Anonymous wrote:As a family choosing between private and JR right now, what is causing the decision to move (which seems big)? Pressure, too small, social group?

Combo of finances, commute, and social scene. Kid is doing really well academically, likes their teachers, and has made a few really good friends, but is ready for a challenge and a change.

Anonymous wrote:As a family choosing between private and JR right now, what is causing the decision to move (which seems big)? Pressure, too small, social group?

Our kid just doesnt seem happy (even though they are on a sports team and seems to fit in well with that group) and wants a change.

With all the fed job uncertainty a lot of families are making the same decision.

As a family choosing between private and JR right now, what is causing the decision to move (which seems big)? Pressure, too small, social group?

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for this. Can kids handle taking that many AP courses at once? At our school kids aren't recommended to take more than 2 a year because of intensity. I would personally welcome less intensity as would my kid.

I don't know what to tell you...many/most can handle the load, but unfortunately it's the downside to JR. Grade level is so easy that you will regret allowing your kid to take grade level core classes.

My sporty, decent student kid at JR will graduate with 11 AP classes (took one as a soph). I think will end up with 10 As and 1 B/B+. Has taken 7 AP tests to date and earned a 5 on five of them and a 4 on two of them.

Homework hasn't been too extreme.

Thanks for this. Can kids handle taking that many AP courses at once? At our school kids aren't recommended to take more than 2 a year because of intensity. I would personally welcome less intensity as would my kid.

Anonymous wrote:I have an uohappy private school sophomore who is considering JR for the fall. I’m all for it aside from the gpa concern. DC has an ok gpa for private but it wil be a lot lower than high performing kids at JR. Curious as to where kids with an end of junior year 3.8 or so end up from JR. At our private it’s pretty good but I’m not sure how it compares. Looking at mid- high level east coast state flagships mostly.

The good news is that JR kids take 90% of their AP classes in junior and senior year. You will likely want your kid to take AP nearly everything because there is no honors track...it's either grade level or AP and grade level is a joke.

So, your kid's weighted GPA can be pulled up significantly over the last two years...should you take say 10+ AP classes.

You can also take DE classes if you want at GW, Georgetown et al and those also count the equivalent of an AP class for GPA purposes.

It's not documented...but anecdotally it feels like JR kids get an urban public school bump for purposes of college admissions. Lots of kids admitted to UMD, UVA, Penn State, etc. with stats that appear lower than equivalent MoCo or NoVA kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, this is helpful and encouraging. PP are you making a move JR year or earlier? I feel like it's a little late in the game, but I am not happy with how my kid is feeling at school so it may be worth it.

Exactly same - kid will be an incoming junior.

Another parent whose kids will be moving to JR next year as a junior…

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, this is helpful and encouraging. PP are you making a move JR year or earlier? I feel like it's a little late in the game, but I am not happy with how my kid is feeling at school so it may be worth it.

Exactly same - kid will be an incoming junior.

Sorry to hear you and your kid are also dealing with some stress but it is nice to not be alone. Hopefully this change will be positive for all of us!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, this is helpful and encouraging. PP are you making a move JR year or earlier? I feel like it's a little late in the game, but I am not happy with how my kid is feeling at school so it may be worth it.

Exactly same - kid will be an incoming junior.

Thanks, this is helpful and encouraging. PP are you making a move JR year or earlier? I feel like its a little late in the game, but I am not happy with how my kid is feeling at school so it may be worth it.

If he can get straight As in hard classes at JR, and contribute meaningfully and lead in his sport, music, community, and or artistic areas of interest, the relatively lower grades from private school won’t ding him.

Anonymous wrote:I have an uohappy private school sophomore who is considering JR for the fall. I’m all for it aside from the gpa concern. DC has an ok gpa for private but it wil be a lot lower than high performing kids at JR. Curious as to where kids with an end of junior year 3.8 or so end up from JR. At our private it’s pretty good but I’m not sure how it compares. Looking at mid- high level east coast state flagships mostly.

No advice on the JR side of things, just sharing that we're making the same move.

I don’t think the transfer classes are included in your kid’s DCPS GPA.

For college applications, you’ll send the official transcripts separately from both schools. And you enter the grades separately on the common app or SRAR.

As to how admissions evaluates kids who have transferred in high school, I would ask that question on the college page. It’s not particular to DCPS, and you’ll get a much wider breadth of experience.

I have an uohappy private school sophomore who is considering JR for the fall. I’m all for it aside from the gpa concern. DC has an ok gpa for private but it wil be a lot lower than high performing kids at JR. Curious as to where kids with an end of junior year 3.8 or so end up from JR. At our private it’s pretty good but I’m not sure how it compares. Looking at mid- high level east coast state flagships mostly.