Ryken vs. Chopticon

[itsbob]

as some of you know, I work at SMR. that said, I agree with ken king. I attended a public high school in Anne Arundel county, one with a rather imperfect reputation, and have done fairly well for myself. high school is what you make of it. generally speaking, no school is perfect for everyone. some students will do better in the smaller, more close knit environment of SMR while others will thrive in a larger more diverse school like Chopticon.

In reference to the negatives that some have listed about SMR, I'd like to point out that we have the lowest tuition of any of the high schools in the archdiocese. Yes, it can be a financial burden, but we also offer a significant amount of financial aid to our students.

How about non-Catholic Christians??

 

[nightowl]

I went through a similar situation this year with my nephew. I ended up going with public school since the thought of tuition for 3 kids was to much for me. So far I'm happy with my choice. He brought home some interims yesterday and is getting A's so far.

I think like several have said it's a personal choice. It also depends on your child. I think my nephew does better in a larger group so public was the way I went. After 3 years of him in private school where we had behavior problems due to him wanting to fit in with kids that had been together since kindergarten (he played the class clown). I thought he needed a change and a new group of friends.

You know your daughter the best and 8K a year does help with making a decision too.

 

[terbear1225]

How about non-Catholic Christians??

I'm not Catholic. I feel no pressure working here as a non-catholic. We do not pressure students to convert. Students are expected to attend mass as a school once a month and to behave respectfully while others worship but they do not have to take communion. we have had students of many different faiths and our faculty is fairly diverse in religion as well.

 

[sugarmama]

My little sister went to Ryken and is now in her 2nd year at towson state. Your going to have some of the standard problems at all high schools thats a given. But what I think I liked the best was seeing the percentage of kids from Ryken graduating and going onto College.

There was an article in the enterprize not too long ago about this. Ryken had the highest percentage of students graduating and going to college (i think it was 98--99%??).

 

[bresamil]

There was an article in the enterprize not too long ago about this. Ryken had the highest percentage of students graduating and going to college (i think it was 98--99%??).

That may be true as they stress a college preparatory curriculum, but I'd really like to see the stats on ALL of the schools of the percentage of kids that go to college AND graduate.

Basically Percy - we're saying that any school is what you make it both academically and socially. The schools exist to educate the child, not raise the child. It's up to the children and their parents as to whether kids stray off the straight and narrow.

 

[CandyRain]

All of this goes back to my point yesterday with private school being college prep. There is a larger percentage of private school grads who go on to college. They drill it in to you from first grade. It's expected.

Send your daughter to Ryken or move and send her to Bishop Ireton.

 

[Ehesef]

All of this goes back to my point yesterday with private school being college prep. There is a larger percentage of private school grads who go on to college. They drill it in to you from first grade. It's expected.

Send your daughter to Ryken or move and send her to Bishop Ireton.

I'd like to know how they collect that data. I graduated from public school, took 3 years off, and went back to school. Am I considered "going on to college"?

Anyone can go to college. Anyone. Not just private school graduates and those in the top of their classes at public school. The college prep, honors and AP programs are there in public schools. It's up to the students and parents to take advantage of them.

 

[Christy]

Anyone can go to college. Anyone. Not just private school graduates and those in the top of their classes at public school. The college prep, honors and AP programs are there in public schools. It's up to the students and parents to take advantage of them.

Yes, BUT, will they get in to the right Fraternity/Sorority?

 

[sugarmama]

I'd like to know how they collect that data. I graduated from public school, took 3 years off, and went back to school. Am I considered "going on to college"?

Anyone can go to college. Anyone. Not just private school graduates and those in the top of their classes at public school. The college prep, honors and AP programs are there in public schools. It's up to the students and parents to take advantage of them.

And if i remember correctly, the article also said ltown and chopticon had like a 90-91% graduate and go to college rate. I could be wrong on the exact numbers, but i'm close. It's not like the public schools have a 50% go on to college rate. It's not too bad, just a little bit less than ryken. And that;s probably due to the fact that most people who go to ryken can afford to go to college right away. (also--I know a few ppl i graduated w/ at ryken who went to college right away and dropped out...).

 

[CandyRain]

I'd like to know how they collect that data.

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/private-public-schools.php

Private and Public School Statistics

Now that we understand some of the main factors that families consider when deciding whether to enroll their children in private or public school, let’s look at the facts. Here are statistics on both private and public schools in America:

Academic Programs
Public schools offer a general program, designed for all. This usually includes math, English, reading, writing, science, history and physical education. In addition, many public schools offer programs in music and art too. What students learn is decided by the state. In most states, learning is measured through standardized tests. The content and minimum achievement criteria in each course offered in public high schools are put forward by the state and each student must achieve this minimum criterion before receiving credit. The charter school movement is also picking up momentum in many states; these schools are public, but offer specialized programs and smaller classes. There are not that many charter schools in the United States. According to the Center for Education Reform, there are approximately 3,400 public charter schools in America as of 2005. Charter schools are often closed if their students do not show academic progress. According to a report by educationnext.org, there were 3,100 magnet schools in America as of 2001/2002.

