You must take the MCPS testing, even if you are in private.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, does it matter if your child is currently in a private school? Or would it be better for them to at least be in 3rd grade at a MCPS.

All children in MCPS have been tested in grade 2 (terra nova) or pre-tested for gifted (raven and another test). Grade 2 teachers made already a recommendation. MCPS is testing the 3 grade children for HGC earky next year. Grade 3 teacher also gives another recommendation. So, I believe all these elements count towards a decision, in addition to the high score. They are so many applications, so the more elements they have in your favor, the more chances you have to to get accepted. I believe they will rather take a child in public school who has passed all these stages and has a high score than one who has been in the private and has a high score only.

Thanks for your help! Has anyone been able to get the testing done outside of public school? So far my child only has done the WPPSI.

According to this site there are two parent informational meetings in October. Does anyone know if they are worth attending if you are planning to apply?

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/enrichedinnovative/events/elementary.aspx

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, does it matter if your child is currently in a private school? Or would it be better for them to at least be in 3rd grade at a MCPS.

All children in MCPS have been tested in grade 2 (terra nova) or pre-tested for gifted (raven and another test). Grade 2 teachers made already a recommendation. MCPS is testing the 3 grade children for HGC earky next year. Grade 3 teacher also gives another recommendation. So, I believe all these elements count towards a decision, in addition to the high score. They are so many applications, so the more elements they have in your favor, the more chances you have to to get accepted. I believe they will rather take a child in public school who has passed all these stages and has a high score than one who has been in the private and has a high score only.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how important the teacher recommendations are? My DS is new to MCPS this year (3rd grade) and his teacher is a 1st year teacher. I'm just wondering that without much of a "history" in the school and with an new teacher (who also lacks much "history"), will he be disadvantaged?

I don't think it's a terrible disadvantage. Even kids who have been at the school for years are new to their 3rd grade teachers, who I believe write the letters. My child also has as new teacher, so we'll give some her some additional information about his strengths, why we're looking at the center, etc.

Hmm, does it matter if your child is currently in a private school? Or would it be better for them to at least be in 3rd grade at a MCPS.

Does anyone know how important the teacher recommendations are? My DS is new to MCPS this year (3rd grade) and his teacher is a 1st year teacher. I'm just wondering that without much of a "history" in the school and with an new teacher (who also lacks much "history"), will he be disadvantaged?

We discussed it at our childs conference last fall. Her teacher was supportive and agreed it would be a good fit. I don't really know which factors are the most important..and I don't think anyone (parents) really does. They don't even tell you what the test is or much about why your child did or didn't get in..only yes or no and the average scores. IMO, I can't imagine that little form the parents fill out has much to do with it.

We received the application in the U.S. mail yesterday--it's due November 7. I think the test is important, and I seem to remember hearing that teacher recommendations are also key. (Perhaps someone more experienced can comment on this, but it seems that if you plan to apply, it would be helpful to tell your child's classroom teacher that you are doing so and possibly give reasons why you think the center would be a good fit for your child.)

p.s. the application is due in early Nov., then testing is in January, and decisions are made in April

There was an application that came in the mail from MCPS-- it's sent out by the central office (for magnet programs) to the parents of all 3rd graders (looks sort of like a newsletter but with a note on the front saying it's the application).

My understanding is that test scores are part of the equation (which I think includes both the Terra Nova and the specific test they take in January), but also teachers recommendations from 2d and 3d grades are important.

I thought the application was meant to make sure people knew what the program involved upfront, because it doesn't make a lot of sense for people to apply, teachers to write reccs., people to evaluate applications, etc. if a parent is going to conclude that a long bus ride, or the need to switch schools means they are not interested.

Anonymous wrote:Our forms arrived yesterday. The application is so short that I assume admissions must really be based on the outcome of the test. Is that what others believe as well?
Also, the form makes the program sound fairly unappealing (the possibility of a 1 hour bus ride, etc.)...did others also think that the form was meant to "turn off" families from applying?

Did you receive the application in the mail or was it sent with your child? It is so unclear how this process unfolds...

Our forms arrived yesterday. The application is so short that I assume admissions must really be based on the outcome of the test. Is that what others believe as well?
Also, the form makes the program sound fairly unappealing (the possibility of a 1 hour bus ride, etc.)...did others also think that the form was meant to "turn off" families from applying?

Our school hasn't sent out info yet.

Here's the link to the county web site:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/highly-gifted-centers.aspx

My sense is that if you're considering it for your child, you should apply. Then, if your child gets in, there are open houses that should help you get a better sense of potential fit.

Our school newsletter mentioned that all 3rd grade parents should have received application materials/information regarding the G&T program. We haven't received any information yet. I am interested in looking into the program, but I'm not sure it is the right fit for DS. Have you all received your information? What do you do to get the information if you haven't received it. Thanks.