I think there is also some flexibility in the class load too..Students can take Honors USH if they request it through their counselor.

Anonymous wrote:The only negative I've heard from families whose children are in Wheaton's magnet programs is that the band program is not as developed as it is at other schools in the DCC such as Einstein. There are many students who excel at engineering AND music, and this is a disappointment.

OP here,

That's a bummer about band. My dc is in MS jazz band. Looking at the recommended courses, it doesn't appear students would even have the option of taking band all 4 years.

The only negative I've heard from families whose children are in Wheaton's magnet programs is that the band program is not as developed as it is at other schools in the DCC such as Einstein. There are many students who excel at engineering AND music, and this is a disappointment.

I'm assuming that the AP Physics that is recommended for Magnet freshmen is the algebra-based AP. It is a relatively new test and quite distinct from the calculus-based AP. I've noticed that some schools really push AP's because their honors level classes have gotten watered down. Honors really means "minimum college-prep" class at many schools.

Lots of MCPS students on the highest track are taking AP US History as freshmen now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone!

One of my worries is how small the program is, the odds of getting in will be tough. I wonder how many of the students are girls.

Looking at the suggested classes look tough. AP Pysics and US history as a freshman seems like a bit much.

s

It looks hatder than Blair SMAC if AP Physics and AP US History are offered at 9th grade. Should check it out earlier. DC only applied Blair.

Taking AP phys and AP us hist as a 9th grader is a terrible idea.

Kids that go to the Parkland Magnet have already taken HS level physics in 8th grade. A good match for them...

I know several families with teens in this program and they all love it. I also know someone in Wheaton regular; he and his family are happy with the school. Go for it!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone!

One of my worries is how small the program is, the odds of getting in will be tough. I wonder how many of the students are girls.

Looking at the suggested classes look tough. AP Pysics and US history as a freshman seems like a bit much.

s

It looks hatder than Blair SMAC if AP Physics and AP US History are offered at 9th grade. Should check it out earlier. DC only applied Blair.

Taking AP phys and AP us hist as a 9th grader is a terrible idea.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone!

One of my worries is how small the program is, the odds of getting in will be tough. I wonder how many of the students are girls.

Looking at the suggested classes look tough. AP Pysics and US history as a freshman seems like a bit much.

s

It looks hatder than Blair SMAC if AP Physics and AP US History are offered at 9th grade. Should check it out earlier. DC only applied Blair.

Thanks everyone!

One of my worries is how small the program is, the odds of getting in will be tough. I wonder how many of the students are girls.

Looking at the suggested classes look tough. AP Pysics and US history as a freshman seems like a bit much.

Anonymous wrote:It's not a real magnet like Blair or RMIB.

It's a competitive entrance magnet. I don't know what "real" means in this context.

It's not a real magnet like Blair or RMIB.

I know a couple of families who have kids in the program and they love it. It is quite small so that is one thing to consider. Also not sure how strong the academics outside of the Engineering program are. If your child is admitted and trying to decide, I would encourage her to shadow before committing.

I've heard good things from a co-worker...Very challenging for her son

My dc is interested in applying for the engineering magnet at Wheaton HS next year. I know they will have an open house in the fall. Does anyone have any first had experience?