Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 23:46     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

These are the dance classses offered at Einstein:

Dance Courses
Dance As Physical Education (PE Credit)
Dance As A Fine Art
Dance 2
Dance 3
Choreography
IB Dance I & II
Junior Dance Company (Dance 3)**
Dance Company**
Teaching Assistant/Internship in Dance
**Audition only ensemble
For course descriptions and recommended course sequence - Click HERE

Extracurricular
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Choreography Club (Spring Semester)
Titanes Salseros ( Latin Competitive Dance Team
AEHS TItan Poms - Competitive Jazz, Hip Hop and Pom Team

More info can be found at AEHSVAPA dot org

And Einstein Poms is D3 this year.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 17:56     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.


OP didn’t ask about academics. While Einstein would not be a poor choice in that area either, their question was specifically about which dance program would best support their daughter. The answer to that question is Einstein. At no point in their original post or follow-up did they ask for an academic comparison.

They also made it clear that their child trains outside of school—as many Einstein dancers do—and is seeking a school that best complements and supports her existing skill set. So far, no Northwood parent has offered concrete examples of how their dance program would better serve their daughter’s training.


Why are you being so hostile? It doesn't make the school look good. For most parents, academics are important and right now Einstein is struggling in that area.


Academics were never part of this discussion. Shifting the conversation toward academic comparisons doesn’t add anything meaningful to the topic at hand and isn’t relevant to this thread. The question is about dance, plain and simple.

Northwood isn’t an academic powerhouse anyway—both Northwood and Einstein are on relatively similar footing in that regard—but, again, that point is irrelevant here. The focus is dance.


Both are important as is the leadership as the leadership chooses where their school funding goes in terms of class offerings. What it comes down to is the teacher and it’s hard to guess what teacher will be there year to year.


Her daughter would most likely be in Einstein Dance Company. As long as Ms. Gooley is there, the dance program will continue to thrive.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 14:55     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.


OP didn’t ask about academics. While Einstein would not be a poor choice in that area either, their question was specifically about which dance program would best support their daughter. The answer to that question is Einstein. At no point in their original post or follow-up did they ask for an academic comparison.

They also made it clear that their child trains outside of school—as many Einstein dancers do—and is seeking a school that best complements and supports her existing skill set. So far, no Northwood parent has offered concrete examples of how their dance program would better serve their daughter’s training.


Why are you being so hostile? It doesn't make the school look good. For most parents, academics are important and right now Einstein is struggling in that area.


Academics were never part of this discussion. Shifting the conversation toward academic comparisons doesn’t add anything meaningful to the topic at hand and isn’t relevant to this thread. The question is about dance, plain and simple.

Northwood isn’t an academic powerhouse anyway—both Northwood and Einstein are on relatively similar footing in that regard—but, again, that point is irrelevant here. The focus is dance.


Both are important as is the leadership as the leadership chooses where their school funding goes in terms of class offerings. What it comes down to is the teacher and it’s hard to guess what teacher will be there year to year.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 14:48     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Is this a thing? Parent of a 5th grader who loves to dance and dances outside of school- I had no idea dance is taught in ANY MCPS schools.


It's taught in many MCPS schools starting in MS. My DD spent half her day in dance classes by senior year. If you want to see examples, see if MCPS is doing a dance showcase this year. Usually it's in February at Blake HS. MS and HS are invited to participate. Not all choose to do so, but a lot do.


Which middle schools have dance classes?


Loiederman.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 22:30     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.


OP didn’t ask about academics. While Einstein would not be a poor choice in that area either, their question was specifically about which dance program would best support their daughter. The answer to that question is Einstein. At no point in their original post or follow-up did they ask for an academic comparison.

They also made it clear that their child trains outside of school—as many Einstein dancers do—and is seeking a school that best complements and supports her existing skill set. So far, no Northwood parent has offered concrete examples of how their dance program would better serve their daughter’s training.


Why are you being so hostile? It doesn't make the school look good. For most parents, academics are important and right now Einstein is struggling in that area.


Academics were never part of this discussion. Shifting the conversation toward academic comparisons doesn’t add anything meaningful to the topic at hand and isn’t relevant to this thread. The question is about dance, plain and simple.

Northwood isn’t an academic powerhouse anyway—both Northwood and Einstein are on relatively similar footing in that regard—but, again, that point is irrelevant here. The focus is dance.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 21:59     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:Which school follows copyright laws to record and sell recordings of the performances?


I don’t think any sell the recordings. Never seen that.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 21:52     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Which school follows copyright laws to record and sell recordings of the performances?
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 20:34     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.


OP didn’t ask about academics. While Einstein would not be a poor choice in that area either, their question was specifically about which dance program would best support their daughter. The answer to that question is Einstein. At no point in their original post or follow-up did they ask for an academic comparison.

They also made it clear that their child trains outside of school—as many Einstein dancers do—and is seeking a school that best complements and supports her existing skill set. So far, no Northwood parent has offered concrete examples of how their dance program would better serve their daughter’s training.


