How to.....

[thegreattwizz]

This past spring I moved to QV, knowing that my daughter has one more year of school in the 'burbs (at her mother's) before we'll be moving her school for her 5th grade year (2013-2014 SY).

She's a smart girl, well ahead of her curve in her current class, with two parents (and grandparents) who spend time with her every evening to get her up to snuff.

It is my understanding that this is the time of year to start exploring our options.

Can anyone offer advice of how to best go about this?

[2happy4u]

If shes a good student, you should look into Private Catholic School. The public schools in south philly are pretty bad.

[Eastcoast]

Are you sticking with Meredith or are you considering some of the private schools?

[annie]

The Philadelphia Public School Notebook: The essential high school guide

Julia R. Masterman Laboratory
and Demonstration School
1699 Spring Garden St., 19130
215-299-4661
Marjorie Neff, Principal
Email: mneff@philasd.org
Julia R. Masterman Middle and High School - The School District of Philadelphia
Grades served: 5-12
2011-12 enrollment: 1,170
Waiting list? # of students: Yes, 80
Admissions requirements: Must score in the 88th
percentile or above on PSSA; As and Bs; excellent
attendance, punctuality, and behavior
Student racial demographics:
African American – 26% Latino – 6%
Asian – 22% White – 42% Other – 4%
% English language learners: 1%
% special education students: 2%
% eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch: 46%
Points of pride: National Blue Ribbon School; topranked school in PA on PSSA; U.S. News & World
Report top 100 school; nationally ranked chess
team; extensive AP course offerings; 100% of
seniors accepted to four-year colleges
Arts activities and classes: Vocal music; instrumental
music classes; visual arts instruction; theater instruction; choir; band; orchestra; other instrumental
ensemble; school play
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country,
Gymnastics, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Gymnastics,
Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Foreign languages: French, Spanish
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC,
Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language
& Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, French Language &
Culture, Government and Politics, Music Theory,
Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics, United
States History
Other special academic offerings: Film
SEPTA routes: 2, 43

Girard Academic Music Program
(GAMP)
2136 W. Ritner St., 19145
215-952-8589
Jack Carr, Principal
Email: jacarr@philasd.org
Welcome to GAMP
Grades served: 5-12
2011-12 enrollment: 501
Waiting list? # of students: Yes, 100
Admissions requirements: Must have an interest in
choral or instrumental music; proficient or advanced
on PSSA; B average or above
Student racial demographics:
African American – 28% Latino – 4%
Asian – 15% White – 50% Other – 3%
% English language learners: <1%
% special education students: 4%
% eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch: 47%
Mission statement: GAMP is committed to the continual development of an educational environment
in which all learners succeed. Reflecting on our own
collective knowledge and the research on the “best
instructional practices,” we envision that the educational environment will be cooperative, interactive,
rigorous in standards, and responsive to the diverse
needs of learners.
Points of pride: Annual musical theatre production;
award-winning cheerleading squad yearly; made
AYP every year since 2003; community partnerships
with the Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center, Astral
Artists, Philadelphia Orchestra Association
Accreditations/awards: Winner: Title I award for the
state of Pennsylvania from among all 501 school
districts, 2010; winner: citywide Cheerleading competition, 2012; winner: High School and Middle
School National Academic League, 2009
Arts activities and classes: Vocal music; instrumental
music classes; film/video instruction; dance instruction; theater instruction; choir; band; orchestra;
drum line; other instrumental ensemble; school play
Additional activities: Online newspaper, GAMP Voice;
Red Cross Club; Diversity Club; Jefferson Awards
Program in association with the GAMP Student
Council; debate club; “Gift of Life” Organ Donation
Organization
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Tennis
Girls’ sports: Tennis
Foreign languages: French, Spanish
AP courses: Biology, Music Theory
Other special academic offerings: Digital Story-Telling;
Theatrical Set Painting; Theatrical Set Building;
Cross-fit Club
SEPTA routes: 7, 37, C

I don't know if she can apply for special admission middle schools as someone expecting to live in Philadelphia in 2013-2014 but not currently (because wouldn't all of the suburbs play that game? Well, a lot them kind of already do). Calls to the schools might be able to clarify if someone else on here doesn't know.

