Montgomery Blair High School

51 University Boulevard East

Silver Spring, MD 20901

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 09, 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 magnetIt 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.
Submitted by parent on 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!
Submitted by other on 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.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2014

Montgomery Blair High School is outstanding. Highly experienced teaching staff, great principal, wide range of challenging course work.
Submitted by other on April 04, 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
Submitted by student on August 09, 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.
Submitted by other on June 25, 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...
Submitted by student on February 02, 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!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 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.
Submitted by student on February 27, 2011

All I can say is that this school is great. i transferred from S.C and they teach Japenese!!!!
Submitted by parent on December 28, 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.
Submitted by student on March 30, 2008

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Submitted by student on January 03, 2007

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