Why are you being so hostile? It doesn't make the school look good. For most parents, academics are important and right now Einstein is struggling in that area.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 16:27     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.


OP didn’t ask about academics. While Einstein would not be a poor choice in that area either, their question was specifically about which dance program would best support their daughter. The answer to that question is Einstein. At no point in their original post or follow-up did they ask for an academic comparison.

They also made it clear that their child trains outside of school—as many Einstein dancers do—and is seeking a school that best complements and supports her existing skill set. So far, no Northwood parent has offered concrete examples of how their dance program would better serve their daughter’s training.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 15:54     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.


I would look at academics and admin and distance. The better dancers are in private and group lessons outside. As is for all the arts.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 14:55     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Is this a thing? Parent of a 5th grader who loves to dance and dances outside of school- I had no idea dance is taught in ANY MCPS schools.


It's taught in many MCPS schools starting in MS. My DD spent half her day in dance classes by senior year. If you want to see examples, see if MCPS is doing a dance showcase this year. Usually it's in February at Blake HS. MS and HS are invited to participate. Not all choose to do so, but a lot do.


Which middle schools have dance classes?


I don't know other than White Oak and Loiederman. But there are others that have participated in the MCPS Dance Showcase.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 14:53     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Einstein hands down. The program is AMAZING. I didn't even know Northwood had dance if that tells you anything.


Stop defaming a school. Northwood just held their winter dance concert at Wheaton High School and it was fantastic and a packed crowd.

We are very happy with Northwood’s dance program and one of the teachers left Einstein because the program wasn’t growing.


What dance courses does Northwood provide? How’s Northwood competition team?


1st place last competition but to be fair they haven’t competed against Einstein yet.


What competition teams are you talking about? MCPS offers competitive dance? I've only seen Poms and Latin Dance.


Poms is the competitive dance team they’re referring too.


Oh, well then isn't Einstein Division 2 and Northwood Division 3? So, that would seem to indicate that Einstein has a better team historically.


I heard Einstein and Northwood are in the same division. Both gotten 1st at invitational.


No Einstein is Division 2 and Northwood Division 3.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 14:48     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Einstein hands down. The program is AMAZING. I didn't even know Northwood had dance if that tells you anything.


Stop defaming a school. Northwood just held their winter dance concert at Wheaton High School and it was fantastic and a packed crowd.

We are very happy with Northwood’s dance program and one of the teachers left Einstein because the program wasn’t growing.


What dance courses does Northwood provide? How’s Northwood competition team?


1st place last competition but to be fair they haven’t competed against Einstein yet.


What competition teams are you talking about? MCPS offers competitive dance? I've only seen Poms and Latin Dance.


Poms is the competitive dance team they’re referring too.


Oh, well then isn't Einstein Division 2 and Northwood Division 3? So, that would seem to indicate that Einstein has a better team historically.


I heard Einstein and Northwood are in the same division. Both gotten 1st at invitational.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 14:45     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The dance program will move to Northwood under Taylor’s new plan. And depending on your current home address, your kid will have to move buildings in 10th grade. Only 8th, 11th and 12th graders will be grandfathered as well as students in a “regional program”. The Einstein dance program is part of VAPA which is a school based program.


That's not correct. Per the Program Analysis FAQ:

"Current 8th graders (Class of 2030) would not be affected by the proposed changes. They would follow the current system, including application/assignment to existing countywide magnets and consortia schools, and would continue in their program until graduation in 2030."

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1sYH8G9mVKZI0Bkm_-ZXoSszwRGnrsemE_ksF7DZR4fs/mobilebasic#kix.ra7jpkchekmv



They can’t afford old and new bussing or teaching staffing. Let’s see what the BOE actually approves. That Google doc is not what was originally shared. They talked about 8th graders that would in 8th grade in fall 2027.


That and their “Dance Pathway” is a joke. The classes are more dance theory than performance based. Einstein VAPA will still be the standard.


Stop disparaging Northwood. It comes down to the strength of the teacher and kids taking outside classes. I’d pick academics.


You’re confusing factual comparison with disparagement. Northwood has never been regarded as an arts hub in the way Einstein has. The OP is asking which school will best support her daughter’s training, and the answer is Einstein. One of their instructors helped develop the MCPS dance curriculum, and both Einstein’s dance and competitive dance programs are widely known. Get off your high horse.


You are on your high horse. Einstein is not necessarily the best choice.


No one has explained why it isn’t so far.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 13:01     Subject: Einstein or Northwood (For Dance)

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Is this a thing? Parent of a 5th grader who loves to dance and dances outside of school- I had no idea dance is taught in ANY MCPS schools.


It's taught in many MCPS schools starting in MS. My DD spent half her day in dance classes by senior year. If you want to see examples, see if MCPS is doing a dance showcase this year. Usually it's in February at Blake HS. MS and HS are invited to participate. Not all choose to do so, but a lot do.


Which middle schools have dance classes?