BCC has the IB program which might make it less stressful to know that it is an internationally recognized program.

Guess I've outted myself here...

lol hey mom...

This article about private school students transferring to Blair - which also has crew club - may be of interest: http://silverchips.mbhs.edu/story/9638

BCC and Whitman both have crew teams. At BCC it's a club sport -- perhaps at Whitman too, as I imagine this is a county policy -- and both kids and parents are a tight group, so that would be a great opportunity for your family to become part of the school. BTW, we know 2 kids who left our private for BCC, and it's worked out well for both of them.

Anonymous wrote:OP again. You guys are great and very encouraging. My DS (the one going into 11th) is into mock trial, crew, photography, and used to do cross country (not sure if he'd want to go back to it, but maybe). DD (rising 8th grader) loves music and is in the chorale, and mainly just likes hanging out with friends (in person and online). The "W" schools are on our list, as well as BCC. Hopefully we'll find an affordable home by early summer so we can all settle in before school starts.

Not every school has crew but they do have a great mock trial program in Montgomery County. They "play" three or four other schools in a real court setting in Rockville. Cross country is a great way to meet new people because its considered the "social sport". By that I mean no one gets cut if they show up and show some effort.

OP again. You guys are great and very encouraging. My DS (the one going into 11th) is into mock trial, crew, photography, and used to do cross country (not sure if he'd want to go back to it, but maybe). DD (rising 8th grader) loves music and is in the chorale, and mainly just likes hanging out with friends (in person and online). The "W" schools are on our list, as well as BCC. Hopefully we'll find an affordable home by early summer so we can all settle in before school starts.

I will bet you that your kids with thrive in a public high school. There are so many traditions and activities that are not present in private schools that they will be swept up in the excitement.

They will make friends fast. Each kid will find his/her niche and fit right in. At first they will be a bit nervous about not knowing anyone but in a week they will find a little group and start by eating lunch with them and that will be the start of meeting good friends.

PP here- just wanted to add that I understand your nervousness and have to admit I felt many of the same concerns. But it turned out to be a very easy transition.

Anonymous wrote:You will actually have more control over your child because the school is closer to home. MCPS have so many things for kids to get involved with I wouldn't worry.. Your child will be ahead in grammar and history, possibly a little behind in math as mine was. They will not get mixed up with the wrong people if you keep watch. The "wrong" people exist in privates as well, they just have money. Personally, once my kids were in high school, I was so happy I did not have to worry about them driving across the county to socialize on weekends with friends from private school.. I also think this adjustment with friends etc will prepare them more for the transition to college. Best of luck!!!

This was VERY similar to our experience. Academics were an easy transition although that's not to say DC doesn't have to work really hard. And DC is in fact a year behind in math (actually a year ahead of the "on grade" level, but a year behind where most of the kids are).

We entered in 9th but there seem to be kids coming in from private schools in 10th and 11th too. My DC is now friends with several kids who came in 10th grade.

Activities make all the difference. Is your older kid athletic? If he/she does not play one of the fall sports like soccer, field hockey or football you might want to consider cross country. CC is not a cut sport and you don't need to be one of the fastest to participate. It is usually a big team so a good way to get to know kids before the school year starts (pre season in MCPS starts 2 weeks before school starts). If sports aren't their thing then there are plenty of other options, like band, drama, etc.

As to the "wrong" people - at our school (one of the Ws) it is hard to even find the wrong people, although of course there are problem kids at all schools, public and private. Just because it is public school doesn't mean it is full of problem kids. Obviously that will vary a little bit by school but any of the Ws are a pretty safe bet.

OP here. Thanks PP. It likely will be MCPS for us, and I appreciate your input. I think once my kids are settled in their new schools I'll be fine. It will be nice to have them attending school with kids nearby, and I'm looking forward to feeling less stressed about finances without the private school tuitions, especially since we already have one in college!

PP here. I guess you didn't say MCPS, sorry, but I believe this holds true for all the DC metropolitan area public school systems.

You will actually have more control over your child because the school is closer to home. MCPS have so many things for kids to get involved with I wouldn't worry.. Your child will be ahead in grammar and history, possibly a little behind in math as mine was. They will not get mixed up with the wrong people if you keep watch. The "wrong" people exist in privates as well, they just have money. Personally, once my kids were in high school, I was so happy I did not have to worry about them driving across the county to socialize on weekends with friends from private school.. I also think this adjustment with friends etc will prepare them more for the transition to college. Best of luck!!!

We're making some financial changes to tighten our belts as a family, and as part of this we've made the difficult decision to switch from private to public schooling. Our kids will be in 8th and 11th grade. We've had really positive experiences at their private school, but a reality check tells us it's not economically viable to continue this path on what we currently make. We're also downsizing our housing in order to live in a good public school district.

Even though I think we're making a sound decision, I can't get over some guilt and nervousness about making this change. I'm actually more worried about social issues than academics. The public schools we're considering are highly ranked academically. I worry more about how easy/difficult it will be for my kids to make friends and join activities in the large public high schools. I also worry a little about my 8th grade DD, who is very social and sometimes overly influenced by her peers. I worry some that public school will hold more distractions for her. I think I may be overreacting to the fear of the unknown. If you are a parent with some experience with public schools, and especially if you switched from private, can you offer me any reassurances or suggestions on how to make the transition easier?

Thanks.