A principal can make or break a school. That's what happened to Woodlin. Under Sergo, it had great teachers and a good vibe, but since she left it's been going downhill.

OP, I agree with all the posters who suggest focusing on the neighborhood/house/walkability, but would add focusing on the ES. There are more options for MS and HS with all the programs, so you might not even go to your home MS/HS. Good luck with your search.

I still see a bunch of ghetto school with around half poverty but you can cling to your token percentages and religion.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A couple of notes (I live in that area and have kids in elementary)

1. It's helpful to get feedback from people with kids actually in the schools (including middle schools) but keep in mind that all of the DCC schools are constantly changing (for the most part, getting better and better as demographic changes) so by the time your kiddos are there, these schools should be at least as good as they are now, but likely even better.

2. From personal experience at both Woodlin and Sligo Creek (and many friends at both), FWIW the PTA at Woodlin is much more organized and high-functioning... you'll likely have a better experience there with after school clubs, events, and other types of support. I'm not sure the entire reason why - perhaps because Woodlin is overall higher SES, or because the SCES principal is not well-liked (and therefore people shy away from volunteering for the PTA and working with her), or because SCES has an immersion program so is "split" in that way...

3. If you do SCES/SSIMS, they are right next to each other so if you're in SCES district you'll end up living pretty close to middle school too. If you're in Woodlin district, Sligo MS is a bit up Georgia so not as convenient. And Einstein is way the heck up in Wheaton.

What demographic changes are you referring to? Show me one DCC school that has fewer poor people now than it did 10 years ago. Data does not suggest that DCC schools are "improving" (whatever that means).

How about 7?

Sligo Creek: 2007-08 FARMS 24%, 2017-18 FARMS 9.8%

Woodlin: 2007-08 FARMS 21.7%, 2017-18 FARMS 20.6%

Oakland Terrace: 2007-08 FARMS 34.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 33%

Glen Haven: 2007-08 FARMS 59.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 54.1%

East Silver Spring: 2007-08 61.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 51.4%

Piney Branch: 2007-08 FARMS 35.3%, 2017-18 FARMS 31.1%

Viers Mill: 2007-08 FARMS 67.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 60.6%

Oh snap!

Close-in suburbs, especially along the red-line, have been trending upward for some time, but there are are some old-timers who are stuck in the 80s and out of touch that may be unaware.

OP, this is also true for the middle schools you are considering:

SSIMS: 2008-09 FARMS 47.4%, 2017-18 FARMS 42.5%
Sligo MS: 2008-09 FARMS 48%, 2017-18 FARMS 42.9%

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A couple of notes (I live in that area and have kids in elementary)

1. It's helpful to get feedback from people with kids actually in the schools (including middle schools) but keep in mind that all of the DCC schools are constantly changing (for the most part, getting better and better as demographic changes) so by the time your kiddos are there, these schools should be at least as good as they are now, but likely even better.

2. From personal experience at both Woodlin and Sligo Creek (and many friends at both), FWIW the PTA at Woodlin is much more organized and high-functioning... you'll likely have a better experience there with after school clubs, events, and other types of support. I'm not sure the entire reason why - perhaps because Woodlin is overall higher SES, or because the SCES principal is not well-liked (and therefore people shy away from volunteering for the PTA and working with her), or because SCES has an immersion program so is "split" in that way...

3. If you do SCES/SSIMS, they are right next to each other so if you're in SCES district you'll end up living pretty close to middle school too. If you're in Woodlin district, Sligo MS is a bit up Georgia so not as convenient. And Einstein is way the heck up in Wheaton.

What demographic changes are you referring to? Show me one DCC school that has fewer poor people now than it did 10 years ago. Data does not suggest that DCC schools are "improving" (whatever that means).

How about 7?

Sligo Creek: 2007-08 FARMS 24%, 2017-18 FARMS 9.8%

Woodlin: 2007-08 FARMS 21.7%, 2017-18 FARMS 20.6%

Oakland Terrace: 2007-08 FARMS 34.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 33%

Glen Haven: 2007-08 FARMS 59.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 54.1%

East Silver Spring: 2007-08 61.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 51.4%

Piney Branch: 2007-08 FARMS 35.3%, 2017-18 FARMS 31.1%

Viers Mill: 2007-08 FARMS 67.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 60.6%

Oh snap!

Close-in suburbs, especially along the red-line, have been trending upward for some time, but there are are some old-timers who are stuck in the 80s and out of touch that may be unaware.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A couple of notes (I live in that area and have kids in elementary)

1. It's helpful to get feedback from people with kids actually in the schools (including middle schools) but keep in mind that all of the DCC schools are constantly changing (for the most part, getting better and better as demographic changes) so by the time your kiddos are there, these schools should be at least as good as they are now, but likely even better.

