Is magnet school worth it! (Washington: magnet schools, bus, transportation)

[nc99]

I am reading lots of information about school system in Wake county...I am new to school and my girl will be going to the pre-school this year. I am worried about the time she will spend in the bus, making a 5 year old to ride for 40-45 minutes twice everyday is very harsh I think!

Please share your experience.

[Starglow]

Originally Posted by nc99

I am reading lots of information about school system in Wake county...I am new to school and my girl will be going to the pre-school this year. I am worried about the time she will spend in the bus, making a 5 year old to ride for 40-45 minutes twice everyday is very harsh I think!

Please share your experience.

My son went to a year round elementary school, but he did not ride the bus even though one was available. We chose to drive him to/from school ourselves based on similar concerns as you have.

When he switched to middle school which is much farther away, he started riding the bus because we were less concerned about it since he was old enough to take care of himself if something were to happen.

One thing to consider with younger children is that they do sometimes get sick at school and someone will need to pick them up if that happens. Other than that, the school teachers and administrators do a good job of making sure the younger kids get safely on the correct bus going home.

Magnet schools are not necessarily better or worse than traditional schools, but sometimes may offer special classes or academic programs that are not available in other schools.

We have been very happy with the year round program with no regrets and have taken many wonderful family vacations to Florida during off peak track-out periods during the year when the theme parks are less crowded.

[go2beach]

Magnet schools are available starting in Kindergarten, pre-schools are not in the Magnet program. There are plenty of people that think it is worth sending their kids to a Magnet, even if it means a long commute. Personally, I wouldn't send an elementary school kid in a bus ride that is over 15-minutes long. I might consider a Magnet if I were doing the drop-off/pick-up, or if it were near my house.

Whether it is worth it or not really depends on the child, and if you believe that your kid will benefit from the specialty programs that the Magnet offer. Visit the schools, talk to other parents. Not all the Magnets are created equal.

The one advantage of being at a Magnet is that the chances of re-assignment are minimal (unless they open another Magnet with the same theme and your node is assigned to it) .

Good luck!

[Zoya]

Originally Posted by nc99

I am reading lots of information about school system in Wake county...I am new to school and my girl will be going to the pre-school this year. I am worried about the time she will spend in the bus, making a 5 year old to ride for 40-45 minutes twice everyday is very harsh I think!

Please share your experience.

Magnet schools start in elementary....not pre-school. If they are worth it is up to each family. They are not schools for everyone.

In our case, they are worth it times 10. (We started in elementary, are in our last year of middle and got into a magnet high school.)

The kids I've spoken to over the year all acknowledge the long bus ride, but don't have a problem with it. You have to just look at what your options are and what sort of personality your child has to figure out if it will work for you. No one else can make that choice for you.

[lamishra]

Is she going to Poe Elementary? I know they have a preschool there, but didn't realize they provided transportation for that age group.
Or did you mean that she's in preschool this year but you're worried about the year she starts school? Not everyone gets into magnet sschool, so until you are accepted, I wouldn't worry about the bus situation too much and if you're in a magnet base area, then the ride shouldn't be that long.

[momin9804]

If your child is going to the WCPSS preschool program private transportation in a car with car seat is provided if you request it. As far as the magnet, my daughter will be starting kindergarten this year and will be at a magnet. I was concerned with the bus ride, but we lucked out and got into a magnet that is less that 3 miles from home. I would check wcpss.net and see which schools are in your base and see how far they are from your home, you might be able to apply to one closer.

[nc99]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience.....

[saturnfan]

Our son went to Washington GT Magnet years ago, and the extra attention he received completely changed his outlook on school.

Dr. Del Burns (now Supt.) was principal.

We were very lucky to be in the school's base area.