Entrance Exams For Middle Schools

Mr. Curmudgeon Parenting, Rants

Despite being just a decade old, the Mini-Yin took his first entrance exam this morning. Our school district has magnet schools that require prospective students to apply. Each application necessitates teacher recommendations, the release of state-wide standardized tests, a transcript, and an on-site exam. One school even mandates a take-home essay.

At age ten, my biggest school concern revolved around the events for track and field day. Applying to a school would be seven years away. I just attended the middle and high schools that the other kids in my neighborhood attended. Life seemed simpler.

Asian F

Mr. Curmudgeon Parenting

According to Mrs. Principled Curmudgeon and the Mini-Yin, I am a tiger dad. Instead of fighting the moniker, I have owned it. Not only do I demand excellent grades, but I also send the Mini-Yin to Mandarin immersion classes twice a week—including Saturdays. I’ve clearly earned my stripes.

When it comes to grades in our household, it’s understood that an Asian F is unacceptable. We also subscribe to the second definition of Asian F, which is an A-. Why would anyone accept anything below an A?