Montgomery Blair High School

Posted: June 1, 2026

Administration doesn't really care if your child learns. They only care if your child passes and graduates, so their numbers do not decline. My child a few teachers who weren't very well at teaching, but instead of allowing our child to retake classes, they offered online classes thT did not cover the material in the syllabus and served only to pass the course. Many students have caught on and opt to fail classes and take the easy way out. Just let at state-wide and nationwide tests scores along with the number of our students enrolled in remedial classes in college. Tells the true story of how well Montgomery Blair students are prepared. When reaching out to about half the teachers about my child's performance, about half do not bother to respond. I do not want my other children to attend this school.

Posted: June 1, 2026

Posted: June 1, 2026

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Posted: February 10, 2026

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Posted: February 10, 2026

My daughter attended the Math and Science magnet at Blair, and it provided an extraordinary education for her. She was admitted to an Ivy League school and she has told us that she would not have survived majoring in a STEM subject without the rigorous preparation she received in the magnet, especially in mathematics. She pointed specifically to the extraordinary teachers in the magnet, some with PhDs in their subject, and their commitment, even during COVID, to ensuring student learning. They deserve a lot more recognition than they get! I had some reluctance for her to attend the Blair magnet, because the Takoma Park middle school magnet did not cultivate student cooperation, and let really destructive competitive behavior run rampant. By contrast, Blair magnet students were encouraged by teachers and the magnet principal to work with each other and support each other. (BTW, I am concerned that if Blair is destroyed as a county-wide STEM magnet, that this wonderful county resource will be lost.) The overall Blair HS administration did not harm the magnet, and that was all that was needed for the magnet to thrive. Other positives: the music theory class was amazing, and a great AP prep. My only negatives: the English program was appalling-- the teachers in that department were apathetic (especially during remote learning), students barely read anything for their classes, there were not many writing assignments, and my daughter had to catch up for college work by reading and writing in her spare time. And the school makes parents feel unwelcome-- I get the security concerns-- but by the time you go through all the security checkins, you are made to feel like a suspicious outsider rather than a partner in your child's education. And the sports facilities, while in good shape for this large student body, are not as open to the community outside of school hours as they should be. But overall, I recommend the science and math magnet to all students with a keen STEM interest!

Posted: July 22, 2025

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Posted: July 22, 2025

as a new student at blair, especially coming from a different country, has presented challenges, particularly regarding academic guidance. Although the initial welcome was appreciated, there was a noticeable gap in providing comprehensive information for students, especially those new to the American education system. This was particularly evident regarding course registration, summer class enrollment options, and understanding the significance of AP courses. It was difficult to understand how to choose courses for the upcoming year or the summer school enrollment process, which could have helped with getting ahead or reviewing concepts. Furthermore, the importance and selection process for AP classes were unclear without prior exposure to the US system. While proactive questioning is necessary, it's hard to ask about things whose existence or significance is unknown. A more structured orientation or easily accessible resources outlining these processes would greatly benefit new students, especially international students, in making informed decisions about their academic future.
Beyond these areas for improvement, the school's vibrant atmosphere is truly enjoyable. The campus is pretty and spacious, which creates a pleasant and comfortable learning environment. The incredible diversity within the student body is a significant positive. This rich mix of backgrounds and cultures makes it easy to make new friends quickly, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. This culturally enriched environment fosters adaptability and strengthens interpersonal skills, which are crucial for future success.

Posted: August 9, 2021

I have had 3 kids graduate and a 4th is a current senior. The school is likely one of the most diverse in the area if not the country with a roughly 30-30-30-10 split and is accepting of gender diversity as far as I can tell. The diversity is a huge plus IMO, and there are programs and shows etc that reinforce this. The school is politically active and you may remember this was one of the high schools that gained national attention with a BLM walkout early summer 2020.
Homework is not too much or too little (it's school after all, there will be homework). All my kids played multiple sports and were able to fit in the homework. None are geniuses, but did well enough to be accepted into decent 4 year universities.
Blair has 2 magnets, both of which are very well regarded. You can excel outside of the magnets as well. My 2 elder children were accepted to CAP but only one pursued it. The 2 younger didn't even apply as not interested. The choice to join or not is ok either way.
Usually one of the top nat'l merit schools each year with the science magnet
It is a very large school, but it is easy to find your 'group'. If a larger school is not for you, there are smaller options within the downcounty consortium such as nearby Northwood that some choose.
Like many things, the teachers and admin are helpful but sometimes you need to pursue or initiate this which is fine with me- kids need to learn to advocate for themselves.

Posted: August 9, 2021

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Posted: February 18, 2017

Of all the high schools in the Down County Consortium, Blair has the most balanced population in terms of socio-economic and ethnic/cultural identity, which makes for a more broadening educational experience. No one group predominates here, as is, unfortunately, the case at the other area high schools. The school's large size means that there is a niche for every kid and no matter how 'different' your child may be, s/he will find like-minded souls and activities they will enjoy. Teacher quality varies widely, even wildly at times, but by and large the staff is pretty high-quality and there are some truly outstanding educators to be found amidst the usual run of quixotic sadists who seem to take delight in creating artificial difficulties for kids, as if school weren't hard enough. Overall, I'd say that you get quite a lot of bang for your buck here, certainly as compared to shelling out $30K or more to send your kid to a private school!