2. From personal experience at both Woodlin and Sligo Creek (and many friends at both), FWIW the PTA at Woodlin is much more organized and high-functioning... you'll likely have a better experience there with after school clubs, events, and other types of support. I'm not sure the entire reason why - perhaps because Woodlin is overall higher SES, or because the SCES principal is not well-liked (and therefore people shy away from volunteering for the PTA and working with her), or because SCES has an immersion program so is "split" in that way...

3. If you do SCES/SSIMS, they are right next to each other so if you're in SCES district you'll end up living pretty close to middle school too. If you're in Woodlin district, Sligo MS is a bit up Georgia so not as convenient. And Einstein is way the heck up in Wheaton.

What demographic changes are you referring to? Show me one DCC school that has fewer poor people now than it did 10 years ago. Data does not suggest that DCC schools are "improving" (whatever that means).

How about 7?

Sligo Creek: 2007-08 FARMS 24%, 2017-18 FARMS 9.8%

Woodlin: 2007-08 FARMS 21.7%, 2017-18 FARMS 20.6%

Oakland Terrace: 2007-08 FARMS 34.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 33%

Glen Haven: 2007-08 FARMS 59.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 54.1%

East Silver Spring: 2007-08 61.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 51.4%

Piney Branch: 2007-08 FARMS 35.3%, 2017-18 FARMS 31.1%

Viers Mill: 2007-08 FARMS 67.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 60.6%

Oh snap!

Honestly, principals have so much influence on school culture that there's no way to guarantee what any MS or HS will be like in four or five years. A good principal can attract and retain good teachers, and a bad one can drive them away in droves. Principals and VPs definitely have a huge effect the tone of the school and on morale among teachers and students alike. And a good administration can go a long way to offset things when your kid inevitably has that one rough year. PTA leadership can also affect the "extras" kids have access to, especially in ES and MS, and the PTA will change over time as families enter and leave the school.

I'd agree with others who say to focus on the immediate neighborhood and how it feels to you and your family. Is it walkable, or close to transit? Do the neighbors know and look out for each other? Are the streets pedestrian-friendly, if your kids want to walk to school or to friends' houses on their own? (A PP mentioned the proximity of downtown Silver Spring to SSIMS—don't forget that the new Purple Line will stop right in front of SSIMS, and will run right downtown to the library.)

Pick a place with generally decent schools, maybe focusing on the ES at first, and look for a neighborhood your family feels comfortable with and can grow into. Plenty of time to worry about MS and HS details when you get there, and see what your kids' needs and interests are at that point. A lot can change in a family, a school, or a neighborhood, and there's no point in driving yourself crazy trying to predict the future!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A couple of notes (I live in that area and have kids in elementary)

1. It's helpful to get feedback from people with kids actually in the schools (including middle schools) but keep in mind that all of the DCC schools are constantly changing (for the most part, getting better and better as demographic changes) so by the time your kiddos are there, these schools should be at least as good as they are now, but likely even better.

2. From personal experience at both Woodlin and Sligo Creek (and many friends at both), FWIW the PTA at Woodlin is much more organized and high-functioning... you'll likely have a better experience there with after school clubs, events, and other types of support. I'm not sure the entire reason why - perhaps because Woodlin is overall higher SES, or because the SCES principal is not well-liked (and therefore people shy away from volunteering for the PTA and working with her), or because SCES has an immersion program so is "split" in that way...

3. If you do SCES/SSIMS, they are right next to each other so if you're in SCES district you'll end up living pretty close to middle school too. If you're in Woodlin district, Sligo MS is a bit up Georgia so not as convenient. And Einstein is way the heck up in Wheaton.

What demographic changes are you referring to? Show me one DCC school that has fewer poor people now than it did 10 years ago. Data does not suggest that DCC schools are "improving" (whatever that means).

How about 7?

Sligo Creek: 2007-08 FARMS 24%, 2017-18 FARMS 9.8%

Woodlin: 2007-08 FARMS 21.7%, 2017-18 FARMS 20.6%

Oakland Terrace: 2007-08 FARMS 34.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 33%

Glen Haven: 2007-08 FARMS 59.6%, 2017-18 FARMS 54.1%

East Silver Spring: 2007-08 61.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 51.4%

Piney Branch: 2007-08 FARMS 35.3%, 2017-18 FARMS 31.1%

Viers Mill: 2007-08 FARMS 67.5%, 2017-18 FARMS 60.6%

Anonymous wrote:A couple of notes (I live in that area and have kids in elementary)

1. It's helpful to get feedback from people with kids actually in the schools (including middle schools) but keep in mind that all of the DCC schools are constantly changing (for the most part, getting better and better as demographic changes) so by the time your kiddos are there, these schools should be at least as good as they are now, but likely even better.

