPS forum. Nothing to see here...

I cannot comment on Eastern Magnet because I am unfamiliar with it, but do think SAES is fantastic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yesterday DS received a spot in the Eastern Middle Magnet program after we committed to SAES. What would DCUM do in this case? DS excels in the humanities.

OP, I am completely unfamiliar with Eastern Middle School or its magnet program but am familiar with SAES which is an awesome school. Since my knowledge is so lopsided, I cannot contribute to a comparison but I would urge you to read available data and reviews of Eastern Middle such as these: https://www.greatschools.org/maryland/silver-spring/1005-Eastern-Middle-School/reviews/. The first (and only) review I read is recent from Dec 2022 and includes this, "These are the bad sides of Eastern: Sadly, there are occasional fights in Eastern. Eastern is a bit dirty. The assignments in Magnet program are hard. There is some people smoking, and a kid this year had a knife". Not certain what type of environment you are seeking but that is noteworthy...

And another: "THIS SCHOOL BLOWS!!! WORST SCHOOL EVER!! My son got into a fight and the teachers didn't stop it; they chanted for their favorite!!! Someone painted an upside down mushroom on a locker!! There is fights every day! None of the administration does anything! This school is worse than the EMOJI MOVIE!!"

I read the next post down (from Oct 2022) and it was compelling enough for me to follow-up. Best wishes for whatever you choose, but I can say this is in no way comparable to what your child will experience at SAES.

Anonymous wrote:Yesterday DS received a spot in the Eastern Middle Magnet program after we committed to SAES. What would DCUM do in this case? DS excels in the humanities.

OP, I am completely unfamiliar with Eastern Middle School or its magnet program but am familiar with SAES which is an awesome school. Since my knowledge is so lopsided, I cannot contribute to a comparison but I would urge you to read available data and reviews of Eastern Middle such as these: https://www.greatschools.org/maryland/silver-spring/1005-Eastern-Middle-School/reviews/. The first (and only) review I read is recent from Dec 2022 and includes this, "These are the bad sides of Eastern: Sadly, there are occasional fights in Eastern. Eastern is a bit dirty. The assignments in Magnet program are hard. There is some people smoking, and a kid this year had a knife". Not certain what type of environment you are seeking but that is noteworthy...

Yesterday DS received a spot in the Eastern Middle Magnet program after we committed to SAES. What would DCUM do in this case? DS excels in the humanities.