Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

We bought where I went to school because of it's outstanding educational stats. As far as districts go - it doesn't really matter what people say, reputations, all that crap. What matters is test scores and the statistics don't lie: how well kids do on state tests and how high they score (90+ percentile), the % of kids that graduate and go to 4 year colleges, the % that get free lunch, and all the other demographics. Year after year our district's numbers are outstanding - it never fails.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I live in a neighborhood with a desirable SD (not Jericho or Great Neck or anything like that) but a very good South Shore nassau district that people always say it a great town to move to. I am not concerned about the drug rumors b/c I think in 20 years when I have kids in high school the problem will either be gone or every district in Nassau will have the problem so it wont matter! In my opinion I didnt think it was worth it for me to spend 14-15k in taxes for a small house in a town like Syosset or Jericho where there is a larger % of super smart IVY league types so it will be harder for my future kids to be at the top of the class. The drug rumors dont bother me at all because I dont even have kids yet!

Message edited 9/7/2010 11:20:38 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Posted by MrsSchwags

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by mzsocialworker1

If you are looking for a house, would you consider an area with not as great of a school district as others to save on taxes?

I personally would avoid the following districts:

Riverhead
William Floyd
Amityville
Copiague
Hempstead
Roosevelt
Freeport
Brentwood
Elmont (is that a SD?)

There might be a few others. But those are the biggies i'd avoid and probably wouldn't buy in regardless of price.

I actually just moved into Riverhead school district. I somewhat understand why people give it a bad wrap and yes there are some issues BUT they have some GREAT programs, awesome athletic teams, elementary schools are top rated, the Arts programs in the high school is great--in fact some of our friends children that live in Westhampton SD often tell us how they WISH they went to Riverhead because the programs are superior! Which kind of makes me laugh when you read what some people say about Riverhead... honestly if you look at ALL the new building and families with young children that have moved into this district over the past few years, I expect the district will look a bit different by the time my 2.5 year old gets to the high school. Even if it didn't I would not mind, I am very happy with the district we bought in and confident my child will get an excellent education.

I actually have personal experience with Riverhead. I have immediate family members that graduated Riverhead SD, family members that are currently IN the district (attending school), and other family members that work in the district and in the school.

While the athletic programs are good... there are a lot of problems, especially in the high school. Lots of gang activity. And I am talking from experience, not from what I may have "heard".

So just be careful.

Yes, we have friends children that attend the schools now as well, including the high school, sorry if that wasn't clear and yes, there are issues these kids take advantage of what there is to offer and I can CONFIDENTLY say--none are in gangs and none have had issues with any gangs! As for the elementary schools we've NEVER heard of any issues there, ever... I have lived in the neighboring distrcit for 10 years with a LOT of friends who send there kids to the elementary schools now. IT's one of the reasons we chose this area!

I COMPLETELY understand what others have said though and for some it would not be right...I try to avoid this topic because I feel very much like the above poster- a school distrcit is a LARGE part of what you as a parent do for your child...and it's funny when you talk to the poeple out here about the reputation of the district, its MUCh different than the perception. I feel like I am defending the district, LOL! so sorry if it comes across that way just hope people keep an open mind as we live in an AWESOME community and Riverhead does have a lot to offer! And there's always MErcy, a top-notch private school for 7-12

I have personal experience with that district at the high school level as an educator and honestly I would have no problem sending my own two kids to the high school. Yes there are fights, drugs and whatever else...but again its no different than when I grew up in West Islip other than its a little bit more of a diverse population. There will be good and bad kids at every school. As a parent, if you do your job us teachers can do ours, and the students can be successful.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

we bought in hauppauge sd - smithtown address

we could have bought a much bigger home somewhere else, but the school district and location was most important....so a tiny house on a dead end street is what we ended up with and I couldn't be happier.....plenty of room to expand and hopefully my kids will be happy with their district as they grow in it.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I think you should buy what you can afford in a safe area. If that lands you in a "not so good" school district, that means the parents need to be more involved and over see their childs education more then a great SD. school is not the total package to a childs education. I really believe that their home life plays a HUGE part on education.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

"Where do you live?"
Ridge/Longwood District

"Do you think it's really as bad as people think?"
Not even close, there are kids that live in an undesirable town that attend the same high school, but in life there will always be people from different backgrounds & family settings. Overall, I think every child in this district has an opportunity to get a good education. Their own personal ambition coupled with the support from their family might make the difference. Longwood just like many other districts on LI has produced attorneys, accountants, research doctors, pro athletes, teachers, dentists and the list goes on.


