Anonymous wrote:The school system pushes APs these days. Went to Whitman back in the day and only the kids in AP classes/honors took the AP. Now, thanks in part to Jay Matthews and his high school rankings --which are partly based on the number of kids who simply take APs---more kids than ever take them because it is in the school's and county's interest. The rankings don't consider whether the child achieved a score high enough to qualify for college credit--simply taking the test is something that counts in favor of the school.

I know very "average" kids with B grades who aren't even sure they will go to Montgomery College who have taken the tests. I think more kids at Whitman, Churchill and the like take the tests because their parents will fork over the dough.

Churchill is pushing everyone into AP by eliminating on level courses. Classes aren't the greatest.

The school system pushes APs these days. Went to Whitman back in the day and only the kids in AP classes/honors took the AP. Now, thanks in part to Jay Matthews and his high school rankings --which are partly based on the number of kids who simply take APs---more kids than ever take them because it is in the school's and county's interest. The rankings don't consider whether the child achieved a score high enough to qualify for college credit--simply taking the test is something that counts in favor of the school.

I know very "average" kids with B grades who aren't even sure they will go to Montgomery College who have taken the tests. I think more kids at Whitman, Churchill and the like take the tests because their parents will fork over the dough.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about Einstein, Wheaton or Kennedy?

Why aren't THEY on your list?

Because she wants a good education for her kids.

OP here. Because I grew up in that part of Silver Spring....and I'm NOT going back. It was nice-ish when I was there but it is no longer the part of MoCo I'd want to be in.
All 3 of those schools do not at all fit what I want for my kids. sorry, just being honest.

As for Whitman and Churchill being for AP kids- well, I gotta believe there are some average to above average kids in Bethesda, that is just a silly comment. What you're essentially saying is only people with super bright kids should buy in those areas of MoCo....that is just plain ol' dumb I tell ya!

Actually I didn't say that at all. Only that for a B student who won't take any APs the peer pressure may be a challenge and the resulting peer group may be less than ideal. Here are the US News stats:

Whitman - 82% of the kids take APs, an average of 4.6 tests per test taker
Churchill - 89% of the kids take APs, an average of 4.8 tests per test taker

Whitman's numbers are a little lower because there is a big special ed program that draws from multiple districts so those kids are not taking any APs.

Don't get me wrong, my kid attends one of these schools and it is a fabulous school. Not everyone is super bright, although some certainly are, but I am amazed how many are way above average. That extends to other activities too - so many of the kids excel at something outside of academics too.

Anonymous wrote:My kiddos are happy, well-adjusted but generally B students...no AP classes in the future for them - at least not from what I can tell.

Bullying turns my stomach, so would like to make sure the HS and middle schools too, nip that kind of thing in the bud. I know it exists everywhere but I also know that there are a few schools where bullying is rampant.

I guess I should have added WJ and Wooton to my list as possible schools.

If AP classes are not for your kids then you better avoid Whitman and Churchill. Those kids will look down their noses at your kiddos. Both schools are snob heaven and students are expected to take AP classes.

On the other hand bullying is way overblown. You certainly will not encounter bullying at either school because students are so busy putting their noses up their teachers butts that they don't have time for bullying.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about Einstein, Wheaton or Kennedy?

Why aren't THEY on your list?

Because she wants a good education for her kids.

OP here. Because I grew up in that part of Silver Spring....and I'm NOT going back. It was nice-ish when I was there but it is no longer the part of MoCo I'd want to be in.
All 3 of those schools do not at all fit what I want for my kids. sorry, just being honest.

As for Whitman and Churchill being for AP kids- well, I gotta believe there are some average to above average kids in Bethesda, that is just a silly comment. What you're essentially saying is only people with super bright kids should buy in those areas of MoCo....that is just plain ol' dumb I tell ya!

Yes there are average kids but what the poster is saying is that if you don't see your kids as being able to handle AP classes, they may not feel part of a school where the big push is for kids to take as many AP's as possible. Churchill and Whitman are known for this hence the statement. This si why we went private. To have a more well rounded education.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about Einstein, Wheaton or Kennedy?

Why aren't THEY on your list?

Because she wants a good education for her kids.

OP here. Because I grew up in that part of Silver Spring....and I'm NOT going back. It was nice-ish when I was there but it is no longer the part of MoCo I'd want to be in.
All 3 of those schools do not at all fit what I want for my kids. sorry, just being honest.

As for Whitman and Churchill being for AP kids- well, I gotta believe there are some average to above average kids in Bethesda, that is just a silly comment. What you're essentially saying is only people with super bright kids should buy in those areas of MoCo....that is just plain ol' dumb I tell ya!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kiddos are happy, well-adjusted but generally B students...no AP classes in the future for them - at least not from what I can tell.

Bullying turns my stomach, so would like to make sure the HS and middle schools too, nip that kind of thing in the bud. I know it exists everywhere but I also know that there are a few schools where bullying is rampant.

I guess I should have added WJ and Wooton to my list as possible schools.

If you are not interested in APs then I would consider avoiding both Whitman and Churchill. The majority of kids take multiple APs. I think it would be hard to be at either one and take none, and the students in the on level classes aren't always the most motivated group. If I were you I'd look further out - maybe QO or Sherwood?

On the plus side I don't think bullying is much of a problem at either school any more than any large public school.

Yes, look at the US News rankings and you will see how many kids take AP's. We are in Churchill cluster and I am hoping to move before high school. No idea where, though.

BCC. Better stats and college placement than WJ and closer, more accessible than Churchill. Otherwise Whtiman.

Anonymous wrote:How about Einstein, Wheaton or Kennedy?

Why aren't THEY on your list?

Because she wants a good education for her kids.

Anonymous wrote:My kiddos are happy, well-adjusted but generally B students...no AP classes in the future for them - at least not from what I can tell.

Bullying turns my stomach, so would like to make sure the HS and middle schools too, nip that kind of thing in the bud. I know it exists everywhere but I also know that there are a few schools where bullying is rampant.

I guess I should have added WJ and Wooton to my list as possible schools.

If you are not interested in APs then I would consider avoiding both Whitman and Churchill. The majority of kids take multiple APs. I think it would be hard to be at either one and take none, and the students in the on level classes aren't always the most motivated group. If I were you I'd look further out - maybe QO or Sherwood?

On the plus side I don't think bullying is much of a problem at either school any more than any large public school.

Anonymous wrote:Either buying in Bethesda or Potomac.
Thoughts on Whitman vs. Churchill?

buy based on something else
A bright kid will do well in either school

How about Einstein, Wheaton or Kennedy?

Why aren't THEY on your list?

My kiddos are happy, well-adjusted but generally B students...no AP classes in the future for them - at least not from what I can tell.

Bullying turns my stomach, so would like to make sure the HS and middle schools too, nip that kind of thing in the bud. I know it exists everywhere but I also know that there are a few schools where bullying is rampant.

I guess I should have added WJ and Wooton to my list as possible schools.

What kind of experience are you looking for for your kids? If you can ask more specific questions you'll get better answers.

Both are very, very good (and large) public schools with a wide array of offerings. We know families with kids at both schools and everyone is generally pleased.

Either buying in Bethesda or Potomac.
Thoughts on Whitman vs. Churchill?