It is important that people do not imprint their Montgomery County experiences on Howard County. It's different out here. It's a much smaller county with a smaller school system. There are no charter schools, no magnet schools, and few private schools. Almost every child goes to their local public school. While there are some neighborhoods with particular ethnic concentrations, they are smaller and more integrated than what you might find in the older, deeply established neighborhoods of Montgomery County.

Just for the record, there are 12 high schools in Howard County so don't use 2 opinions on one school to make your decision for the entire county. My kids are not in High School yet and they won't be attending River Hill. I don't have personal experience of what goes on at the school but I find it hard to believe that 59% of the students are oppressing and bullying the 41% who are not white. That seems hard to believe.

There was a recent case at Glenelg High School where some students displayed a confederate flag at a football game. They were immediately removed from the stands and did receive some sort of reprimand and punishment from the administration. They did not reveal what the punishment was.

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Anonymous wrote:Your commute would ruin your life. Not being mean, just stating a fact. If you're committed though look at Highland or Clarksville.

+1

I'd think really hard about your commute. Not something to be taken lightly, esp if you have kids. It really eats away at your day and your spirit!

Highland or Clarksville ends up a bumper to bumper mess on 32 in the mornings trying to get out to 29 or 95.

And they aren't diverse.

Excuse me? River Hill resident here, and my neighborhood is EXTREMELY diverse. Our neighbors come from all over the world and we get along beautifully. Certainly, if you move to the rural far western county, you are going to come across some good-ole-boy country folk. However, Columbia and Clarksville enjoy a wonderful group of laid-back first and second generation neighbors. The main difference between Howard County and Montgomery County is that people are far less obsessed with wealth and status.

It's one of the whitest high schools in the county and more importantly, one of the least diverse socioeconomicly.

+1000000000

my child went to River Hill and I could not agree more. This is NOT a school for a minority they will stick out like a sore thumb

Did your child encounter any bigotry while attending River Hill? What was the social dynamics like for your child?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your commute would ruin your life. Not being mean, just stating a fact. If you're committed though look at Highland or Clarksville.

+1

I'd think really hard about your commute. Not something to be taken lightly, esp if you have kids. It really eats away at your day and your spirit!

Highland or Clarksville ends up a bumper to bumper mess on 32 in the mornings trying to get out to 29 or 95.

And they aren't diverse.

Excuse me? River Hill resident here, and my neighborhood is EXTREMELY diverse. Our neighbors come from all over the world and we get along beautifully. Certainly, if you move to the rural far western county, you are going to come across some good-ole-boy country folk. However, Columbia and Clarksville enjoy a wonderful group of laid-back first and second generation neighbors. The main difference between Howard County and Montgomery County is that people are far less obsessed with wealth and status.

It's one of the whitest high schools in the county and more importantly, one of the least diverse socioeconomicly.

+1000000000

my child went to River Hill and I could not agree more. This is NOT a school for a minority they will stick out like a sore thumb

Howard County is great, but I would start looking for a new job - Columbia, Baltimore, Rockville, Silver Spring...I think you are really underestimating that commute to DC.

Sigh, we've lived here with acidic well water for 12 years. Its not a big deal and no the well, septic and water softener doesn't require any skills on our part. Lots of areas in Montgomery County are on well and septic. Not sure if Howard has Pepco or something else but in Montgomery County you almost need a generator no matter what if you have to deal with Pepco.

We commute into VA and are seriously considering moving there for the schools. MCPS schools are declining. If your only reason to live in the burbs is the schools then VA or Howard makes more sense.