2. From personal experience at both Woodlin and Sligo Creek (and many friends at both), FWIW the PTA at Woodlin is much more organized and high-functioning... you'll likely have a better experience there with after school clubs, events, and other types of support. I'm not sure the entire reason why - perhaps because Woodlin is overall higher SES, or because the SCES principal is not well-liked (and therefore people shy away from volunteering for the PTA and working with her), or because SCES has an immersion program so is "split" in that way...

3. If you do SCES/SSIMS, they are right next to each other so if you're in SCES district you'll end up living pretty close to middle school too. If you're in Woodlin district, Sligo MS is a bit up Georgia so not as convenient. And Einstein is way the heck up in Wheaton.

What demographic changes are you referring to? Show me one DCC school that has fewer poor people now than it did 10 years ago. Data does not suggest that DCC schools are "improving" (whatever that means).

We were at Sligo Creek for a year and at Woodlin for a year. I prefer Woodlin but Sligo Creek was fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

That only works if a given college accepts the credits.

My kid is not community college bound, so the MC to UMD path is irrelevant.

I think you're missing the point. If you graduate from high school with an AA, then you don't have to go to community college, because you already have your AA. And if you already have your AA, then the AA-to-UMD path is entirely relevant.

Or did you mean to say that your kid is not going to UMD, so the AA-to-UMD path is irrelevant?

I think the PP misunderstood the program. I think it would be great to get to UMD and already be in the higher level classes. I'm going to look into this further.

The program to get into Maryland with an associates from a CC is called the Maryland transfer advantage program. Has any Northwood parent achieved guaranteed enrollment for their DC via this program and the Northwood HS middle college academy?

This article profiles two students who just graduated from Northwood and went on to UMD through this program. They received multiple offers from other colleges as well.

http://mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/insights/2018/06/22/mcmcpsmc2-middle-college-program-mc2-lets-students-earn-an-associates-degree-while-in-high-school/

Anonymous wrote:There was a really interesting article in the Wash Post two weeks ago about hunger in college. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/some-college-students-go-to-class-hungry/2018/08/07/4e39f5ec-94d0-11e8-80e1-00e80e1fdf43_story.html?utm_term=.024689b27dfd

There was a part that said most of us picture college kids as the stereotypical 18-22 year old who is there full time for four years. But that only describes only a little over half of today's college kid. That really shocked me. 1 in 4 college students are parents, and 40 percent have full time jobs.

My kids will likely have the same experience I had: spending four years, after high school, on a lovely campus tucked away in new england with maybe a PT job but most of their spent taking classes (among other activities I'm sure) while we pay for their meal plan, dorm, books, etc. For lower income high achieving kids, I imagine having 2 years of college credits under your belt will be a game changer and the difference between not pursuing higher education and graduating in early 20s with a college degree and little debt.

My kids won't be taking advantage of that program but I can picture it changing lives for many.

+1
Montgomery college is a fantastic resource for county students. One of the best characteristics of the Northwood program is that it is really setting these students up for success with academic support, writing classes. I also think that requiring participating students to take an AP class in 9th grade is a good way to identify the students most likely to persist and earn their AA by the end of high school. These students are also likely to succeed once they get to UMD because they have been given a college prep experience in high school Great job MCPS!

There was a really interesting article in the Wash Post two weeks ago about hunger in college. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/some-college-students-go-to-class-hungry/2018/08/07/4e39f5ec-94d0-11e8-80e1-00e80e1fdf43_story.html?utm_term=.024689b27dfd

There was a part that said most of us picture college kids as the stereotypical 18-22 year old who is there full time for four years. But that only describes only a little over half of today's college kid. That really shocked me. 1 in 4 college students are parents, and 40 percent have full time jobs.

My kids will likely have the same experience I had: spending four years, after high school, on a lovely campus tucked away in new england with maybe a PT job but most of their spent taking classes (among other activities I'm sure) while we pay for their meal plan, dorm, books, etc. For lower income high achieving kids, I imagine having 2 years of college credits under your belt will be a game changer and the difference between not pursuing higher education and graduating in early 20s with a college degree and little debt.

My kids won't be taking advantage of that program but I can picture it changing lives for many.

I think the Northwood middle college program is fairly new. There may have only been one or two graduating classes so far.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

That only works if a given college accepts the credits.

My kid is not community college bound, so the MC to UMD path is irrelevant.

I think you're missing the point. If you graduate from high school with an AA, then you don't have to go to community college, because you already have your AA. And if you already have your AA, then the AA-to-UMD path is entirely relevant.

Or did you mean to say that your kid is not going to UMD, so the AA-to-UMD path is irrelevant?

I think the PP misunderstood the program. I think it would be great to get to UMD and already be in the higher level classes. I'm going to look into this further.

The program to get into Maryland with an associates from a CC is called the Maryland transfer advantage program. Has any Northwood parent achieved guaranteed enrollment for their DC via this program and the Northwood HS middle college academy?