Thanks guys. I will let him know. I guess he is conflicted between pushing the kids (I thought that Desi Parents were devoid of such sentiments when it came to education!!) or letting them enjoy school as "supposedly well-rounded kids."

TJ is the one of the best magnet schools in USA. It's a fact. Despite being a public county school, admission is very strict and via examination only. Those kids are taught college level courses and prepped for college quite well. I would say if your friend's daughter is ambitious and likes math/science, go for it, it's a win win situation. Plus TJ has many student clubs, sports so it's a not your typical 'all study no fun' type of environment..

If the 2 hour commute is concern and it would be mine, if i was a parent, then loudoun county schools are pretty good as well since they rank in the top 10. What's the alternative.. move to Fairfax county and closer to the school or commute 2 hrs each day for 4yrs? tough call..

If the student is intelligent and bright, they will prosper at any level. The only difference in magnet schools is the level of effort and resources they put into each individual student, which is far greater then typical schools.

I live pretty close to TJ high school. No doubt its the topmost regarded technical high school in the area. A lot of these kids end up at MIT, CIT and like quality unis... If the kid is tech savvy and passionate towards this line of education, I say he/she pursue it, otherwise a quality high school should suffice (and theres plenty of those in the wash dc area)..might want to watch a few episodes of "its academic"!