Anonymous wrote:http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwoodhs/departments/musicaltheater/index.aspx

Northwood High School has a Musical Theater and Dance Academy

On a whim we went to see their spring production this weekend, a musical revue of pop songs, and it blew me away. There are some super talented kids in that program, and the sophistication and breadth of the dance portion was well beyond what I've seen in other MCPS high school productions.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwoodhs/departments/musicaltheater/index.aspx

Northwood High School has a Musical Theater and Dance Academy

Anonymous wrote:So, for anyone with direct experience with Loiederman, how are the academics? I've tried doing a PARCC comparison with our home school, but our home school has a test-in magnet that skews the scores. So I compared it to Sligo Middle, which isn't our home school but is a school in the same general area with no test-in magnet.

Sligo seems to outperform Loiederman, but it's hard to tell because of the difference in school sizes.

So...what says the hive mind? Is the fantastic arts programming worth what appears to be a trade-off in academics? Or do highly motivated kids do just fine no matter where they are?

Highly motivated kids do very well at Loiederman, and get an exceptional arts education as well as numerous opportunities to perform at school and in the community. DD is finishing her first year there, and in that time she and her classmates have had the opportunity to participate in 3 plays, at least 5 choral performances (one was performing the national anthem at a Wizards game), and two dance performances. I will say she hasn't had as much homework as we anticipated, but she has so many rehearsals after school that it's a good thing she doesn't have more homework. I think the arts and academics are well-balanced.

I would love to see MCPS develop an actual test-in performing arts magnet. I know it won't happen in this era of budget cuts, but it would be really lovely not to have to either pay tuition for Duke Ellington or give up on getting a high quality performing arts experience in public school.

DD also did not apply to Loiderman due to the distance, and perceived lack of academic rigor. I agree with the PP who said that for those kids who are seriously pursuing performing arts outside school, the Loiderman and the rMD arts options will likely be at a lower level that the kid is already pursuing. DD is a serious dancer. Had she gone to Loiderman, she would have pursued a different performing art.

Many MCPS middle schools have their spring plays coming up in the next few weeks, including Loiderman. Check them out. It's a great way to get an introduction to a school and community.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/calendar/index.aspx?calendarViewType=month&calendarDate=4/1/2016&filters=11&isAll=n&langId=1033&monthShows=3

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately there's not much. Loiderman is the only option, and the geography is challenging for many close-in families. Since it is lottery rather than test-in or portfolio-in, you also aren't guaranteeing a peer group of kids with performance experience, just an interest.

We are zoned for TPMS and will probably just send our performance-oriented child (theatre and instrumental music) there rather than worrying about Loiderman.

The other option is the humanities program at Eastern, which draws a lot of artsy kids. The problem there, for us, is that the magnet program is structured in such a way that magnet kids can't do orchestra.

If they are still running it, the two teachers who direct the TPMS shows are lovely. My daughter (now at Blair) loved doing the shows during her time there. There were always two productions a year-- a fall one, directed by students (so pretty rough to watch for anyone but a proud parent), and a spring musical. Quality-wise, the shows are pretty much exactly what you'd expect of middle schoolers, but everyone has fun.

Fortunately in our area (SS/TP) there are also additional outside programs that provide performance opportunities like Lumina and Highwood Theatre.

So, for anyone with direct experience with Loiederman, how are the academics? I've tried doing a PARCC comparison with our home school, but our home school has a test-in magnet that skews the scores. So I compared it to Sligo Middle, which isn't our home school but is a school in the same general area with no test-in magnet.

Sligo seems to outperform Loiederman, but it's hard to tell because of the difference in school sizes.

So...what says the hive mind? Is the fantastic arts programming worth what appears to be a trade-off in academics? Or do highly motivated kids do just fine no matter where they are?

"MC regular schools have good performing arts --- most have amazing orchestras, bands, theater and choir."

I am the least artistic person on this site. However, my DC has several friends who can only be described as off the charts.

Except Loiderman, they universally describe all MC MS performing arts as present or maybe providing an introduction to kids who have never done anything before.

They are actually very similar to MC MS sports.

The good news is that, now that they have survived all but the last few weeks of MS, they are ALL excited for what at least 3 different (and non-W) HSs have to offer.

Loiderman looks terrific but we didn't let my DS apply there because it is so far away from our home school. But, many of the MC regular schools have good performing arts --- most have amazing orchestras, bands, theater and choir. All the schools also let students know about honors bands and choirs and other opportunities for more serious students.

Isn't there a HS program at Blake?

Duke Ellington takes out of state applicants for HS. (It will cost you around $10K)

Unfortunately there's not much. Loiderman is the only option, and the geography is challenging for many close-in families. Since it is lottery rather than test-in or portfolio-in, you also aren't guaranteeing a peer group of kids with performance experience, just an interest.

We are zoned for TPMS and will probably just send our performance-oriented child (theatre and instrumental music) there rather than worrying about Loiderman.

The other option is the humanities program at Eastern, which draws a lot of artsy kids. The problem there, for us, is that the magnet program is structured in such a way that magnet kids can't do orchestra.

Loiderman MS. You apply by lottery (Choice Program).

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/msmagnet/homepage/0148.16_MSMC_Program_English.pdf

Can anyone recommend a strong academic school, with an emphasis on performing arts? Looking at starting in middle school.