"If you are looking for a house, would you consider an area with not as great of a school district as others to save on taxes?"
We bought in an area that was very easy for us to afford and thank god we did. Our mortgage company approved us for DOUBLE what we decided to borrow. My DH is a tradesman, we would have lost our house 4 years ago when his industry tanked if we bought a 500k home with 15k property taxes!
We are probably on the higher income bracket in my neighborhood and its nice never feeling like we need to keep up with anyone. We have friends that bought in an area that was a little stretch and while they dreamt of expanding their tiny outdated home, they were blessed with a few kids more quickly than expected & now they are busting at the seams inside this house, their childcare costs are NUTS & they can't refi or get a HELOC because their value dropped so much. Now they regret buying the 'worst home on the best block'.

"If you do live in a less reputable district, do you plan to move or send your kids to private school?"
My stepdaughter goes to school in her mother's town but if she lived with us full time she would go to Longwood. The reality is in this district she'd probably be valedictorian, where as in Lynbrook she's just another really smart kid but doesn't stand out enough to get the extra attention I think she deserves.

"For those of you who have lived in school districts with worse reputations, did you have a hard time selling? Or are you having a harder time selling now?"
We will be moving within the next year, only to be closer to my DH's office/work.
We are on the fence about selling this house. We believe this area is still grossly undervalued and for that reason we will probably rent this house out. If we decided to sell I doubt our house would be on the market for more than 3 months if I listed it next Spring. I'm pretty sure we'd clear a $70,000 profit after REA fees, cost of improvements etc. based on a recent appraisal & recent home sales in my specific area. We bought in 2004 so just shy of the peak. There are very few areas of LI that can offer what our specific neighborhood can for such a low price, so homes here generally sell quickly.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Posted by MrsSchwags

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by mzsocialworker1

If you are looking for a house, would you consider an area with not as great of a school district as others to save on taxes?

I personally would avoid the following districts:

Riverhead
William Floyd
Amityville
Copiague
Hempstead
Roosevelt
Freeport
Brentwood
Elmont (is that a SD?)

There might be a few others. But those are the biggies i'd avoid and probably wouldn't buy in regardless of price.

I actually just moved into Riverhead school district. I somewhat understand why people give it a bad wrap and yes there are some issues BUT they have some GREAT programs, awesome athletic teams, elementary schools are top rated, the Arts programs in the high school is great--in fact some of our friends children that live in Westhampton SD often tell us how they WISH they went to Riverhead because the programs are superior! Which kind of makes me laugh when you read what some people say about Riverhead... honestly if you look at ALL the new building and families with young children that have moved into this district over the past few years, I expect the district will look a bit different by the time my 2.5 year old gets to the high school. Even if it didn't I would not mind, I am very happy with the district we bought in and confident my child will get an excellent education.

I actually have personal experience with Riverhead. I have immediate family members that graduated Riverhead SD, family members that are currently IN the district (attending school), and other family members that work in the district and in the school.

While the athletic programs are good... there are a lot of problems, especially in the high school. Lots of gang activity. And I am talking from experience, not from what I may have "heard".

So just be careful.

Yes, we have friends children that attend the schools now as well, including the high school, sorry if that wasn't clear and yes, there are issues these kids take advantage of what there is to offer and I can CONFIDENTLY say--none are in gangs and none have had issues with any gangs! As for the elementary schools we've NEVER heard of any issues there, ever... I have lived in the neighboring distrcit for 10 years with a LOT of friends who send there kids to the elementary schools now. IT's one of the reasons we chose this area!

I COMPLETELY understand what others have said though and for some it would not be right...I try to avoid this topic because I feel very much like the above poster- a school distrcit is a LARGE part of what you as a parent do for your child...and it's funny when you talk to the poeple out here about the reputation of the district, its MUCh different than the perception. I feel like I am defending the district, LOL! so sorry if it comes across that way just hope people keep an open mind as we live in an AWESOME community and Riverhead does have a lot to offer! And there's always MErcy, a top-notch private school for 7-12

I have personal experience with that district at the high school level as an educator and honestly I would have no problem sending my own two kids to the high school. Yes there are fights, drugs and whatever else...but again its no different than when I grew up in West Islip other than its a little bit more of a diverse population. There will be good and bad kids at every school. As a parent, if you do your job us teachers can do ours, and the students can be successful.

Message edited 9/19/2010 12:04:00 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Posted by ave1024

Posted by MrsSchwags

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by bella

Posted by ave1024

Posted by mzsocialworker1

If you are looking for a house, would you consider an area with not as great of a school district as others to save on taxes?

