Chinese may be a very valuable skill depending on kid's career choice. So, yeah, let them weigh pros and cons of Chinese vs. magnet

Apply and see what happens, then let your child decide.

Or, let your child decide whether or not to even apply.

Either one is fine.

I would let my DC decide in this situation - sounds like s/he knows what s/he wants.

Sometimes you have to make choices. Apply for the magnets at schools continuing the language, don’t apply for the others. Be happy if your DC attends your home school. Whatever happens, your DC will be able to get a great education and have great opportunities.

Just wondering what other parents have done when the language kids take in middle school is not offered in high school?

My kid is in Chinese class in middle school - enjoys it and wants to take it in high school as well. It's offered at our home school, but DC has an interest in several magnets (some competitive, some not so much). At this point, DC is basically suggesting they don't even apply to any other magnets in order to get Chinese in 9th grade. Which is fine (home school is not bad) but I know they are very very interested in a few other programs and it seems a shame to make a decision on only one factor.

We aren't Chinese - DC is not getting any other exposure other than her very good native Chinese teacher at MCPS.

Also, DC is not interested in taking Spanish/French - if they have to switch, they want to take Arabic (also not offered in many schools).

Thoughts ?