Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in RM district, you can get the go the IB route without applying. Julius West has the pre-IB program.

This is just for the MYP. In order to enroll in the actual IB program for a certificate (the magnet program) you still have to test into it for the last 2 yrs of HS, along with the rest of the students from all over MCPS.

Actually, in 11th and 12th grade - RM non-magnet kids have the chance to do the exact course (IB Diploma) as the magnet kids. Only the 11th and 12th grade is IB, 9th and 10th are pre-IB.

There are many RM kids who do the IB Diploma (in 11th- 12th), without testing. They go to the same classes, do the same assignment as well as take the same tests. I think you are also allowed to just take IB courses and not do the full diploma (but not 100% sure of that). MYP is the natural pathway to the IB courses.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in RM district, you can get the go the IB route without applying. Julius West has the pre-IB program.

This is just for the MYP. In order to enroll in the actual IB program for a certificate (the magnet program) you still have to test into it for the last 2 yrs of HS, along with the rest of the students from all over MCPS.

New poster here - I'm confused about the "last 2 years" part of the IB program. I thought the test to get into the RM IB magnet was for 9th grade entry? Not 11th grade?

Anonymous wrote:If you live in RM district, you can get the go the IB route without applying. Julius West has the pre-IB program.

This is just for the MYP. In order to enroll in the actual IB program for a certificate (the magnet program) you still have to test into it for the last 2 yrs of HS, along with the rest of the students from all over MCPS.

To go

If you live in RM district, you can get the go the IB route without applying. Julius West has the pre-IB program.

I'd say actually visit the schools and meet with the principals. If you feel strongly about one over the other after that, choose that school. Otherwise, choose the house you want and trust that you are going to get good and bad aspects at either RM or WJ.

There are essays, a test, teacher recs.. About 800 kids apply for 100 spots each year. More RM kids have the opportunity to enter the program before 11th grade.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know the entrance criteria for the IB magnet program at RM?

It's pretty tough to get in. Take a look at MCPS website. It should have the info there.

Does anyone know the entrance criteria for the IB magnet program at RM?

Like the other PP, we looked around Wootton, RM, WJ and even Churchill areas. We chose RM, too. Between RM and WJ, we just liked the neighborhood we chose in the RM better than the ones we saw in the WJ district. I like being near Rockville Town Center.

From what I understand, a student from the RM cluster goes into the MYP IB program from JW MS, and continues on with the program the first two yrs of HS at RM. The last 2 yrs of IB in HS are test in magnet programs for the whole county, including RM students.

You can also look at the stats of the schools in MCPS website, but just keep in mind that stats don't give you the whole picture.

Do some searches. Both schools have been discussed at length. They both have their fans and haters. This thread will quickly become a post race between them. We are very happy in our RM cluster. I am sure WJ is great too. RM has a more diverse student body. It is also has a very competitive magnet which is about 20% of the school. RM neighborhood kids have an easier time getting in if it would be of interest. I would choose based on the feel of the neighborhood and your computing needs.

Anonymous wrote:WJ. RM with the IB is like a wolf is sheep's clothing.

What's your personal, first-hand experience with Richard Montgomery HS?

We had a similar choice (with Wooton also in the mix) and chose the house in the RM district. In our case, though, we decided that all 3 schools were acceptable, and the final choice came down to house and neighborhood.

My 2 eldest children are now at RM, and I have no problems with the school. It's not perfect, but they're getting a very good education (and I know they would at WJ and Wooton, as well).

WJ. RM with the IB is like a wolf is sheep's clothing.

We are looking at houses in both. Which would you choose and why? We need to be close to a metro stop. Thanks!