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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1063 total posts
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Schools in Other States vs. NY
In the thread about Delaware, someone said that the schools were not good there. People have also said that the schools in Florida aren't good either.
It got me thinking -- Really? The schools in the entire state are bad? I was thinking that maybe we have been brainwashed to think that our super-high taxes on LI (and in the rest of the NYC metro area) mean that we have better schools than everyone else. Obviously, kids all across America are being educated and managing to become productive members of society.
My family moved from a "mediocre" school district in Suffolk to a "great" district in Nassau three years ago. To be honest, I don't see much of a difference. I feel like we've been sold a bill of goods!
Anyway, I guess i just wanted to vent. Thanks for listening!
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Posted 2/24/21 12:12 PM  |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19453 total posts
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
If you look at the school ranking website NY has fallen a lot from when we were children. NJ and MA are number one and trade off a lot, NY is about 25th on those lists. Obviously there are a few great school districts that earn positions on those lists, but far fewer than a few decades ago. I see what my kids are exposed to in my NJ town and am fully confident they are learning more and better than I ever did in a so called top Long Island district. In fact my district is within the top schools on US news, and my old top school district on LI does not even rank when it used to lead them. The district my kids attend is a Presidential blue ribbon school as well. I know it sounds like bragging. You are being sold a bill of goods for an inferior product that still claims to be amazing.
Message edited 2/24/2021 12:24:20 PM.
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:22 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
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..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
I don't think you can generalize a whole state as having good or bad schools.
There are plenty of "bad" schools in NY and there are plenty of great schools in other states.
We have several friends that moved to Florida and they based where they were going to settle in the state on the schools as they have school age children. I have to say, looking at the education their children are getting vs my daughter, that there are school districts in Florida that are head and shoulders above NY schools
I don't think you can say well this state has all bad schools. It's just not true
Message edited 2/24/2021 12:28:34 PM.
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:28 PM |
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
I could say a lot about this topic, but I'll sum it up as follows:
I teach college--students from all over the country and world. Successful, motivated students can come from any school.
The way that we define "good" and "bad" districts, both on Long Island and across the country and globe, is unacceptable.
Factors that many perceive as "good," such as community wealth, high standardized tests scores, and the like, do not automatically make a school district the right fit for everyone--nor are such school districts a guarantee of success.
For me, when it comes to selecting a district in which to live, factors like diversity, and an involved and motivational faculty, are far more important than test scores and wealth.
Of course, we also need to pay attention to the major inequalities that exist across school districts, notably on Long Island, in terms of, say, resources and materials for students. Instead of labeling these districts as "bad," we need to do something about this issue. Part of "doing something" involves how we use language to label such districts. I am infuriated when I hear someone say "That school district is bad" with a scoff. I feel the same when I hear these generalizations about entire school systems in other states.
In short, no, I certainly do not think the entire school system in Delaware, Florida, etc., is "bad."
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:32 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by oldtimerocknroll
I could say a lot about this topic, but I'll sum it up as follows:
I teach college--students from all over the country and world. Successful, motivated students can come from any school.
The way that we define "good" and "bad" districts, both on Long Island and across the country and globe, is unacceptable.
Factors that many perceive as "good," such as community wealth, high standardized tests scores, and the like, do not automatically make a school district the right fit for everyone--nor are such school districts a guarantee of success.
For me, when it comes to selecting a district in which to live, factors like diversity, and an involved and motivational faculty, are far more important than test scores and wealth.
Of course, we also need to pay attention to the major inequalities that exist across school districts, notably on Long Island, in terms of, say, resources and materials for students. Instead of labeling these districts as "bad," we need to do something about this issue. Part of "doing something" involves how we use language to label such districts. I am infuriated when I hear someone say "That school district is bad" with a scoff. I feel the same when I hear these generalizations about entire school systems in other states.
In short, no, I certainly do not think the entire school system in Delaware, Florida, etc., is "bad."
Perfectly stated. 
