Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 10:20     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Let me guess. You have a six year old at this time. (?)


No, I have a 7th grader. He is brilliant in science and math, particularly at mechanical science. He has won two important awards and I know he will have a great shot at TJ (his teachers are all encouraging him to apply.) But is it better than the big 3, because it sure will be cheaper for us!!! We want to offer him the BEST education his last 4 years of school.


If can clearly define "BEST", that would help. What is the "BEST" for one kid is not for another. What is "BEST" for one family is not for another. And since we're discussing science, make sure you don't define "BEST" in terms of "most rigorous", "hardest academics", or other vague terms.


I guess by best I mean a place that will challenge him. Right now his school is doing the best they can, but most of the math and science is not challenging to him any more. He's already doing beyond 8th grade math and science but is not advanced in literature and writing, not his forte at all. By challenge I mean I want a teachers that can encourage and mentor his "creations" and ideas. So teachers with strong science and mathematics backgrounds are a must. I want a place that has more kids like him because right now he is pretty much on his own with the subjects he loves. He has plenty of friends, he is very social and happy, but his friends are not at the same level for an exchange of ideas or a partnering in projects. My husband's parents are well off (they already have college covered for all the grandchildren.), but for my son they have also offered to pay $20,000 a year toward private tuition for high school. We can sacrifice some things for 4 years and pay the rest, but if TJ is better, we'll do TJ. I just had heard some great things about the big 3 private schools, I really thought they were better schools than TJ.


private a big 3 is more like $40K
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 10:18     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
TJ is an incredible school, so apply and try to get in. You could also apply to Big 3 schools as back ups, but why would you fork over all that $$$ for a jewel of a public school?

Good luck!
-Big 3 parent
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 10:17     Subject: Re:TJ vs the Big 3
OP, my DS is a junior at TJ. The first hurdle is getting into TJ. Many talented and qualified kids don't get into TJ for reasons that are complex. I would definitely prep for the entrance exam. If he does not like it at TJ (and he does not have two heads) the big 3 will usually welcome a transfer if he does not like it at TJ. He can also try again as a sophomore -- lots of kids drop out of TJ. It is a very hard school.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 09:34     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:NP. If your child is actually bright enough to get admitted to all these schools, then I'm sure your child will do well no matter where he goes. If money is tight, you choose the free option. If money is available, you let your child help make the decision.

The way you set up this thread as one "versus" the other is a false comparison. Neither is inherently better than the other, except to myopic boosters. They are just different paths, each with strengths and weaknesses.


+1000

FABULOUS post!


well, that’s wrong. TJ is much stronger for Math, Science and Technology.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 09:33     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Omg, please relax and ask your son what *his* goals and priorities are.


Can't you tell from the OP and the OP's follow-up post? OP is an immigrant and in all likelihood does not give a whit what the kid's wishes and priorities are. That doesn't factor into the equation.


Wtf? Stupid ass.


?? why do you say this? It is likely true.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 09:32     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Just remember OP, TJ is free!
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 09:27     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:NP. If your child is actually bright enough to get admitted to all these schools, then I'm sure your child will do well no matter where he goes. If money is tight, you choose the free option. If money is available, you let your child help make the decision.

The way you set up this thread as one "versus" the other is a false comparison. Neither is inherently better than the other, except to myopic boosters. They are just different paths, each with strengths and weaknesses.


+1000

FABULOUS post!
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2015 09:08     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
NP. If your child is actually bright enough to get admitted to all these schools, then I'm sure your child will do well no matter where he goes. If money is tight, you choose the free option. If money is available, you let your child help make the decision.

The way you set up this thread as one "versus" the other is a false comparison. Neither is inherently better than the other, except to myopic boosters. They are just different paths, each with strengths and weaknesses.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 23:32     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:Sounds like your DC is not at a school that sends many kids to TJ (or his peers wouldn't be less advanced and he'd be at least doing 9th grade math in 7th). Don't count on TJ admissions if that is the case. It is a low chance event always, even more so if not from a school that knows how to support the recommendations.

To the person who thinks TJ isn't good at the humanities, look up the newspaper, art, drama, writing, Model UN, etc. prizes won by TJ students. The work is extremely advanced in every class at TJ.


This is that PP. Sorry, I didn't know that. Impressive!
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 23:27     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Omg, please relax and ask your son what *his* goals and priorities are.


Can't you tell from the OP and the OP's follow-up post? OP is an immigrant and in all likelihood does not give a whit what the kid's wishes and priorities are. That doesn't factor into the equation.


Wtf? Stupid ass.



And yet incredibly common.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 23:06     Subject: Re:TJ vs the Big 3
OP, as a parent of a son who went to TJ, I'd recommend your kid applies there.

But as a PP said, you may want to consider a fallback in case he does not get in. TJ is very competitive and lots of very bright children don't get in but for those who do, it can be a great fit for a kid who is self-motivated.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 23:01     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Sounds like your DC is not at a school that sends many kids to TJ (or his peers wouldn't be less advanced and he'd be at least doing 9th grade math in 7th). Don't count on TJ admissions if that is the case. It is a low chance event always, even more so if not from a school that knows how to support the recommendations.

To the person who thinks TJ isn't good at the humanities, look up the newspaper, art, drama, writing, Model UN, etc. prizes won by TJ students. The work is extremely advanced in every class at TJ.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 22:16     Subject: Re:TJ vs the Big 3
Absolutely apply to TJ, especially if your child has a passion for Science (the price is right too)

Note, however, that it is NOT easy to get accepted at TJ (during 2014 they had about 3000 applicants for 475 spots)

AND if you child falls below a certain academic grade threshold while attending TJ, they are "sent back" to their local Fairfax County High School
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 21:54     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Omg, please relax and ask your son what *his* goals and priorities are.


Can't you tell from the OP and the OP's follow-up post? OP is an immigrant and in all likelihood does not give a whit what the kid's wishes and priorities are. That doesn't factor into the equation.


Wtf? Stupid ass.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2015 21:49     Subject: TJ vs the Big 3
PS - I also agree with earlier post that you apply to Big 3 also - because even if he is very very strong - competition is fierce and if he didn't get accepted, he wouldn't be the first "more than qualified" student not to make it in....