Buffalo High Schools (Clarence, Williamsville, Florida: 2009, insurance, house)

[Import]

After months of reading this forum, I now haved joined to ask the locals for some much needed info.

We currently are trying to sell our home in Florida, and hope to move to the Buffalo area buy the start of the fall school year.

I've been researching the high schools in the Buffalo area, and am having a hard time telling which ones are better. According to Greatschools.net, and various other resources, most are highly regarded (apart from the city schools). Living in Florida, where most schools are low scoring, this is a culture shock.

If anyone has any inside info on preferred high schools, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time...

[Muggy]

Import, while you;re inquiring of others, may I inquire of you?

I live in the Clearwater area and will be moving in 2009 to upstate. Can you give me some incite as to why you are choosing Buffalo?

Why not Cleveland, or Erie?

[Import]

I am originally from Toronto. Buffalo has always been a part of my life growing up. We now are able to live there, and with no hesitation, I am happy to bring my boys to WNY.

Although I am familiar with the different areas in Buffalo, I am not up to speed with the schools.

Now, the biggest challenge is selling our house in this lousy market...

[FedupWNY]

most are highly regarded (apart from the city schools).

The question is, are you looking for information on schools in Buffalo (as per your thread title) or schools in the suburbs of the city?

[Import]

Both, as long as they have good reputations.

[CAugust]

Business First does an excellent article on researching schools - in their reports - Clarence and Williamsville go head to head in academics - of course this is in relation to the burbs, not the actual city, and you would need to live in those communitites to take advantage of their public schooling.

The Buffalo City schools are not as well rated, although city honors is wonderful!!! But living in that district doesnt get you into that school - you have to apply and be accepted.

Both of the suburbs that I mentioned are higher priced homes, the difference is the taxes. You can can a huge home in Williamsville for a reasonable price, but taxes will be higher. Homes in Clarence that are of value really begin well over 200k - but the taxes will be less than Williamsville.

I know it does sound confusing - and you can live in Clarence, but still be districted for Williamsville schools - true true................... but that's on the border.

[FedupWNY]

Originally Posted by CAugust

The Buffalo City schools are not as well rated, although city honors is wonderful!!! But living in that district doesnt get you into that school - you have to apply and be accepted.

McKinley, despite the news clips, is a great trade school, as is Performing Arts and Emerson Commons, excellent & "accepted" students. These are quality schools right here in the actually city of Buffalo. Generally not "well rated" but ones who sell more so outside of the city.

[CAugust]

Originally Posted by FedupWNY

McKinley, despite the news clips, is a great trade school, as is Performing Arts and Emerson Commons, excellent & "accepted" students. These are quality schools right here in the actually city of Buffalo. Generally not "well rated" but ones who sell more so outside of the city.

hey - if someone wants to buy in the city, its a good thing. I was just going by the ratings is all. My opinion doesn't count...... although it would be nice if it did

[FedupWNY]

Originally Posted by CAugust

hey - if someone wants to buy in the city, its a good thing. I was just going by the ratings is all. My opinion doesn't count...... although it would be nice if it did

I didn't mean to imply that your comments don't count, they do, as long as the (actual) city of Buffalo can remain in the loop of interest as with Erie County suburbia.

[Import]

Thanks for the imput. I am coming to Buffalo in Feb. to check out some of the schools personally. This means some of the city schools as well. This will be the deciding factor on where we chose to live.

I know people are fed up with the taxes and are leaving the area, but I believe things can get better........

Ironically, we will be able to keep more of our paycheck by moving to WNY. Here in Florida, between the home insurance (plus manditory hurricane coverage, up by 60%), sinkhole insurance ( which is separate), a/c bills, and high h2o bills, the taxes in WNY will cost us less per year.

Looking forward to visiting in Feb.