[zekegohurryup]

It looks like I will get a position in Stamford CT - we are looking for a school district for my boys - one is a typical - Kindergarten - and the other is a special needs 2nd grader - on the autism spectrum - He has been mainstreamed here in PA - he is in learning support 40% of the day and the remaing time with his peers and his 1:1 TSA.
We need to find a home in a great school district for both - I prefer a smaller class size if posssible. I know I need to commute - would like something less than 45 mins one way if possible. We could spend up to $850k or so on a home and it would be great if it came with a little land too...
Does anyone have any advice?

[Kristin85]

Contact Giant Steps in Southport: Giant Steps School | American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development (AIND) | Southport, Connecticut | Home

[JayCT]

So you know, the Stamford area is one of the most expensive parts of the country. Its suburbs are among the wealthiest and most desirable. The adjacent towns, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan, are very nice with excellent schools but $850,000 will likely get you only a modest home there. Wilton seems to have some nice homes in that price range and the schools are also excellent so that may be an option. Also consider Weston, Westport, Fairfield, Ridgefield, Easton and Redding. They are a bit further away but you will get more home for your money though Westport is [probably close to the others in cost. Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by JayCT

So you know, the Stamford area is one of the most expensive parts of the country. Its suburbs are among the wealthiest and most desirable. The adjacent towns, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan, are very nice with excellent schools but $850,000 will likely get you only a modest home there. Wilton seems to have some nice homes in that price range and the schools are also excellent so that may be an option. Also consider Weston, Westport, Fairfield, Ridgefield, Easton and Redding. They are a bit further away but you will get more home for your money though Westport is [probably close to the others in cost. Jay

I just wanted to note that a former colleague of mine expressed very serious concerns over the education that his child was receiving in Wilton's special ed program. Wilton does have an exceptional reputation for "regular" students. I would suggest that the OP do their due diligence on the special ed program though.

[kidyankee764]

I've actually heard amazing things about Masuk's special education program in Monroe. No firsthand experience though.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I've actually heard amazing things about Masuk's special education program in Monroe. No firsthand experience though.

What's really fascinating is that Monroe is usually around the bottom of the list in per pupil $$$ expenditures.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

What's really fascinating is that Monroe is usually around the bottom of the list in per pupil $$$ expenditures.

So does Pomperaug I think (in Southbury). Sometimes those are the best districts.

[nish2006]

Both our children (3 & 5) are on the spectrum and receive special services in the Stratford shool system. Its not the best, but way better than a lot of people might have you believe. The budgetary allocation per child is far higher than many neighboring towns, including Trumbull, Milford, Shelton and Orange. None of these make sense if you are going to work in Stamford, but therapists for our boys have always spoken highly of the Fairfield and Westport school systems, especially Fairfield. You might want to visit their board of education office and make some enquiries.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by nish2006

Both our children (3 & 5) are on the spectrum and receive special services in the Stratford shool system. Its not the best, but way better than a lot of people might have you believe. The budgetary allocation per child is far higher than many neighboring towns, including Trumbull, Milford, Shelton and Orange. None of these make sense if you are going to work in Stamford, but therapists for our boys have always spoken highly of the Fairfield and Westport school systems, especially Fairfield. You might want to visit their board of education office and make some enquiries.

In light of the above post, i'd suggest the OP start their home search in Fairfield.

[Stylo]

The really well-performing districts tend to focus their efforts on, well, the well-performing students.

I've also heard good things about Brookfield's.