Anonymous wrote:We had to chose between a cathedral school and a different public magnet. We went with the magnet and have no regrets at all. The kid went on to a USNWR top 5 school.

One thing to consider, though, is that the magnets can lean heavily into the math and science. If that's not your kid then it might not be a perfect fit. Most area magnets give kids access to some top-notch liberal arts-type classes in English, languages, etc., but the emphasis is on math & science.

PS, at the magnet we met 4-5 other families that made the same choice, to go with magnet. I'm sure there are families who made a different decisions.

We had to chose between a cathedral school and a different public magnet. We went with the magnet and have no regrets at all. The kid went on to a USNWR top 5 school.

One thing to consider, though, is that the magnets can lean heavily into the math and science. If that's not your kid then it might not be a perfect fit. Most area magnets give kids access to some top-notch liberal arts-type classes in English, languages, etc., but the emphasis is on math & science.

Advanced math is overrated.

Same. If it’s Blair, take it.

Is it Blair magnet? I would pick that over GDS and Maret. If your kid can get into a competitive magnet program, they most likely are smart and motivated and should do well in a public school environment

The MCPS math/science magnet is impressive! Obviously, it depends on your child, but if mine had the interest (and was accomplished enough in math and science to be accepted to the magnet), it would be very hard to turn down.

Anonymous wrote:Public magnet is mcps for math/science. Highly rated. Vs Maret/GDS. Thoughts ?

Public magnet in MCPS, every day.

Above poster - for HS.

Public magnet is mcps for math/science. Highly rated. Vs Maret/GDS. Thoughts ?

Tell us about your kid. What are they like and into? How much teacher support do they need (educational or emotional)? How involved are you now and how involved do you want to be in their education? What about sports - which ones? They'll be different at the schools you listed and I assume at the magnets as well.

Is this middle school? Advanced kid or regular academic progression?

Public magnet if it’s highly rated.

I have a kid in private middle who is an advanced student and while the school is great for private middle, they don’t offer advanced math, so I am also paying for online for-credit math courses so he can stay on track for his high school math class goal.

Privates that do offer this course in middle don’t use a standardized curriculum, so the move back to AP level is brutal. Btdt.

Can you tell us more about what you are looking for in a school? And what grade?

Which magnet?

How much do finances play into the decision?

That's a tough choice!

Thoughts?