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:36 PM |
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HeyJude
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/07 820 total posts
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p
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
We moved off of Long Island. My SIL and MIL constantly make comments as if the schools where we live now could never measure up to the schools on Long Island. So in my experience it is a type of brain washing that they are so close minded that no one can do it better than NY. I just smile and write out my $3,000 property tax bill every year for my brand new house. My kids will be just fine.
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:49 PM |
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Funkybutt
LIF Adult
Member since 4/15 3049 total posts
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Schools in Other States vs. NY
I live in NC and my son goes to the best public school system in the state. There are certainly places in NC that are good and not so good - it just depends on the city and it's funding. Oh and politics b/c Wake County (Raleigh) tends to f@ck with the maps b/c they don't want the non-white kids going to their schools.
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| Posted 2/24/21 12:54 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by HeyJude
We moved off of Long Island. My SIL and MIL constantly make comments as if the schools where we live now could never measure up to the schools on Long Island. So in my experience it is a type of brain washing that they are so close minded that no one can do it better than NY. I just smile and write out my $3,000 property tax bill every year for my brand new house. My kids will be just fine.
There is definitely a mentality of NY supremacy.
Not just for schools but for everything.
We pay insane taxes for horrible roads, sub par snow removal, terrible services and old, crumbling, ugly infrastructure. We pay millions of dollars for old, run down, tiny houses with lots the size of a postage stamp. And everyone chalks it up to-well it's NY. The beaches! The city! The schools!
Please.
Even the way we are being told to quarantine when we return from other states, when at certain points NY's Covid numbers were higher than anywhere else. If anything these other states should have been keeping US out.
But it's NY.
It's the best!
Honestly, it's getting old and that argument is starting to no longer hold any water.
Message edited 2/24/2021 1:04:16 PM.
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| Posted 2/24/21 1:03 PM |
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soontobemommyof2
My boys...my everything <3
Member since 4/15 3635 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by oldtimerocknroll
I could say a lot about this topic, but I'll sum it up as follows:
I teach college--students from all over the country and world. Successful, motivated students can come from any school.
The way that we define "good" and "bad" districts, both on Long Island and across the country and globe, is unacceptable.
Factors that many perceive as "good," such as community wealth, high standardized tests scores, and the like, do not automatically make a school district the right fit for everyone--nor are such school districts a guarantee of success.
For me, when it comes to selecting a district in which to live, factors like diversity, and an involved and motivational faculty, are far more important than test scores and wealth.
Of course, we also need to pay attention to the major inequalities that exist across school districts, notably on Long Island, in terms of, say, resources and materials for students. Instead of labeling these districts as "bad," we need to do something about this issue. Part of "doing something" involves how we use language to label such districts. I am infuriated when I hear someone say "That school district is bad" with a scoff. I feel the same when I hear these generalizations about entire school systems in other states.
In short, no, I certainly do not think the entire school system in Delaware, Florida, etc., is "bad."
How can u know if the faculty is involved and motivational enough when looking for schools in a new state? We’ll be moving out of NY in a couple of years and schools for my little ones is one of our priorities. I feel that it’s more difficult assessing schools that are in other states.
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| Posted 2/24/21 1:24 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
We moved off the island almost 2 years ago (for the second time) but while we were there I was VERY happy with the Three Village School District when we lived in Stony Brook. The schools were excellent and my kids were getting a great education but that being said, the schools where we are in NJ now are also excellent. My DD is in the middle school and my DS is still in elementary and both of their schools are Blue Ribbon schools as is the HS. When we were looking to move a couple of years ago our focus was MA and CT, the districts we researched there ranked higher than those on LI. So while LI schools are very good, they certainly don't have the market on the best schools out there.
As far as FL, I am sure there are good schools in some areas but I will say, where we lived in FL (we lived there for 4 years after college - before kids) the schools really weren't great. They weren't God awful but they didn't hold a candle to LI. It just really depends on where you are at in the state. I wouldn't have stayed in the area we were in if we had kids down there.
