Our DD is at Eastern and came from an HCG. She's been very happy with the program. DD loves her magnet classes and teachers and is learning really interesting things and to think critically in ways I can not teach her! Science and Math are hit or miss depending on the teachers (DD's Math has not been great) and PE seems like a mess, but I think that's probably at any middle school! The workload is heavy, but DD loves writing and she's able to manage just fine after attending an HGC.

I've been impressed with the principal and how she's handled recent issues with graffiti and hate speech. There is a clear division between the magnet and non-magnet students which can be a challenge, but we're encouraging DD to embrace it with an open mind and do what she can to break down barriers. It was the same in the HGC. The school itself has a welcoming community that is aware of and seems to be actively addressing challenges. Downside has been the 7 period day and thus the lack of electives, but it's working out ok. I can't speak for Bethesda schools, but I'd say definitely go to the open house before deciding!

Back to the number one reason to go - the humanities program teachers. They really are fantastic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The summer homework is a lot. Way too much in my opinion. (I do not mean the media institute- I mean the actual summer work).

It was reading one book and answering questions. That didn't strike me as a lot.

No it wasn't. It took up the whole summer. Your child must be in a different grade than mine...

I honestly don't recall that this past summer, but I am probably mis-remembering. It didn't seem to impact DC that much - he did have to start working on it in the beginning of the summer rather than waiting until the week prior. I remember that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The summer homework is a lot. Way too much in my opinion. (I do not mean the media institute- I mean the actual summer work).

It was reading one book and answering questions. That didn't strike me as a lot.

No it wasn't. It took up the whole summer. Your child must be in a different grade than mine...

My child's 6th grade science teacher was one of the worst teachers either of my kids have ever had. Fortunately, 7th grade teacher was great.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dc loves the IM teacher and says her science class is regularly derailed by ill behaved magnet kids.

She overheard two magnet teachers lamenting how poorly magnet kids treat non magnet kids.

I'm sorry your DC was not admitted to the magnet.

My child is in the magnet.

There are two IM Science teachers - one, from what I hear, is good, and the other - not. Perhaps your child was lucky enough to get the good one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dc loves the IM teacher and says her science class is regularly derailed by ill behaved magnet kids.

She overheard two magnet teachers lamenting how poorly magnet kids treat non magnet kids.

I'm sorry your DC was not admitted to the magnet.

My child is in the magnet.

Anonymous wrote:My dc loves the IM teacher and says her science class is regularly derailed by ill behaved magnet kids.

She overheard two magnet teachers lamenting how poorly magnet kids treat non magnet kids.

I'm sorry your DC was not admitted to the magnet.

Can someone give examples of types of research projects their kids enjoyed in the magnet program?