Op - We are also zoned for Einstein and ended up ranking it very low last year for our 8th grader, who is interested in STEM. Einstein not only has more limited STEM classes, but totally ditched their "tech" pathway as of next year, which included higher-level technology/engineering type classes. I guess they figure kinds who are interested in that stuff can go elsewhere.

I posted earlier about DC’s math pathway. She’s just finishing 9th grade. Nice kids, minimal drama, solid but not overly competitive academics and athletics. That may not be what you’re looking for, but our family (student & parents) have been very happy with Einstein so far.

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks all for the info, very helpful.

I was able to find Blair’s course bulletin online, but not Wheaton’s — would anybody have a link? I did find this one: https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/SchoolCourseCatalogs/School/04782/top

But I’m assuming there is a more comprehensive one like the one posted above for Einstein.

Also, is there a website that explains the concept of Academies at DCC schools— is it mostly to help students with course selection if they have a particular academic interest? Are there required courses to “graduate” from these Academies?

Apologies for the basic-level questions, I find the amount of information overwhelming, and the organization of information underwhelming on MCPS website.

Here are the Einstein academy pathways mapped out. This may make it more clear:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/120xRbvd6Di10qXuxLdB8siVKk2xYPoaHD1whOFG6UAI/edit

Most DCC academies are essentially elective tracks. They're intended to engage students by letting them follow a pathway with other students of similar interests. At Einstein, students have to declare which academy they want to join, and if they complete a course sequence in the pathway, they get an extra certificate at graduation. But not completing a pathway won't prevent someone from graduating; they just need to have completed the general requirements.

OP here, thanks all for the info, very helpful.

I was able to find Blair’s course bulletin online, but not Wheaton’s — would anybody have a link? I did find this one: https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/SchoolCourseCatalogs/School/04782/top

But I’m assuming there is a more comprehensive one like the one posted above for Einstein.

Also, is there a website that explains the concept of Academies at DCC schools— is it mostly to help students with course selection if they have a particular academic interest? Are there required courses to “graduate” from these Academies?

Apologies for the basic-level questions, I find the amount of information overwhelming, and the organization of information underwhelming on MCPS website.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honors science for all and getting rid of AP sciences are terrible ideas. Glad my kid graduated already.

To be clear, they offer AP Bio and AP Chem, but for physics the high level is IB Physics, which is a rigorous 2-year physics that ends in an exam. It’s an IB school.

They don’t have ap bio or chem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honors science for all and getting rid of AP sciences are terrible ideas. Glad my kid graduated already.

To be clear, they offer AP Bio and AP Chem, but for physics the high level is IB Physics, which is a rigorous 2-year physics that ends in an exam. It’s an IB school.

No, they have IB Bio, Chem, and Physics, not APs.

Anonymous wrote:Honors science for all and getting rid of AP sciences are terrible ideas. Glad my kid graduated already.

To be clear, they offer AP Bio and AP Chem, but for physics the high level is IB Physics, which is a rigorous 2-year physics that ends in an exam. It’s an IB school.

Honors science for all and getting rid of AP sciences are terrible ideas. Glad my kid graduated already.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, my senior took AP calc in junior year and then AP stats senior year, which is a common track. I’m not sure what IB math is like at the highest levels but definitely the kids who do the IB diploma are achieving at high levels.

That's fine but what about multivariable or other calculus for those going on higher in math in college.

DC is going to do what PP’s child did - BC calc in 11th and AP Stats in 12th. If they need higher math, they will take those classes in college. Most high school kids in the US are not taking MV Calc or above in high school. If your kid really wants that and is zoned for Einstein, they should try for a different DCC High School.

Yes, agreed. If multivariable is a priority for you then try for Wheaton or Blair. I know a number of seniors intending to major in math coming out of Einstein so I don’t see it as an impediment. Visual and performing arts are a huge draw at Einstein (as well as a lot of sports and school spirit) but you can also take plenty of advanced classes in all major areas.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, my senior took AP calc in junior year and then AP stats senior year, which is a common track. I’m not sure what IB math is like at the highest levels but definitely the kids who do the IB diploma are achieving at high levels.

That's fine but what about multivariable or other calculus for those going on higher in math in college.

DC is going to do what PP’s child did - BC calc in 11th and AP Stats in 12th. If they need higher math, they will take those classes in college. Most high school kids in the US are not taking MV Calc or above in high school. If your kid really wants that and is zoned for Einstein, they should try for a different DCC High School.

Anonymous wrote:Also, my senior took AP calc in junior year and then AP stats senior year, which is a common track. I’m not sure what IB math is like at the highest levels but definitely the kids who do the IB diploma are achieving at high levels.

That's fine but what about multivariable or other calculus for those going on higher in math in college.

Do IB students ever just take the AP tests in the hopes of getting college credit? How do they do?

Also, my senior took AP calc in junior year and then AP stats senior year, which is a common track. I’m not sure what IB math is like at the highest levels but definitely the kids who do the IB diploma are achieving at high levels.

Anonymous wrote:We are zoned for Einstein (kid currently in 7th grade) so I took a look at their course bulletin:

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/SchoolCourseCatalogs/School/04789/top

Is this an accurate list? Under “computer science and IT” I get only two entries, and they are both unrelated (IB theory of knowledge). There is no AP physics under sciences. In general few courses seem to be offered except for arts.

Can parents of current students comment?

I have a senior now who took IB Physics 1 and 2, AP computer science principles, and AP computer science Java.