Ultimately, I think if many LI'ers took the time to see how many nicer places there are to live off the island that also provide good schools, better taxes and more than I think more people would flee. LI will always be "home" but I don't regret moving. At all. I have access to so many other wonderful things now that I didn't have access to before and my kids are still getting a high quality education despite the move. 
Message edited 2/24/2021 1:43:40 PM.
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| Posted 2/24/21 1:42 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9508 total posts
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
It is definitely a brainwashing! I have researched schools out of state - in SC and Florida and you can find schools that are as good and better in other areas. Our test scores are high because people spend $350+ an hour on ACT and SAT tutors. I nearly fell over when I heard this. I live in an excellent district and there are tons of opportunities for AP classes etc. but you have many parents hiring tutors so that their kids can pass these classes. IMHO you shouldn't be in an AP class if you need a tutor to pass it.
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| Posted 2/24/21 1:45 PM |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1063 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by lululu
It is definitely a brainwashing! I have researched schools out of state - in SC and Florida and you can find schools that are as good and better in other areas. Our test scores are high because people spend $350+ an hour on ACT and SAT tutors. I nearly fell over when I heard this. I live in an excellent district and there are tons of opportunities for AP classes etc. but you have many parents hiring tutors so that their kids can pass these classes. IMHO you shouldn't be in an AP class if you need a tutor to pass it.
I agree about the tutors! I'm only now beginning to realize how many people hire tutors for their kids. I would only hire a tutor if my kid were failing -- not to go from an 85 to a 90. But that must be what people are doing.
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| Posted 2/24/21 1:57 PM |
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MrsWoods
LIF Adult
Member since 4/12 1461 total posts
Name:
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Schools in Other States vs. NY
Sorry but NY as a whole is not the best in many aspects especially nowadays. When in comes to schools, every state has good and bad. To say that NY has better schools than anywhere else is false. My friends moved to NC and the kids are doing far better there than here so that says alot.
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| Posted 2/24/21 2:04 PM |
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by soontobemommyof2
Posted by oldtimerocknroll
I could say a lot about this topic, but I'll sum it up as follows:
I teach college--students from all over the country and world. Successful, motivated students can come from any school.
The way that we define "good" and "bad" districts, both on Long Island and across the country and globe, is unacceptable.
Factors that many perceive as "good," such as community wealth, high standardized tests scores, and the like, do not automatically make a school district the right fit for everyone--nor are such school districts a guarantee of success.
For me, when it comes to selecting a district in which to live, factors like diversity, and an involved and motivational faculty, are far more important than test scores and wealth.
Of course, we also need to pay attention to the major inequalities that exist across school districts, notably on Long Island, in terms of, say, resources and materials for students. Instead of labeling these districts as "bad," we need to do something about this issue. Part of "doing something" involves how we use language to label such districts. I am infuriated when I hear someone say "That school district is bad" with a scoff. I feel the same when I hear these generalizations about entire school systems in other states.
In short, no, I certainly do not think the entire school system in Delaware, Florida, etc., is "bad."
How can u know if the faculty is involved and motivational enough when looking for schools in a new state? We’ll be moving out of NY in a couple of years and schools for my little ones is one of our priorities. I feel that it’s more difficult assessing schools that are in other states.
I can see what you mean, especially if you don't know people who live in the districts you're researching. Try checking out the district's social media accounts. I find that my district tends to share this type of information. For example, you might see posts about faculty attending competitions or other events with students, or about volunteer work that a school within the district is doing in the community.
Another way to get a sense of this element is to visit the individual school's website. See what types of events are going on and how many faculty-led clubs, organizations, and activities there are. I remember, for instance, that my high school held an annual student-faculty basketball game. I imagine you could find this type of information on a school calendar or an announcements section on the website.
