I'm looking for some feedback (good and bad) on the Charles County high schools -- in particular, McDonough and Lackey. I've searched the forums and most of what's out there is old, so I'd like to hear from folks who know what the schools are like now (say in the past 1-4 years). Prefer feedback from those who have personal experience (either went there recently or your kids did) with the schools you're commenting on. Thanks!
Charles County High Schools
- Thread starter Fay
- Start date
I was trying to be kind......it could be worse.......hang in there
Another (related) Question
Yes, I've checked that website as well as a "report card" type website that the CCBOE website has a link to for each school. So I've see how the schools compare test score wise, etc. At this point I'm looking for personal experience type feedback from people who've attended recently (or have kids who attended). Pretty much the type of responses I've gotten so far -- and thanks to you who have responded -- I appreciate it.
And now another question ... Do any of you have any experience requesting permission to attend a high school other than the one you're zoned for (in Charles County)? I plan to call the CCBOE to find out what the process is, but I'm curious what kind of reasons for the request work the best. If you know, please pass along your experience on that too. TIA!
Yes, I've checked that website as well as a "report card" type website that the CCBOE website has a link to for each school. So I've see how the schools compare test score wise, etc. At this point I'm looking for personal experience type feedback from people who've attended recently (or have kids who attended). Pretty much the type of responses I've gotten so far -- and thanks to you who have responded -- I appreciate it.
And now another question ... Do any of you have any experience requesting permission to attend a high school other than the one you're zoned for (in Charles County)? I plan to call the CCBOE to find out what the process is, but I'm curious what kind of reasons for the request work the best. If you know, please pass along your experience on that too. TIA!
CCBOE will tell you no over the phone. Go see the pupil personnel worker at the school you want your child to attend and then the principal. A lot depends on whether they already have too many students at the school you wish your child to attend. The stock answer is no, but exceptions are made if you have a compelling reason (you think it's a better school won't cut it)....exceptions are made if you had other kids that attended that school, and athletics (sometimes)....
other than north point where they accept students from other zones for certain programs, its very difficult to have them accept a request for transfer if you do not live in that zone. you fill out a request and the principal of each school gets to accept or deny. problem is all of the schools are overcrowded and they get several requests for transfers and usually just tell them all no because they just can't do it with the already way overcrowded schools.
Chasey_Lane
Salt Life
I graduated from McDonough, and all of my siblings went to McDonough. The baby graduated two years ago. The Charles County school system follows behind Calvert and St Mary's. The schools are normal. If your child is a good student, chances are they'll remain a good student. Staff was always friendly and helpful.
onel0126
Bead mumbler
I will respectfully disagree about Charles being "behind" StM and Calvert. With the exception of Huntingtown HS in Calvert, all other high schools in Calvert and ALL high schools in St. Mary's are behind La Plata HS for sure--and no, I'm not an alum or even from Chuck County.
Chasey_Lane
Salt Life
I have personal experience. My daughter transferred from Charles to St Mary's and I spent months with her trying to catch up. She's always been an honor student. Charles County curriculum is just different and at a slower pace. :shrug:
suitlandgal
New Member
Calvert is the best. Move to Calvert
L
Libertarian
Guest
IMO the WORST high school in Charles County is Westlake, which may be no surprise since it is located in the heart of Waldorf near the mall. The students there are rowdy and undisciplined; this is evident by merely walking down the hall between classes or by visiting a classroom. Close behind would be Thomas Stone and McDonough, both of which bus students in from some of the "rougher" sections of Waldorf (including Gallery Place, Wakefield, and vicinity). I think the BEST high school in Charles County is La Plata High, with a close second being North Point. Charles County Schools are FAR BEHIND other schools in southern Maryland, but don't bother moving just for better schools, because it is just a matter of time before Calvert and St. Mary's is ruined too.
L
Libertarian
Guest
If people keep doing that, it will be a very short time before Calvert County Schools are just as bad as Charles County Schools.Calvert is the best. Move to Calvert
pretty much the same process as St. Mary's. Never did it but know a number of people who did. In most cases it was a program that was unique to that school - JROTC or or an academic program. If your child is a gifted athlete, then maybe but it's usually a reason related to an educational program (I would consider ROTC "educational" rather then athletic).