Posted: February 18, 2017

Posted: February 18, 2017

With close to 3000 students, the staff have their hands full just teaching the academic subjects.

Posted: February 18, 2017

Even teachers sporting PhDs are not above playing favorites and handing out Fs if they don't like your kid, nothing to do with the quality of the kid's work.

Posted: February 18, 2017

Homework, at least in the CAP program, seems to vary from none to way too much. Flow could be better organized among the team teachers.

Posted: April 29, 2016

There are some effective, kind teachers, but there are many who are just cruel. They seem to tolerate problem teachers for way too long.

Posted: April 29, 2016

Off the carts. Extreme. Insane. No teenager's brain should be put under the stress that this school creates.

Posted: April 29, 2016

Students must lie to survive at this school; they must share work, copy answers and so forth.

Posted: April 29, 2016

This school is way too big, way too impersonal and unresponsive to student needs. I have found many teachers think grading work and entering on Ed-line is optional. The glorified magnet programs brutalize the students with massive amounts of homework that the administrators claim is an exaggeration; it is not. The principal is dynamic and competent, but the school is so big that she can't possibly exert the direct management that is needed to get many teachers to do their jobs.

Posted: May 1, 2014

Montgomery Blair High School is outstanding. Highly experienced teaching staff, great principal, wide range of challenging course work.

Posted: April 3, 2014

I am a current senior at MBHS and my experience at Blair is an unforgettable one! Blair is so diverse and you meet different people everyday. There are so many opportunities at Blair you just need to take advantage of it. Teachers are really good too, they always give u chances for help and you can come in if you don't understand something. Also, college planning help is really good as well, we have a career center, counselors, etc. Blair is a safe school and there is never a dull moment. We have days were people blast music and dance, we have kids to play guitar, sing, rap and people who Just chill in the library. BLAIR= DIVERSITY

Posted: August 8, 2013

My experience in the Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Magnet Program was incredibly instrumental to my growth as a student and as a person. The teachers there inspired me to learn for the sake of learning - to be curious and ask questions. My math/science teachers from within the program and my AP teachers from outside the program were equally important in my education to be a student that thinks critically and communicates effectively.

Posted: June 24, 2013

Montgomery Blair HS is one of the largest high schools in Montgomery Co. and it earned the reputation of being one of the best. It is known for the diversity of the student body and teachers. Many kids on my street attend this school, and their parents are quite pleased with their progress. The only possible negative I have to say is that many of the kids take public transportation to school, so they appear to "roam" the surrounding area after school hours and loitering results. The school is frequently mentioned as a winner in various contests and competitions, but perhaps a wider variety is needed to engage more of the students in extra-curricular activities...

Posted: February 1, 2013

Great school, finished my freshman year and Q1 of sophomore year, sadly i had to move. Blair means a lot to me, the teachers are so interactive with the students, there is a variety of clubs and people might say it is challenging but nothing comes easy. Even after adapting to a new high school i still feel like a Blazer. If you are someone transferring to Blair i can assure you, you will be welcomed. The whole school gives out a sense of family, once you go through those doors you are officially a Blazer. Go Blazers!

Posted: January 27, 2012

My two sons go to Blair and they adore it! This school is so extraordinary in so many ways. My sons are getting a wonderful and rigorous education with the wide rage of honors and AP courses offered at Blair. Their bell schedule is only 4 classes a day with longer period classes, so students can get a better chance of understanding what they learned. This school has been tremendously improving over the years, and it is one of the best schools in the county now. This school in addition, requires all students to pick a program to be in for their future career which is very beneficial. The student body is also extremely diverse and mostly friendly. The parents are active in the school community along with superb teachers that really care about the students. My sons enjoy Blair and appreciate the quality education they are receiving. Overall, I am pleased with the education my children are getting and highly recommend the school.

Posted: February 26, 2011

All I can say is that this school is great. i transferred from S.C and they teach Japenese!!!!

Posted: December 27, 2010

My child is in the coveted Communication Arts Program, and yes, he is getting a rigorous education (meaning rigid and and intense). But what a competitive unpleasant place to be. I hear parents say they want their kids to get used to the real world. What real world is this? The real world I live in is full of pleasant people. The better I cooperate with my colleagues the better I do at work, and everyone in my world has learned that sleep, exercise, relationships and meaningful work is what makes a good life. Blair neither teachers nor encourages any of these real life skills. If your child will be fine anywhere (you know what I mean-- they make friends easily, are generally good students, like to join things and don't mind intense competition) they will like Blair. My child is thriving academically in the CAP program but has no sense of community. It's a really big school, but oddly there doesn't seem to be room for everyone; I know many kids who hated it so much they dropped out. The prior reviewer said that Blair was a lot like college. I guess for kids who are ready for college in 9th grade it's great.

Posted: March 29, 2008

Posted: January 2, 2007