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| Posted 2/24/21 3:37 PM |
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shadows
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 4694 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by HeyJude
We moved off of Long Island. My SIL and MIL constantly make comments as if the schools where we live now could never measure up to the schools on Long Island. So in my experience it is a type of brain washing that they are so close minded that no one can do it better than NY. I just smile and write out my $3,000 property tax bill every year for my brand new house. My kids will be just fine.
There is definitely a mentality of NY supremacy.
Not just for schools but for everything.
We pay insane taxes for horrible roads, sub par snow removal, terrible services and old, crumbling, ugly infrastructure. We pay millions of dollars for old, run down, tiny houses with lots the size of a postage stamp. And everyone chalks it up to-well it's NY. The beaches! The city! The schools!
Please.
Even the way we are being told to quarantine when we return from other states, when at certain points NY's Covid numbers were higher than anywhere else. If anything these other states should have been keeping US out.
But it's NY.
It's the best!
Honestly, it's getting old and that argument is starting to no longer hold any water.
Totally agree. Specifically about schools, my mom always calls it the “emperor with no clothes” mentality. NYers and LIers have told themselves for so many decades that they are the best, and no one bothers to question it.
Moving away has been eye opening for me for many reasons. Suffice it so say that I have no desire whatsoever to return to LI 
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| Posted 2/24/21 3:55 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
I definitely agree with everyone who is saying that other states can also have great schools.
I will add that I think what makes the NY metro area a little different is that you don't really get the range of differences that you get in other states.
The "worst" districts on LI still have what they need, for the most part - supplies, staff, etc. (I use quotes because I like others said I disagree that there is even anything wrong with them but anyway.)
However, in certain other parts of the country the "worst" schools can really be lacking - major staffing issues, no supplies, no technology, etc.
I wonder if those stories overshadow great stuff that might be happening on the other side of the state.
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| Posted 2/24/21 4:11 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by soontobemommyof2
Posted by oldtimerocknroll
I could say a lot about this topic, but I'll sum it up as follows:
I teach college--students from all over the country and world. Successful, motivated students can come from any school.
The way that we define "good" and "bad" districts, both on Long Island and across the country and globe, is unacceptable.
Factors that many perceive as "good," such as community wealth, high standardized tests scores, and the like, do not automatically make a school district the right fit for everyone--nor are such school districts a guarantee of success.
For me, when it comes to selecting a district in which to live, factors like diversity, and an involved and motivational faculty, are far more important than test scores and wealth.
Of course, we also need to pay attention to the major inequalities that exist across school districts, notably on Long Island, in terms of, say, resources and materials for students. Instead of labeling these districts as "bad," we need to do something about this issue. Part of "doing something" involves how we use language to label such districts. I am infuriated when I hear someone say "That school district is bad" with a scoff. I feel the same when I hear these generalizations about entire school systems in other states.
In short, no, I certainly do not think the entire school system in Delaware, Florida, etc., is "bad."
How can u know if the faculty is involved and motivational enough when looking for schools in a new state? We’ll be moving out of NY in a couple of years and schools for my little ones is one of our priorities. I feel that it’s more difficult assessing schools that are in other states.
You can't. We moved to a highly rated, "diverse" district. My DH grew up one town over and my MIL has taught in a neighboring district for 30 years. Great reputation, etc.
I perused the website, the FB page, the town FB page, city data forums, everything I could find. Everything was all fine and wonderful, meanwhile it's a hot mess. No one says anything because what would happen if they did? Their home values would drop and the town would be tarnished.
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| Posted 2/24/21 4:12 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4430 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by JennP
I definitely agree with everyone who is saying that other states can also have great schools.
I will add that I think what makes the NY metro area a little different is that you don't really get the range of differences that you get in other states.
The "worst" districts on LI still have what they need, for the most part - supplies, staff, etc. (I use quotes because I like others said I disagree that there is even anything wrong with them but anyway.)
However, in certain other parts of the country the "worst" schools can really be lacking - major staffing issues, no supplies, no technology, etc.
I wonder if those stories overshadow great stuff that might be happening on the other side of the state.