(And a note, not to you but some others I've seen critiquing the Philadelphia magnet schools for not having many English Language Learners - students only get counted as ELL if they are currently receiving ELL services. If English is not their first language and they were ELL in the past but advanced out of the classes, very likely since they have to have such high scores to get in, they're no longer counted as ELL by the district)

[thegreattwizz]

If shes a good student, you should look into Private Catholic School. The public schools in south philly are pretty bad.

I live in the Meredith catchment; it's my understanding that it is a great school. I will not look into catholic school; I don't agree with their teachings.

Are you sticking with Meredith or are you considering some of the private schools?

I would absolutely consider the private schools, but I understand Meredith is up to snuff.

Annie - Thank you; those were two of the tops I'd like to consider. Our situation is somewhat unique in that she splits her time evenly between her mother and me, and our custody order is worded in such a way that cites some obscure state law that renders her eligible to be enrolled in either of the school districts in which we live, without playing any funny business. Technically, she is a Philadelphia resident, just does not go to public Philadelphia schools. Her testing is above that required for any of the special admission schools.

Is there anyone specific that knows the ins and outs of this that I should contact for some assistance, or just reach out to the principals directly? Please PM me if this is info best kept private.

[Hospitalitygirl]

I live in the Meredith catchment; it's my understanding that it is a great school. I will not look into catholic school; I don't agree with their teachings.



I would absolutely consider the private schools, but I understand Meredith is up to snuff.

Annie - Thank you; those were two of the tops I'd like to consider. Our situation is somewhat unique in that she splits her time evenly between her mother and me, and our custody order is worded in such a way that cites some obscure state law that renders her eligible to be enrolled in either of the school districts in which we live, without playing any funny business. Technically, she is a Philadelphia resident, just does not go to public Philadelphia schools. Her testing is above that required for any of the special admission schools.

Is there anyone specific that knows the ins and outs of this that I should contact for some assistance, or just reach out to the principals directly? Please PM me if this is info best kept private.

From my understanding, Meredith is a great school. Also keep in mind that there are some fairly high-profile people (I'm thinking about some chefs and others) who are very involved with the school and with fund-raising. That Burger challenge they've had the past couple of years has raised a significant amount of money.

[thegreattwizz]

From my understanding, Meredith is a great school. Also keep in mind that there are some fairly high-profile people (I'm thinking about some chefs and others) who are very involved with the school and with fund-raising. That Burger challenge they've had the past couple of years has raised a significant amount of money.

It always helps when the parents of kids in the school are stable to the point they can invest and make it better all around; that's part of what is having me trend towards Meredith and not a private or special admissions city school, although getting her to Masterman would be a dream come true.

[macdaire]

What do magnets use if they chuld has not taken PSSAs? do all privates have the kids do Terra Novas? just curious.

[annie]

Admissions - The School District of Philadelphia

Admission Guidelines for Masterman School:
A local percentile of 88 on the PSSA test in both Reading and Math are the minimum requirement.
Public school families should contact the child’s present school for score conversion information. The national percentile on a nationally recognized standardized test will be considered when it is available, for non-public school students. Independent school students may submit ERB scores.
In addition to test scores, a recent individual psychological test with a score of 130 or above may be submitted but will not necessarily guarantee admission.
A lower reading score may be considered for students who have lived in the U.S. for three years or less.
All A’s and B’s are the minimum grades required to apply. Most of the students who are admitted have nearly all A’s. The highest levels of other marking systems are also expected.
A full year of French or Spanish and algebra are required prior to grade nine.
The behavior/citizenship grades in all areas should be B or higher.
Good attendance and punctuality are required

Looks like you just missed the Masterman Open House.

