Though I don't have direct experience with the current program, I am an alum who sat through this year's information session for interested applicants. My perception was that the core academic essence of the program was essentially unchanged from the one I graduated from a generation ago. The one notable difference was a seeming increased acknowledgement of and respect and care for each student in their entirety beyond STEM and achievements in those fields. Staff and administration is completely turned over from the time I was there.

Given that, my belief is that while of course there will be change and potential staff departures in the coming years, the essence of the program and experience for this upcoming class won't be significantly impacted during their four years.

Anonymous wrote:Those who are in the fence - you can always drop out of the program and go back to your home school.

This was our approach when considering as well — right up to the start of the school year. Can always go back to home school, can only enter the magnet in 9th grade (as opposed to a program like CES).

Those who are in the fence - you can always drop out of the program and go back to your home school.

Anonymous wrote:Please be careful with naysayers. They might have their own agenda. Send the kid and if it does not go well, you can always switch back to private/home public schools.

+1

The emails are out. Information session next Monday.

We are also from a private K-8 and concerned how the program will change with our child being the last cohort of the county wide program. We are planning on attending the information night and asking the right questions, and also making connections with the prospective parents. The program will be impacted but we are also trying to keep the perspective that if our child was a or two year younger, would we still apply for the Blair SMCS program. I think we would! So maybe our experience won’t be the same as previous cohorts but it will at least the same as the future cohorts.

In the exact same boat, so torn on what to do.

Not PP - There really is only the one reason - their DC is in the Wait pool.

There will be a dilution in the quality of students starting next year and potentially a loss of teachers as they move to regional magnets. But Blair SMCS is still the premier program, for now, and you could roll the dice and join.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please be careful with naysayers. They might have their own agenda. Send the kid and if it does not go well, you can always switch back to private/home public schools.

Such as? Source?

Their kid is waitlisted.
Their kid did not get in so feeling resentful.
And million other reasons.

Go on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please be careful with naysayers. They might have their own agenda. Send the kid and if it does not go well, you can always switch back to private/home public schools.

Such as? Source?

Their kid is waitlisted.
Their kid did not get in so feeling resentful.
And million other reasons.

Anonymous wrote:Please be careful with naysayers. They might have their own agenda. Send the kid and if it does not go well, you can always switch back to private/home public schools.

Such as? Source?

New magnet coordinator so quality likely to change

Please be careful with naysayers. They might have their own agenda. Send the kid and if it does not go well, you can always switch back to private/home public schools.

Lots. Don't send kid there if you have another option.

Private school mom of current 8th grader that got accepted to Blair SMCS for next year. What are the changes that might be happening to the program ?