I agree with you. I have people I know from across the US and some of their school stories are sad and scary with the lack of services in support they get. But someone in their same state can have fantastic opportunities at their school. It really fluctuates in a way we do not see on Long Island. That being said, I do not think one state has all "bad" or "good" schools. Those rankings are always skewed and rarely show the true pictures of what is going on.
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| Posted 2/24/21 5:27 PM |
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Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Schools in Other States vs. NY
Florida’s governor just tweeted that Florida’s students just ranked 2nd in the nation in AP scores. So I agree that schools in all states can be good. We moved to Texas in 2019 and the district we are in is excellent. There are students at Ivy League colleges from all over the country, not just Long Island.
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| Posted 2/24/21 7:31 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19453 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by Kate
Florida’s governor just tweeted that Florida’s students just ranked 2nd in the nation in AP scores. So I agree that schools in all states can be good. We moved to Texas in 2019 and the district we are in is excellent. There are students at Ivy League colleges from all over the country, not just Long Island.
NJ was number one last year for AP test results. Now there are discrepancies between schools, but as you said, kids attend Ivy League colleges from all 50 states.
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| Posted 2/24/21 9:27 PM |
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queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
While I agree with most points here about not generalizing a whole state and NY being overhyped, I do think you have to consider the state and local policies and how they value education and resources for educators.
There are states that seriously underfund education and teachers and rank pretty poorly overall. I don’t think you can say there are zero good schools there but look at class size, physical condition of schools and stuff like that.
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| Posted 2/24/21 11:53 PM |
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Bebelove
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/12 742 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
Posted by Funkybutt
I live in NC and my son goes to the best public school system in the state. There are certainly places in NC that are good and not so good - it just depends on the city and it's funding. Oh and politics b/c Wake County (Raleigh) tends to f@ck with the maps b/c they don't want the non-white kids going to their schools.
Hi! We are in Wake county as well (temporarily). Diverse (color/financial) in Wake county = much lower school ratings. Years back they tried to bus minority children into the wealthy schools and it didn’t work out. Parents did not want their kids on a bus for hours a day. Now they “apply” wealthy kids from Great schools and get them into magnets. Apply in quotes bc if you come from a 10
Rated mostly White school, you are getting in. Try applying to those same schools from a lower rated/ less well off families, you are not getting in. The amount of post cards , flyers, emails , and texts about these magnets I get from being in Mills Park and Davis Drive is unbelievable. I’ll stay in my highly rated neighborhood school and not have my kid on a bus forever and a day. The schools aren’t even fully open , for the past year !!! My old district Plainview did a much better job opening up the schools. I’m not happy with the schools right now BUT both kids were behind when it came to the work. The kids in the wake county schools were VERY far ahead of my kids, we had to work to catch them up. The teachers have been amazing and really caring. I think NY costs so much mainly because of the teachers benefits and salary, the schools / teachers are not better.
Message edited 2/25/2021 1:29:36 AM.
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| Posted 2/25/21 1:26 AM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
To be honest with you, none of it matters in the end...
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| Posted 2/25/21 1:33 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17789 total posts
Name:
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Schools in Other States vs. NY
I feel that some of my friends in other states are farther ahead than my children (pre-covid). My best friends have kids the same age and in a normal year, the differences are astounding.
We were looking to move to SC who ranked 48/50 states in schools overall but they do have some very good districts with much lower taxes. Where we are now, most of the districts are good except one. The school board has directed funds towards private religious schools thus impacting the public school system.
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| Posted 2/25/21 1:54 AM |
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LInMI
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 1800 total posts
Name:
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Re: Schools in Other States vs. NY
I can say I have family down in TN and in the midwest and both follow common core, Eurkea, etc. Our kids are all doing the same ciriculum. We are always texting each other with questions. It's so funny.
I have even suggested some good PTA, fundraiser ideas I got from out of state family and friends.
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| Posted 2/27/21 4:42 PM |
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