Private schools have the flexibility to create specialized programs for students. For example, private schools may use art or science in all classes, or take children on outdoor trips. They can create their own curriculum and assessment systems, although many choose to use standardized tests. Many parents are drawn to the alternative curriculums that private schools have to offer.

Private school students generally perform higher than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests. As with earlier results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), private school students performed higher than public school students on the NAEP: 2000 tests. Their average scores were above those of public school students on the 4th-grade reading test and on the 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade science and mathematics proficiency tests.

Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools. Compared with public schools, private schools required more coursework (in 4-year high school programs) in 1999–2000 in social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, and computer science. For example private schools required on average 3.1 years of mathematics, while public schools required 2.7 years. The figures for foreign language study also differed: 1.5 years at private schools but 0.5 years at public schools. In addition, about 40 percent of private schools required some form of community service for high school graduation, four times the rate for public schools (10 percent).

Private school students are more likely than public school students to complete a bachelor’s or advanced degree by their mid-20s. Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, "Fourth Follow-up" (NELS: 1988/2000) show that students who had attended private school in 8th grade were twice as likely as those who had attended public school to have completed a bachelor’s or higher degree by their mid-20s (52 versus 26 percent) and far less likely to not complete a post-secondary education.

 

[Ehesef]

For example private schools required on average 3.1 years of mathematics, while public schools required 2.7 years. The figures for foreign language study also differed: 1.5 years at private schools but 0.5 years at public schools. In addition, about 40 percent of private schools required some form of community service for high school graduation, four times the rate for public schools (10 percent).

I took 4 years of math (3 were required). I also took 3 years of foreign language (required). I also completed community service, as all high schoolers are required.

 

[Nupe2]

All three of my daughters have gone or are going to chopticon. All are honors students and two are graduating college this year, one a chemist and the other a RN. My youngest is a sophomore at chopticon now. She's also an Honor student. My suggestion is to go to Chopticon, enroll your child in the upper level courses (honors or CM classes), and stay away from the "Standard" classes. That's where you'll find the bad element you are so fearing. Keep them busy in extra curricular activities of some kind too. Stay very involved and interested. We've never had any bad experiences there, whatsoever. Good luck. Dont' freak out about it.

My sons graduated from Chopticon in 2000 and 2002. Both were in upper level academics, involved in sports, band, mock trial, etc. In other words they were too busy to get in any major trouble! I think raising an adult (we didn't raise children) is a complicated process that involves time, prayer, INVOLVEMENT and plain luck. You just never know.

Since they attended elementary school at Mother Catherine, both of my sons knew good and bad apples at Chopticon and Ryken. You probably have a higher percentage of college attendance from Ryken but we need HVAC guys and gals too so Chopticon is not a bad choice because they offer many good life/career options.

My oldest is in law school and my youngest is about to graduate from UMBC with (hopefully) a Masters in Molecular Biology. Chopticon was a good choice for them. Good luck to you and your daughter!

 

[Pete]

My sons graduated from Chopticon in 2000 and 2002. Both were in upper level academics, involved in sports, band, mock trial, etc. In other words they were too busy to get in any major trouble! I think raising an adult (we didn't raise children) is a complicated process that involves time, prayer, INVOLVEMENT and plain luck. You just never know.

Since they attended elementary school at Mother Catherine, both of my sons knew good and bad apples at Chopticon and Ryken. You probably have a higher percentage of college attendance from Ryken but we need HVAC guys and gals too so Chopticon is not a bad choice because they offer many good life/career options.

My oldest is in law school and my youngest is about to graduate from UMBC with (hopefully) a Masters in Molecular Biology. Chopticon was a good choice for them. Good luck to you and your daughter!

Will you adopt me?

 

[nachomama]

All three of my daughters have gone or are going to chopticon. All are honors students and two are graduating college this year, one a chemist and the other a RN. My youngest is a sophomore at chopticon now. She's also an Honor student. My suggestion is to go to Chopticon, enroll your child in the upper level courses (honors or CM classes), and stay away from the "Standard" classes. That's where you'll find the bad element you are so fearing. Keep them busy in extra curricular activities of some kind too. Stay very involved and interested. We've never had any bad experiences there, whatsoever. Good luck. Dont' freak out about it.

I totally agree. I have 4 kids; all have gone to Catholic School from Pre-K through 8. My oldest daughter was dead set on going to Ryken, but I couldn't afford it. We agreed to try CHS for a year and if she didn't like it, I'd put her at Ryken. She LOVED CHS. She was very active, took honors classes, was very popular and well liked, graduated in the top 5% of her class. She's now a junior in college and has thanked me several times for not sending her to Ryken. I have two others now at Chopticon who are very happy there, and my youngest can't wait to go there. He's there all the time now with us!

