Home > California > Los Angeles > Los Angeles Community
Millikan MS vs. Walter Reed
Anonymous March 24, 2008
My child is currently in public school in 5th grade after being in private, we are considering the Millikan and Walter Reed for middle school. Any feedback parents? Thanks.
MagnetMom March 24, 2008
Hi! Are you considering open enrollment or or did you already apply for magnet? Are you in the district for either? My friend went through this last year with her youngest, Millikan having the performing arts magnet and Reed offering some advanced level courses at the jr high level. It's very likely you could find yourself "at home" at either school. For information on Millikan visit http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Millikan_MS/ and Walter Reed can be viewed at http://reedmiddleschool.com11882
Anonymous March 25, 2008
Hi,
Thanks for replying. We are in Millikan district, I didn't apply for the magnet - I applied to SOCES magnet, my child would be SAS (tested as Highly Gifted). I applied to Reed for SAS, not IHP for personal reasons. My main concern in both these environments is more social and class size. On tour at Reed, one of the 6th grade tour guides that are given to the group of parents, admitted to "having found out the hard way" about the bullying from the upper grades directed at these 6th graders. I did note on my own how the 6th graders all gathered in one small area and did not seem to cross "the line". And in observing this, all the recreational options that can be utilized during free time (recess, lunch) are not in their (the 6th grade) area. I don't know if I was missing something.... At Millikan, the 2,000+ are all let out at the same time at lunch. And so it goes.
Thanks again for any more input!11881
MagnetMom March 25, 2008
There's a really strong trend, at least in the junior highs in the San Fernando Valley, to segregate the sixth graders for their protection. When my son went to Lawrence several years back, it was one of the defining reasons we chose it--their acknowledgment that maybe sixth graders didn't belong with the bigger kids afterall (thanks, LAUSD). At a recent PTA meeting, a counselor from Frost said the same thing.
Some of that segregation includes separate PE time, classes and lockers bunched together, and even letting them out of class and out for lunch a little early for a few weeks to help them get acclimated to the six-class-day situation they get thrown into. There very well may be designated lunch areas for each grade level (at Lawrence, only the 8th graders could eat on specific parts of the lawn), but sometimes the kids congregate because they just want to. Also some of those areas might switch week in and week out so that all grade levels can participate. If it's a concern for you, definitely call to speak with the someone from the school.
SOCES is a great school from everything I've heard, and it's one I'm considering down the road for my daughter when she hits 4th grade. But both Millikan and Reed are great too. It looks like you're just going to have to sit down with all the pros and cons and make a decision when you get your acceptance letters and see where it goes.11880
docoltun September 6, 2008
I have taught at both Millikan and Walter Reed, my son attended Millikan under the direction of Dr. Norm Issacs. Now that Reed is back on a traditional schedule, both schools are comparable in staffing and, in my opinion, variety of elective options. Reed does NOT have a magnet but does have a number of smaller learning communities (academies) and outstanding, award-winning music programs. That, coupled with the number of advanced placement classes taught by caring experts, an excellent Special Education department and forward thinking administsration that has expanded parent/community involvement, makes Reed my choice. My daughter went to Harvard-Westlake for two years then chose to audition for and finished HS at the LA County High School for the Arts. SOCES is a small, specific school. I've taught students who, for various reasons, could not get through middle school there. Some were given opportunity transfers, some chose to return to their home school. One went for the IHP at Reed.11879
carpentermom October 1, 2008
If your student is tested hghly gifted why did you not consider Portola Magnet? Not choosing IHP WHY?
My older child was strangled in her PE class at Millikan and the school refused to call the police so that was her last day in public school.
For my second child I will select (apply) either Reed IHP or Portola because it meets the needs of my child .
What school best meets your childs needs?
11878
MagnetMom November 24, 2008
mom2ojgh, I assume you meen Portola Magnet?
Make sure you go on tours of both facilities, if possible, with your child. I know kids at Portola, and teachers who teach there, and I also hear quite good things about Walter Reed.
Junior high is the tough transition, so where your child is going to feel the best is truly a big consideration.
Also find out how well students can transition between the needs of the different communities. If a students wishes to take an elective offered only at another academy will the overall school accommodate that? Small is great until your child is faced with less-than-desirable choices.
Also while you're looking for more concrete information on these schools, make sure you check askamagnetyenta.wordpress.com.
11876
LJNuccio August 31, 2009
I would not hesitate to join the Walter Reed Family if I were you. Your child will received the most well rounded education and will have a positive experience that will be remembered fro ever. The staff there is truly dedicated. Also Reed's class size is smaller.11875
