What I have learned from Walnut:

What I have learned from Walnut:
No matter which schools you are considering, always look beyond the test scores and surface images.

Pros:
* Because of Walnut's method of obtaining the highest scoring test takers in the district, and what has resulted from that, the Walnut name is well known for their academics, and therefore will look "good" on college applications.
* Because of Walnut's high scores, the school and students are offered more readily opened doors to some scholarship and academic opportunities, which may not be as easily accessible in other schools within the district.
* They have a large variety of sports and clubs
* A variety of fundraising events
* Lots of opportunity to be involved
* A good selection of AP classes

Note: The curriculum of the AP classes that are offered at this school is the same at any other school that offers that same AP class. This is true because all AP classes prepare the student for a national AP exam in that particular subject, which is standardized across all states. Some of the teachers may produce a well orchestrated class environment that is conducive to student's learning more than what is needed for the exam. Some teacher's will have little ability or desire to teach beyond the exam, and some teachers will not even teach what is required to pass the exams. This is true for all class levels, not just AP. In general, the lower the class level, the less effort you will see put forth by most teachers. This is very common in the education system, not just at Walnut, and is an important concept to understand when choosing a school so you are not swayed by appearance.

* An attractive, clean campus
* Convenient location
* Like many schools, a select number of teachers are willing to go above and beyond the minimal requirements of their responsibilities.

See next post...