NYC Schools vs Suburbs

I was at a friend's party the other night and we were discussing the difference between NYC schools and the suburbs. I'm in the suburbs of NJ, but the teaching seems very similar to the LI schools. It's a very good school too like most on LI, but she was saying there's a big difference. She was a teacher in the city and recently got a job on LI. She was surprised at the desks, text books, etc. We didn't get into detail bc there was a lot going on.

Can someone explain the difference?

Thanks!

Re: NYC Schools vs Suburbs

That's too broad of a comparison.

There are some excellent NYC schools (one has access to specialized high schools eventually too which is beyond outstanding) & some troubled suburban school districts... In general, local resident taxes support suburb schools, so they become like private schools (high taxes but outstanding resources). In turn, schools support property values.

I do very much believe success can grow from anywhere, as it must come from the child (and parent).

NYC Schools vs Suburbs

I went to an "elite" specialized high school and attended "elite" magnet programs in NYC public schools my entire life. I now live in a great district on the Island, NOT a top 10 (by choice) but it's a solid top 20.

The differences are stark. There are SO many more resources, excellent student:teacher ratios, extracurriculars, bright classrooms with air conditioning (GASP!), ball fields and classrooms chock full of supplies! I feel that there is more freedom to be a kid in the suburbs.

I am not at all knocking on city schools- I'm a product of them! For me, it's very clear that I have access to the teachers, there are healthy staffing levels and support resources in my district and my children will never be in a class of 35 like I was....the most "crowded" classes are 22 in our district and that's in High School.

Just my experience.

Message edited 9/29/2014 9:36:40 AM.

Re: NYC Schools vs Suburbs

There are so many different factors that go into this so it's hard to say. My daughter just started kindergarten in a NYC school but I'm sure her school is a lot different than what some of my 'suburban' friends might think. It is a great school with great teachers, has small class sizes (there are 3 kindergarten classes - 2 of which have 20 kids each and the G&T class has about 28 kids and 2 teachers), nice up to date classrooms, readily available supplies, a large playground/outdoor area, etc. But obviously this varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, just like in the suburbs. The more overcrowded neighborhoods are of course going to have larger class sizes and might not have all the supplies needed for the large class sizes. There is also a lot of parent involvement at our school which I believe has a HUGE impact no matter where you live.

Re: NYC Schools vs Suburbs

Thanks! Obviously I know there are so many factors to make a comparison bc it's so broad. Seemed like maybe the NYC schools do a lot more, but who knows. I have no issues with differences as long as the kids are all moving up and learning.

Just was trying to picture a NYC classroom compared to that of the suburbs.
What they look like and all. I know I had to supply all the classroom supplies for kindergarten. Seems like the one she taught at in NYC they have it all there.

Re: NYC Schools vs Suburbs

There are many great schools within the NYC system however, there are also a TON of really $hitty ones too.

I taught in three different city schools and honestly, where I was, they don't even come close to the quality of schools on LI in terms of education, programs, resources, activities, etc. It's just night and day so based on my experiences, I think even some of the worst districts on LI are better than some of the schools in the city.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway , that so many different things factor in to what makes a school great. People also have very different expectations as well for what they consider to be a good school and a good education.

But *generally* speaking and **IMO** I think many, many city schools are overrun, overcrowded, and mismanaged. The NYCDOE is a HUGE complex system managing so many areas and because of that, I don't always think they do a good job of handling every school, grade, and student. I was pretty disenchanted teaching within the NYCDOE.

ETA - spelling

Message edited 9/29/2014 11:01:28 AM.