High schools near Germantown (Rockville, Darnestown: to rent, homes, neighborhoods)

[apat]

Hi all,

We are moving to the Md area in the Fall and for a variety of reasons are thinking of the Butler school (near Germantown) for our younger son. We really would like Montessori education for him for as long as possible - he is now in the 5th grade, and this seemed to be one of the few Montessori schools going up to the 8th grade.

Our older son will be a junior in high school, so would like suggestions for high schools in the vicinity. In terms of proximity, the closest seem to be Northwest or Quince Orchard. Any suggestions / recommendations between the two? Should we look further afield (say Wootton or Churchill)?

Thanks!

[Zxcvbn]

Congrats on the move to MD! Where from? our youngest was in a Montessori program before we moved here, and we loved it.

As someone who has thoroughly studied the school system here, I would advise QO over NHS. Much better. When you visit the neighborhoods themselves, you might find this surprising, but NHS seems to have lots of work to do to live up to the standards of the MCPS reputation. I have found some lovely homes and property around Darnestown, though.

Wooten and Churchill are exceedingly better than both, but you must factor in all considerations. Lots to ponder. Just IMHO. But I don't know anyone who would disagree about QO vs. NHS. Good luck!

[apat]

Thanks for the feedback. I will be joining UMCP, so it is a long way off, but we are really keen on Montessori schools for our younger son, and there are very few going up to 8th grade. If you know of others in MoCo or Howard that would be much appreciated. Given the constraint that one child would be in Butler, we need to fix our search space for the high school. Clearly moving closer to Rockville would reduce my commute, but then it would also increase the distance to Butler.

Thanks.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by apat

We are moving to the Md area in the Fall and for a variety of reasons are thinking of the Butler school (near Germantown) for our younger son. We really would like Montessori education for him for as long as possible - he is now in the 5th grade, and this seemed to be one of the few Montessori schools going up to the 8th grade.

Have you ruled out The Barrie School? It would put you closer to your job.

[dkf747]

I got 2 kids at Quince Orchard. It's much better than Northwest.

[apat]

Would appreciate feedback regarding Quince Orchard vis-a-vis Churchill or Wootten. How are the AP courses at QO? Quality of teachers? Any suggestions for safe & decent places in the QO area to rent? Thanks.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by apat

Would appreciate feedback regarding Quince Orchard vis-a-vis Churchill or Wootten. How are the AP courses at QO? Quality of teachers? Any suggestions for safe & decent places in the QO area to rent? Thanks.

I can't say anything about Churchill or Wooton. Wooton is supposed to better than QO. I have no idea about Churchill. I'm very satisfied with the education my daughters are getting at QO, including AP courses. I also like the kids and families that I have met there. My oldest is graduating this month. Maybe someone else will have the information you seek.

[superseiyan]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I got 2 kids at Quince Orchard. It's much better than Northwest.

On a more superficial note, QO is awesome on friday nights in fall.

[localcall]

So is Northwest really that bad? I always thought that they were a great school compared to other schools in the state...

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by localcall

So is Northwest really that bad? I always thought that they were a great school compared to other schools in the state...

I don't think anyone said they were bad, did they? I only compared it to QO. Northwest is probably a good school.