To get into prestigious Masterman, it's 5th grade or bust | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

I've heard of someone through a friend whose kid was not accepted to Masterman at the 5th grade solely because they did not submit a letter of recommendation from the principal and the family was quite annoyed to find this out because they met with both the Masterman and current principal asking if there was anything else needed and were not told about it and it wasn't listed anywhere as a requirement. The Notebook also had someone commenting in the linked article that they had Ed Rendell and Brian O'Neill write letter of recommendation for their kid which I'm truly hoping was a joke comment. What could Eddie possibly have to say about an eight-year-old? That kid didn't get in either.

Meredith is a very good school that you should be pleased with if she doesn't get into the 5-8 magnet schools.

[OldMama]

I've never heard of a need for letters of recommendation for Masterman. Both of my kids were admitted (from Philly publics) with just the application, grades and scores. They get so many applications; I wonder if they possibly have the time or inclination to read any letters?

[Brian616]

Wow. I've never heard of GAMP before, but it sounds outstanding. Any first (or second) hand accounts?

[annie]

Wow. I've never heard of GAMP before, but it sounds outstanding. Any first (or second) hand accounts?

Search function works quite well:
Masterman vs. GAMP
More GAMP Questions
GAMP School

CAPA is similar but 9-12 only: CAPA (Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts) | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

OldMama, I wonder if the principal letter was something the principal and the counselor were supposed to take care of without the family having to ask for it? I don't know.

[OldMama]

Don't think so Annie. Remember I worked in my daughter 's school and was one of the people who helped the counselor who helped with the apps for magnets and eighth grade. Lots of parents did ask a teacher ( not the principal) for a letter of rec for a variety of schools but it was never required for Masterman. Neither of my kids submitted one.

[Dolemite]

Don't think so Annie. Remember I worked in my daughter 's school and was one of the people who helped the counselor who helped with the apps for magnets and eighth grade. Lots of parents did ask a teacher ( not the principal) for a letter of rec for a variety of schools but it was never required for Masterman. Neither of my kids submitted one.

I went to the open house and was told no letters of recommendation were needed.

[Dolemite]

I would contact the school district if you plan to 'apply' to Masterman and/or GAMP as your unique situation might be an issue for a bureaucracy like the PSD to handle. The form is due at the beginning of November I believe.

[CV's mum]

What do magnets use if they chuld has not taken PSSAs? do all privates have the kids do Terra Novas? just curious.

Not all private schools use the Terra Novas--there are a handful that do not have on-site standardized testing, usually for pedagogical reasons. There are testing centers unaffiliated with specific schools where kids can pay to take various applicable tests.

Last week I had a conversation with a friend who has a child in parochial school who said that it is her understanding that every child in PA has the right to take the PSSAs regardless of schooling scenario. I did a quick google search and could only come up with info regarding the right to opt-out of them. Its worth investigating if relevant to you or to a student applying for a magnet school.

[Dolemite]

There are testing centers unaffiliated with specific schools where kids can pay to take various applicable tests.

The Principal at Masterman said that testing scores from some place like Sylvan are basically ignored because she's never seen any that weren't in the upper 90s so they basically question the legitimacy of them.

[OldMama]

Surely they do standardized testing in New jersey. I would hope that a norm-referenced standardized achievement test from another state could be substituted for the PSSA.

[annie]

Planned cuts to magnet school busing upset parents - Philly.com

I don't know if transportation is a concern coming from where you are. Several parents mentioned how the SDP can cut bus service to its own students but not to students attending charter or private schools (because of a state policy). Their 5th grade kids would have to take three modes of transport carrying heaving expensive instruments sometimes leaving the house before 6 a.m. to get to before-school practice. Sad.

[thegreattwizz]

Planned cuts to magnet school busing upset parents - Philly.com

I don't know if transportation is a concern coming from where you are. Several parents mentioned how the SDP can cut bus service to its own students but not to students attending charter or private schools (because of a state policy). Their 5th grade kids would have to take three modes of transport carrying heaving expensive instruments sometimes leaving the house before 6 a.m. to get to before-school practice. Sad.

I appreciate that, but since she splits her time between her mother and me, we generally drive her anyway, and I have alternate sources as well.

Thank you all for the help; I just got her PSSAs from last year, I'm reaching out now.