Designer schools: Are they worth it?

Hey friends, recently I've heard about these 'designer schools'. Can somebody fill me in on what they are? Do they offer standardized curriculum but with a unique twist or something? How do colleges view these schools?

Designer schools often refer to those specialized high schools or programs within traditional high schools that focus on a specific area of study, example being STEM, arts, or humanities. The program's curriculum is typically constructed around that area, enabling students to get a more in-depth education in it than they might receive at a traditional high school.

While the curriculum in these schools may be a 'unique twist' as you mentioned because of their specialized focus, many such schools still ensure their students are receiving a well-rounded education by maintaining a standard curriculum that meets state and local education requirements. What characterizes these designer schools is the additional emphasis and resources devoted to the specific area of focus.

Colleges generally view applicants from these schools in the same light as applicants from traditional high schools. They look at academic performance, standardized test scores (if applicable), involvement in extracurricular activities, and other usual factors. One of the benefits of attending a designer school is that it can potentially strengthen your 'spike' or area of expertise.

For instance, if you attend a STEM-focused school and apply to college intending to study engineering, colleges may see your specialized high school experience as a demonstration of your long-standing commitment to the field of study. However, it's also important to remember that attending such a school isn’t a guarantee of college acceptance and doesn't replace the need for high academic performance and meaningful extracurricular involvement.

As with any education decision, it comes down to what will be the best fit for the student. If a student has a clear interest in a specific area and the designer school offers a strong program in that area, then it could be worth it. On the other hand, students who want a broader educational experience or aren't sure about what they want to study may feel too limited at a designer school.