Like others have said, keep them active and STAY INVOLVED. (I know if you've been in the Catholic Schools around here, you can't help but NOT be involved...) Know who they are hanging out with; I'm usually the taxi driver who drives the crew around when they decide to go out to dinner, shopping, movies, etc. That gives you the opportunity to see who they hang out with and how they act in public...These days, all you can do is hope that you've raised them right; and a lot of the problem kids seem to have parents with the mentality that they are now in high school; their work is done. NOT. Their work is just beginning. They let them do as they please and the end product is what is your biggest fear.

 

[Nupe2]

Will you adopt me?

Maybe...we could team up and kick my cousins' azzezs on the course!

You have finished college right? Cuz...I ain't got no more money!

 

[fredsaid2]

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/private-public-schools.php
Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools. Compared with public schools, private schools required more coursework (in 4-year high school programs) in 1999–2000 in social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, and computer science. For example private schools required on average 3.1 years of mathematics, while public schools required 2.7 years. The figures for foreign language study also differed: 1.5 years at private schools but 0.5 years at public schools. In addition, about 40 percent of private schools required some form of community service for high school graduation, four times the rate for public schools (10 percent).

Maryland public schools require 4 English credits, 3 Math, 3 Science, 3 Social Studies and, if elected, 2 Foreign Language. No different than the above figures. Either school is a fine choice. If you decide on Chopticon, I agree with a previous poster, aim for the upper level classes, it will make all the difference. Not all the kids in on-grade-level classes are problem students, but it only takes a few to keep the teacher in 'discipline' mode rather than 'instructor' mode. Good luck with your choice, I'm sure she'll thrive in either school.

 

[PrchJrkr]

And if i remember correctly, the article also said ltown and chopticon had like a 90-91% graduate and go to college rate. I could be wrong on the exact numbers, but i'm close. It's not like the public schools have a 50% go on to college rate. It's not too bad, just a little bit less than ryken. And that;s probably due to the fact that most people who go to ryken can afford to go to college right away. (also--I know a few ppl i graduated w/ at ryken who went to college right away and dropped out...).

You hit the nail on the head with that statement.

 

[sugarmama]

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/private-public-schools.php

Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools. Compared with public schools, private schools required more coursework (in 4-year high school programs) in 1999–2000 in social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, and computer science. For example private schools required on average 3.1 years of mathematics, while public schools required 2.7 years. The figures for foreign language study also differed: 1.5 years at private schools but 0.5 years at public schools. In addition, about 40 percent of private schools required some form of community service for high school graduation, four times the rate for public schools (10 percent).

Not all public school kids do the bare minimum to graduate. Public schools DO offer honors/AP courses also. If you have an ambitious child and/or are a good parent, you would encourage them to take the higher level courses, not just the bare minimum to graduate.

 

[mdgirlie]

My daughter is entering high school next year. I dont want to be a grandmother? or a drugy mother? This day and age scares me. She goes to Catholic middle school now and I feel like I am feeding her to the wolves if she goes to Chopticon. But I have also heard some poison on Ryken. Educate me please

I actually went to Ryken and transferred to Great Mills in my sophomore year. I also went to a private school from 1st to 10th grade. My parents felt the same as you, but they eventually caved in and let me transfer to the school of my choice. Don't get me wrong, but Ryken is actually a good school, I just didn't think that it was right for me. On another note, my sister attended and graduated from Ryken and LOVED IT! I have another family member that is attending there now and loves it. No matter where your child goes, she will be exposed to other children that do drugs and stuff that they shouldn't be doing. From personal experience, I saw more drug using at Ryken than I did at Great Mills, probably because the kids had rich parents to fund their drugs. At Great Mills, I saw much fighting and school skipping. I think I saw 1 fight at my year and a half at Ryken. At both schools it seemed like the teachers really cared about their students' futures. I wouldn't weigh your decision based on drug usage only. I'm sure that both schools have their pros and cons, but do a little more research first. Ask the parents of both schools how their children are doing academically, ask them if their child enjoys going to school, ask them how their children interacts with their teachers. I would also ask your child where she wants to go. My parent's didnt want nor ask for what I thought was best for me. Eventually, I got across to them. I have good parents that let me know that they care about me and after I transferred they began to let me make my own decisions as a young adult. This has shaped me into the successful person that I am today. I hope that you make a decision on what you know and not what you've heard and I'm sure that your child will thank you for it someday. Good luck!

 

[huntr1]

I am sure humpty humpty goes on at Ryken too. Best thing is to teach your kid what is right, what is wrong, and scare the living hell out of them so they will not do wrong.