Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 09:38     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
We’re going to decline. It’s just not worth it given the uncertainty about the program and transportation and leaving friends. The extensive electives were what made the program stand apart from home school but now they are at risk. Seems others feel the same way.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:56     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This is the last year of the magnet in its current form and it can be expected that your kids experience will not be as rigorous as in the past. The big benefit is the electives, many of which won’t have enough students to continue. You have to balance whether that’s worth the significant disruption in your lives that comes with going to a different school vs their local school. They also may have better college chances at their home school.


There will be electives. Just not sure how many. I feel the first two years are worth attending too as it is impossible to do double science and computer science with limited periods.


At home school.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:56     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:This is the last year of the magnet in its current form and it can be expected that your kids experience will not be as rigorous as in the past. The big benefit is the electives, many of which won’t have enough students to continue. You have to balance whether that’s worth the significant disruption in your lives that comes with going to a different school vs their local school. They also may have better college chances at their home school.


There will be electives. Just not sure how many. I feel the first two years are worth attending too as it is impossible to do double science and computer science with limited periods.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:41     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
This is the last year of the magnet in its current form and it can be expected that your kids experience will not be as rigorous as in the past. The big benefit is the electives, many of which won’t have enough students to continue. You have to balance whether that’s worth the significant disruption in your lives that comes with going to a different school vs their local school. They also may have better college chances at their home school.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:40     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:Are they guaranteeing transport for all four years? I’m assuming not. That’s a big ask of parents.


It was said, transportation guaranteed for now. I have a feeling that it will not the case once the regional model begins.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:39     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:Are they guaranteeing transport for all four years? I’m assuming not. That’s a big ask of parents.


Yes, that's a great concern, and no teachers in the magnet can guarantee you anything. Our sup is such an unpredictable and stubborn guy...
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:38     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
My current junior kid still bounds the best with their TPMS friends, some of whom came along together from the CES. They were the last grade pre-lottery for CES and MS magnets.

However, since this is the last train, I'd suggest to give it a try especially if you believe they can be benefited from the program, and you are fine with them ending up at UMD, in which case it's very easy to be the top ones since SMCS gives them such a solid foundation.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:37     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Are they guaranteeing transport for all four years? I’m assuming not. That’s a big ask of parents.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:34     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
It’s not easy to make friends in the magnet. Kids are very focused on school work and often have long commutes. (Parent of an existing student)
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:32     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hoping to connect with parents who were at the Blair open house last night to compare observations. We really loved the teachers. The students were very bright. Everyone seemed happy and engaged. Though it was clear that there are a few schools that send a large number of students and they were all together. Our child is the only one from their school so making us wonder how easy it would be to break into those established groups. Also, the program is what it is because of the teachers so concerned what if the teachers leave. Would love to hear others' thoughts so we can make an informed decision by the 13th.


What are the few schools that send a large number of students?

A question was raised on the future regional model. Though they tried to say all will be well, clearly noone knows at this point.

Also, I noticed the majority of accepted students was of certain race.


The admissions process is merit-based and school-blind. If the result is a majority of Asian students, so be it. We should not impose racial quotas in magnet programs


I totally agree with merit based acceptance (I am white by the way.)

I just wish middle schools magnets were also merit based. My son who got into Blair was never lotteried into either elementary or middle school magnets .
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:23     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hoping to connect with parents who were at the Blair open house last night to compare observations. We really loved the teachers. The students were very bright. Everyone seemed happy and engaged. Though it was clear that there are a few schools that send a large number of students and they were all together. Our child is the only one from their school so making us wonder how easy it would be to break into those established groups. Also, the program is what it is because of the teachers so concerned what if the teachers leave. Would love to hear others' thoughts so we can make an informed decision by the 13th.


What are the few schools that send a large number of students?

A question was raised on the future regional model. Though they tried to say all will be well, clearly noone knows at this point.

Also, I noticed the majority of accepted students was of certain race.


The admissions process is merit-based and school-blind. If the result is a majority of Asian students, so be it. We should not impose racial quotas in magnet programs
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:15     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing the middle school was TPMS. Don't know the kids so don't know for sure.

And yes, Blair is a diverse school but the magnet program is not diverse.


We are from a different middle school and met 5 kids from our school. I suspected they will be accepted. They are the math gang.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 08:03     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
I'm guessing the middle school was TPMS. Don't know the kids so don't know for sure.

And yes, Blair is a diverse school but the magnet program is not diverse.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 07:55     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Anonymous wrote:Hoping to connect with parents who were at the Blair open house last night to compare observations. We really loved the teachers. The students were very bright. Everyone seemed happy and engaged. Though it was clear that there are a few schools that send a large number of students and they were all together. Our child is the only one from their school so making us wonder how easy it would be to break into those established groups. Also, the program is what it is because of the teachers so concerned what if the teachers leave. Would love to hear others' thoughts so we can make an informed decision by the 13th.


What are the few schools that send a large number of students?

A question was raised on the future regional model. Though they tried to say all will be well, clearly noone knows at this point.

Also, I noticed the majority of accepted students was of certain race.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2026 07:31     Subject: Blair SMCS Open House
Hoping to connect with parents who were at the Blair open house last night to compare observations. We really loved the teachers. The students were very bright. Everyone seemed happy and engaged. Though it was clear that there are a few schools that send a large number of students and they were all together. Our child is the only one from their school so making us wonder how easy it would be to break into those established groups. Also, the program is what it is because of the teachers so concerned what if the teachers leave. Would love to hear others' thoughts so we can make an informed decision by the 13th.