I personally would avoid the following districts:

Riverhead
William Floyd
Amityville
Copiague
Hempstead
Roosevelt
Freeport
Brentwood
Elmont (is that a SD?)

There might be a few others. But those are the biggies i'd avoid and probably wouldn't buy in regardless of price.

I actually just moved into Riverhead school district. I somewhat understand why people give it a bad wrap and yes there are some issues BUT they have some GREAT programs, awesome athletic teams, elementary schools are top rated, the Arts programs in the high school is great--in fact some of our friends children that live in Westhampton SD often tell us how they WISH they went to Riverhead because the programs are superior! Which kind of makes me laugh when you read what some people say about Riverhead... honestly if you look at ALL the new building and families with young children that have moved into this district over the past few years, I expect the district will look a bit different by the time my 2.5 year old gets to the high school. Even if it didn't I would not mind, I am very happy with the district we bought in and confident my child will get an excellent education.

I actually have personal experience with Riverhead. I have immediate family members that graduated Riverhead SD, family members that are currently IN the district (attending school), and other family members that work in the district and in the school.

While the athletic programs are good... there are a lot of problems, especially in the high school. Lots of gang activity. And I am talking from experience, not from what I may have "heard".

So just be careful.

Yes, we have friends children that attend the schools now as well, including the high school, sorry if that wasn't clear and yes, there are issues these kids take advantage of what there is to offer and I can CONFIDENTLY say--none are in gangs and none have had issues with any gangs! As for the elementary schools we've NEVER heard of any issues there, ever... I have lived in the neighboring distrcit for 10 years with a LOT of friends who send there kids to the elementary schools now. IT's one of the reasons we chose this area!

I COMPLETELY understand what others have said though and for some it would not be right...I try to avoid this topic because I feel very much like the above poster- a school distrcit is a LARGE part of what you as a parent do for your child...and it's funny when you talk to the poeple out here about the reputation of the district, its MUCh different than the perception. I feel like I am defending the district, LOL! so sorry if it comes across that way just hope people keep an open mind as we live in an AWESOME community and Riverhead does have a lot to offer! And there's always MErcy, a top-notch private school for 7-12

I have personal experience with that district at the high school level as an educator and honestly I would have no problem sending my own two kids to the high school. Yes there are fights, drugs and whatever else...but again its no different than when I grew up in West Islip other than its a little bit more of a diverse population. There will be good and bad kids at every school. As a parent, if you do your job us teachers can do ours, and the students can be successful.

Some of the kids have to attend certain classes in TRAILERS! There is no room for some of the kids in the buildings. If you are looking to buy in this district, drive down harrison Avenue in Riverhead. Look at all the trailers. Those aren't administrative trailers. Those are classrooms! I am not even joking. 700 Harrison Avenue. In the pouring rain. In the snow. Your childern will be walking to these trailers to take their class... WITH NO TEXTBOOKS.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I get what your saying Ave & I totally agree that it should not be acceptable.

However budget issues & other things affect even the better school districts. when my son went to Connetquot high school, the building was under renovation and there were budget problems. They used hallways as science classrooms, as you can imagine hallways don't have sinks & lab counters & other things you'd expect. He had a computer class that required bringing in copy paper & ink cartridges because the teacher wasn't provided with any. He had NO LOCKER because they ripped so many out over the summer and didn't have enough for every student so he had to carry around a 40 lb backpack all day everyday.
My son was in special ed, so he had textbooks for every class, but some of his friends had to share books.
My taxes were MUCH more than Riverhead taxes in Oakdale.
My stepdaughter goes to school in Lynbrook, the taxes there are nuts IMO, She lives almost 3 miles from the school and there are no buses. Her elementary school had no cafeteria, but they had a great music program.

What I'm trying to say is, as a parent that has had children attend a few different disctricts on LI there will often be shortcomings-there is no perfect district at any cost as far as I'm concerned.
It goes back to the same thing, your niece's parents probably live in Riverhead because that is where they can AFFORD to live. I'm sure if they could afford cold spring harbor they'd move there.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

THIS is what your $3500 tax a year gets you in Riverhead.






where did you come up with the $3500 figure?

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I'm also in the Smithtown district. It has been getting a lot of attention bc of the drug problem. That worries me, but according to a lot of police officers I know, the problem is all over the place, Smithtown is just getting a lot of attention over it.

When we bought our house, we bought a small house in this district. We both grew up here and knew we wanted our kids to attend here. We weren't willing to look in a different district to save on taxes. District was one of the most important things for me (I am a teacher.)

