Don't go to Magruder

Two of my kids graduated from PLTW magnets at Wheaton. The programs are small (30 kids/year) but they learned a lot. I think it is best if your student really likes the subject matter (engineering and biomed) because most of their electives are program dictated. The school is really good and the programs are well run. There is the possibility of doing after school activities (sports, robotics etc) with the workload.

OP here. Thank you PPs.

Anyone know anything about Ptech in Clarksburg or the Aviation program in Magruder?

My kid did PLTW at a different school and at least the first two years were almost entirely group projects. If your kid doesn’t love group projects this may not be the program for them.

I worked with pltw kids in Crofton as a volunteer mentor. I thought it was a great program but I’m not sure colleges give it the same weight as they do AP or IB which is stupid as the kids really benefit and get internships etc. The kids I worked with were all already pretty driven (athletes, etc) and ended up at places like the naval academy anyway. I think for any engineering minded kid it’s a great experience.

My kids go to Seneca Valley and they have a couple of friends in PLTW (my kids aren't). I heard it was hard primarily because of the teacher. I'm not sure. Anyway, the distance between Wheaton and Seneca is significant. I would pick which HS is closest to you.

As you will find out, few posters live or have their kids in those programs. You could try asking the schools' PTAs and parents with kids in the programs could answer your questions and concerns.

What the title says. If you have a kid in any of these programs, I am interested in knowing more about these programs, how it benefited your kid, was it worth it if it was not your zoned high school.