Private middle schools with emphasis on technology? (Arlington, Alexandria: buy, price)

[Skatergirl]

While I know many sing the praises of the public schools in Northern Virginia I'm quite surprised about the lack of technology instruction in the middle schools. Keyboarding is offered in 6th grade only but 7th grade courses didn't have me excited either.

I understand there's a high school in Alexandria that is science and technology based but why does Arlington wait until high school to offer these courses? Why wait when the mind of a tween is ready now??? This area has a high demand for cyber security jobs so why wait until high school to cram so much instruction when a child's brain is ready to be imprinted with this knowledge way before high school?

So, back to my search for a private middle school that offers courses in technology beyond learning how to type?

Fwiw, we are already supplementing our son's education with tutoring in javascript and he's doing XCode on his own. But, this is just not enough for him. This kid loves, loves, loves computers at the ripe age of 11 and wants to learn so much more about computers.

[cdmurphy]

Loudoun School for the Gifted (grades 6-12)

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by Skatergirl

While I know many sing the praises of the public schools in Northern Virginia I'm quite surprised about the lack of technology instruction in the middle schools. Keyboarding is offered in 6th grade only but 7th grade courses didn't have me excited either.

I understand there's a high school in Alexandria that is science and technology based but why does Arlington wait until high school to offer these courses? Why wait when the mind of a tween is ready now??? This area has a high demand for cyber security jobs so why wait until high school to cram so much instruction when a child's brain is ready to be imprinted with this knowledge way before high school?

So, back to my search for a private middle school that offers courses in technology beyond learning how to type?

Fwiw, we are already supplementing our son's education with tutoring in javascript and he's doing XCode on his own. But, this is just not enough for him. This kid loves, loves, loves computers at the ripe age of 11 and wants to learn so much more about computers.

Where are you looking and are you looking for classes or to actually switch schools? (I have an 11 year-old computer geek, too. )

[Skatergirl]

Originally Posted by OrangeFish

Where are you looking and are you looking for classes or to actually switch schools? (I have an 11 year-old computer geek, too. )

I would prefer to find a private school and pull him out of public all together. I would consider D.C., NOVA and some parts of Md but absolutely nothing more than an hour ride.

[Lehuster]

Learn by doing! Buy the boy some books and some software and let him go to it.

Bound to be some online courses, too.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by Lehuster

Learn by doing! Buy the boy some books and some software and let him go to it.

Bound to be some online courses, too.

I agree!!!!!!!!!!

[ChristineVA]

Here's my thoughts: most private schools around here do not have the technology budgets that the public schools have. The only exception to this rule would be the elite (pricey) private schools. My kids spent the better part of their educations in private schools (but some time in public schools) and I can tell you that the public schools focus more on technology because they have the money to do so.

If you are really interested in technology, you can move to Prince William County and enroll your son in the specialized high school program and Forest Park Senior High School. It is a technology/computer program. I believe the students can actually come out of high school with some type of certification (haven't looked at the site in awhile so I'm not sure). My son was considering this school.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Here's my thoughts: most private schools around here do not have the technology budgets that the public schools have. The only exception to this rule would be the elite (pricey) private schools. My kids spent the better part of their educations in private schools (but some time in public schools) and I can tell you that the public schools focus more on technology because they have the money to do so.

If you are really interested in technology, you can move to Prince William County and enroll your son in the specialized high school program and Forest Park Senior High School. It is a technology/computer program. I believe the students can actually come out of high school with some type of certification (haven't looked at the site in awhile so I'm not sure). My son was considering this school.

There's a Governor's STEM Academy at Chantilly High School but I believe the OP was looking for something in middle school.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by OrangeFish

There's a Governor's STEM Academy at Chantilly High School but I believe the OP was looking for something in middle school.

Yes, she was but I can't think of any middle school that focuses on technology like a few select high schools do. And unless you want to pay big bucks for some private school that can outfit itself with the latest and greatest, the private schools generally fare worse.

[terrence81]

I pass by the Nysmith school for the gifted everyday going to work. The building looks sleek.