A good friend's son graduated last year and is now in CAP at Blair and another friend has a 6th grader there now. Both report overwhelmingly positive experiences.

Parent of 7th grader here. No problems at all this year so far.

Yes the school is old and gross and MCPS should be ashamed.

I have another child in a well-regarded middle school in the far Western part of the county and they also had some drug arrests and other things.

As for slap ass week -- it was stupid, the principal caught wind of it and put a stop to it. You don't think kids in other middle schools think up similar things?

Apply. Let her visit and talk to other kids. Then decide.

I guess I'd have her apply (given the deadline for getting the paperwork in is coming up soon) and then ask this question again in January, or maybe even wait until they send the acceptances out in February. It's a little early to say how things are going so far this year.

It is the time for 5th graders to consider applying. How are things going this year? I read some (too many) things of concern last year...slap ass week..fights..drug arrests...assigned seating at lunch...roaches here on DCUM. Any updates for those considering applying..but not sure if the school atmosphere would be a turn off for DC. DC is thrilled with HGC center but Eastern is a long commute and the issues above.