Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an opinion about whether TJ could be the right fit for a kid who is exceptionally gifted in math but has practically no interest in science or engineering? The stereotype of the TJ curriculum is that math is just a means to an end, the end being the ability to engage with scientific disciplines at a very, very high level as quickly as possible. I am clueless so TIA

My child was much more into math than the sciences, except for physics, and I had wondered about the same thing. He applied and was accepted, so we went with it, always with the idea that if TJ wasn't a good fit, he could go to his very good base school. As it turned out, he loved it and ended up really liking engineering along with math, and did an engineering lab for senior year. I was sure he'd want to do a math major in college; partly because of his exposure to other subjects at TJ, he has a different STEM major, but his math ability and background are extremely important for the major.

Kids grow and change a lot during these teen years. If he likes and is talented at math, I would encourage him to apply, see what happens, and then work from there. Eighth graders don't necessarily know what all they're interested in yet, but they'll figure it out over time.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an opinion about whether TJ could be the right fit for a kid who is exceptionally gifted in math but has practically no interest in science or engineering? The stereotype of the TJ curriculum is that math is just a means to an end, the end being the ability to engage with scientific disciplines at a very, very high level as quickly as possible. I am clueless so TIA

Kids track and specialize at TJ. The track is definately there to do very high level math, and to focus their electives in math. BUT-- TJ kids don't get a ton of electives, because of extra classes for the diploma. And your kid will still have to take Design tech in 9th (not that hard), CS, and a very challenging science each year. And, more to the point, a Senior research lab with pre-recs. There is no pure math senior lab. The closest you will get is probably some sort of physics, or CS that focuses on math. But, your kid will still need to take the physics or CS pre- recs for the lab. The one out might be doing a mentorship instead. But getting one is a gamble.

Short answer. TJ is great for math geniuses, and has very high level classes. But ultimately your kid will probably have to mix math with physics, engineering or CS as a focus. If you math kid likes CS, they will probably do well. But, be aware, if your kid hates science, there is no way around a lot of very challenging science sequence.

It still probably beats your base school. At least the post multi-variable/linear math classes are there.

Does anyone have an opinion about whether TJ could be the right fit for a kid who is exceptionally gifted in math but has practically no interest in science or engineering? The stereotype of the TJ curriculum is that math is just a means to an end, the end being the ability to engage with scientific disciplines at a very, very high level as quickly as possible. I am clueless so TIA

I've known a number of kids who left early three times a week for high level ballet programs. They simple missed eighth period on those three days. It was not a problem for them or the school. The kids that I know that did this were very successful academically, going on to HYPMS and other highly ranked schools.

Being busy tended to cause these kids to be highly organized and efficient. They used every minute, so that they were able to get their schoolwork done while still being involved in an activity they loved.

PP poster asking what the "end game" was here.

And the above poster got what I meant. Not that athletics are only about playing pro, but was asking what the poster who asked about whether missing TJ was doable. I was trying to give them for food for thought, ie what is it that you really think your kid will be doing in 5-10-15 years. I can guarantee that chances of getting a full ride D-1 scholarship are slim and making it to the pros is very unlikely, and if it's something other than a sport, TJ has a lot of award winning non-sport activities. And if it's not STEM, than you may have to choose which "passion" to follow.

Signed,

Parent to a TJ kid playing multiple sports plus competitive travel on a year round basis.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure you can make it work, nor would be enjoyable for your kid. If it's a "passion" that takes this much time and it's not STEM I would recommend TJ. If it's STEM can you try to look at what TJ has to offer. If it's a sport - what's the end game? A scholarship for academics or sports? Plus what about an injury shutting your kid down vs. an academic boost. You know your kid best, but IMO no way missing school consistently will work at TJ.

Why does sports participation need to have an "end game"? My kid played a sport every season at TJ (and was involved in a year round sport outside of TJ) and his school teams regularly left school early for games/meets. His TJ sports teammates were some of the most successful kids at TJ and are at top level schools now, some still playing their sport.

Some kids are fully capable of handling a very busy schedule of both academic and non-academic activities. I think the kids who do sports are particularly good at this because the physical activity is healthy and helps to clear their heads so that they are more efficient when they sit down to study.

What was my kid's end game for his heavy sports schedule at TJ? He was physically fit and healthy and he made a lot of great friends during his time at TJ with whom he is still in touch now that they are all in college. Don't underestimate how important good friendships are to those four years at TJ.

Sure-- lots of kids play TJ sports. And some sports occasionally have to leave the school slightly early. Most fall sports compete at 6 or 7. Cross country is the outlier, and starts at 5. But in Fairfax County. Kids do not need get out of class before 3:30, and no more than once a week-- about half the time they only miss 8th period.

PP seems to be talking about a kid whose practice schedule for a non-TJ sport, drama, music, etc conflicts with the regular school day. And that will not fly. It's hard to believe that anyone would think missing all or most of the same class on a regular basis would fly. Or that a kid could take 6 classes instead of 7, given all the extra TJ diploma requirements. You can't do TJ on less than a full school day, and you can't cut out early on a regular basis. Way too much in class work, in class group projects, homeowrk quizzes given daily hands on Design Tech labs and science labs, etc. A kid who is looking to regularly skip out on a full school day for a non-TJ activity will never make it work. And if mom is already worried about IBET, we all know that even a bad IBET is better than a sophomore load, and way better than a junior load.

A kid at TJ needs to put school first and show up for class regularly. If their sport or whatever else is more important than TJ, then they need to go to the base school where this can be accommodated.

But althletes who do 2 a day work outs, and attend school 5-6 hours in between? Not doable with a TJ workload and a TJ diploma.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure you can make it work, nor would be enjoyable for your kid. If it's a "passion" that takes this much time and it's not STEM I would recommend TJ. If it's STEM can you try to look at what TJ has to offer. If it's a sport - what's the end game? A scholarship for academics or sports? Plus what about an injury shutting your kid down vs. an academic boost. You know your kid best, but IMO no way missing school consistently will work at TJ.

Why does sports participation need to have an "end game"? My kid played a sport every season at TJ (and was involved in a year round sport outside of TJ) and his school teams regularly left school early for games/meets. His TJ sports teammates were some of the most successful kids at TJ and are at top level schools now, some still playing their sport.

Some kids are fully capable of handling a very busy schedule of both academic and non-academic activities. I think the kids who do sports are particularly good at this because the physical activity is healthy and helps to clear their heads so that they are more efficient when they sit down to study.

What was my kid's end game for his heavy sports schedule at TJ? He was physically fit and healthy and he made a lot of great friends during his time at TJ with whom he is still in touch now that they are all in college. Don't underestimate how important good friendships are to those four years at TJ.