Going through the K admissions process now and seeing quite a difference between tech curriculums at schools. Some brag about teaching multiple languages as part of the curriculum in MS with basic coding classes in the lower school. Others don't teach coding at all, and these are considered to be TT.
How do you think about it, as a prospective or current parent?
Every school emphasizes certain things and de-emphasizes others, whether it be coding, foreign language, music, or whatnot. You can always supplement outside of school.
Without having experienced these schools, I was under impression that all extracurriculars are done with the school and that is what you are paying for / not enough time to create your own activities outside of school?
I'd be shocked to hear that a top private school offers no coding. The independent NYC schools are traditionally better at humanities than STEM but they are all trying to up their STEM game
I think coding specifically is questioned as its a very specific skill versus a more general STEM understanding. Some schools dive into it, and others I think want to teach more logic (although I don't know how they go about doing it).
I am aware of at least two that do not offer coding, even in face of requests from parents for them.
@Anonymous hmm, i thought they all at least offered it as an elective in Upper School? Our school does basics in lower and middle but students can pursue it more deeply in Upper. And I don't think our school is particularly ahead on this front
They all seem to be pretty poor at it, imo. For example, no one does STEM work daily, or with the same emphasis as the humanities. You'll have to supplement.