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I don't have kids, so I don't have any experience with the school district I live in, although I know it''s not one of the best on Long Island.

I went to a private Catholic high school in Nassau in a very wealthy neighborhood, but I lived in middle class Mineola. I dated someone from the Wheatley school district through most of HS.

The kids I knew from these schools did more drugs and had more access to drugs than probably the worst school district on Long Island. The girls got nose-jobs for the 16th birthdays, the guys and girls Mercedes or BMW for their 17th, and most stole their parents cocaine and pot.

I know I don't live in the greatest school district, but I know alot of kids that go the school. I think a huge key to you kid doing well in school is YOU/DH and your participation. Get involved. Do homework with them, even go over in HS, pay attention, get involved with the school functions, to go the parent teacher meetings, know who their friends are and their parents.\

I have a goddaughter, she's 16 taking all AP classes, she had a reading problem in 1-3 grades. Her mother is my BFF and was a single mother, we all pitched in to help Kris with school. She's a good kid, gets good grades and is responsible.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

We dont have children yet & we own in a great area where the school district is really good. But we still wanted to buy another home & rent out the one we are in now. So because we will soon be starting a family we knew to purchase in an area that has great schools & while the area is desirable & yes the taxes are crazy, we are very happy (Oceanside). Also, remember when buying location is key! So buy in a good school district.

Im not sure if this post has anything to do with the amount of drugs that are done or things like that. The only thing i can say about that is that you will find that stuff in any school anywhere. Wether it be Cocaine/Marijuana or Pills in higher class or Meth/Heroin/Marijuana in lower class. It doesnt matter. Your child & your parenting is what makes a childs education. However, in a better school district it does provide more opportunities as to what is offered. Either extra curricularly or even regular classes & that is what is important. Variety for education.

Message edited 9/19/2010 4:45:19 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

While is it great to live in a great SD, things can change by the time your kids go to HS, etc.

It also depends what you are looking for? Overall education, elective programs, sports, music, etc...

We don't live in the "best" SD and we don't live in the worst. But it actually does not matter to us because we need a special needs program. So while a SD might be "great" on paper they may have the worst special needs programs.

I can't pay $12K+ in taxes. So, we found a happy medium between being able to have a house in a nice area or keep up with the Jones.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

We chose to live in a town with a poorer reputation-maybe middle ground. We chose this because we wanted to afford for me to be a stay at home mom when we have kids, and we still wanted to be able to do things-vacations, dinners, ect, We are so happy with our decision, we love our area, its so quiet-wooded, we see deer on our front lawn every night. We also still have extra money every month to do home improvements, vacations, ect. We also wound up with a big, new house which is always a plus. Also, our taxes are only 4000 a year! Just my opinion.

ETA- I also work in the district and the teachers are great, and the bad rap is really unjustified because of a few bad kids.

Message edited 9/19/2010 8:36:48 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Message edited 9/19/2010 8:41:08 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Message edited 9/19/2010 9:32:33 PM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

I am a teacher, so I am going to put in my 2cents.

First of all, 90% of a student's behavior comes from their parents. So, if you are doing YOUR job as a parent then your child should be fine in school no matter what district they attend.

With that said, attending a school district with major problems i.e.. low test scores, lack of funding, high poverty rates, gang activity etc. WILL most likely affect your child's education no matter how great a parent you are.
These problems filter into the classroom and teachers are burdened with discipline problems and emotional stress. Maybe YOUR child isn't the problem, but it affects them significantly because it interferes with the overall educational experience.

Personally, when looking for a home I will only buy in a district that has a good reputation and IMO there are more great districts on LI then bad.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Message edited 9/20/2010 12:25:57 AM.

Re: School districts with poorer reputations

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by HeathKernandez

Posted by DaniRella

We bought where I went to school because of it's outstanding educational stats. As far as districts go - it doesn't really matter what people say, reputations, all that crap. What matters is test scores and the statistics don't lie: how well kids do on state tests and how high they score (90+ percentile), the % of kids that graduate and go to 4 year colleges, the % that get free lunch, and all the other demographics. Year after year our district's numbers are outstanding - it never fails.

what does the % of kids who get free lunch matter? My son goes to a title 1 nyc public school (i.e. EVERYONE receives free lunch) and it is #2 in Brooklyn and #5 in ALL NYC public schools....

The school has won NUMEROUS awards because of it's excellent performance.

It means nothing. It means people do not fill out lunch forms

OR, like in the school I work in, many people have cash businesses and put down that number on the lunch forms.

Free lunch is in no way an indication of a "good" or "bad" school...IMO

Re: School districts with poorer reputations