[jgood0001]

We will be moving to CT within a year and have narrowed our choice to these two towns. As schools are very important to us, can you please help compare the schools in these two towns. I know they are both very very good but I was hoping to gain insight on any distinguishing factors such as the level of competiveness, programs, test scores, social pressures, etc. Any help will be much appreciated.

[JayCT]

Both Avon and Simsbury school systems are excellent and are considered to be among the best in the state. Both score well above the state averages in the Connecticut Mastery Tests with Simsbury slightly edging out Avon in the 8th grade scores. At the high school level though, Avon High School scored slightly higher in the Connecticut Academic Performances tests. Avon High School has approximately 900 students while Simsbury High has about 1,500. Class sizes appear to be slightly lower in Avon (19 to 22 students per class) than Simsbury (20 to 25 students per class). If you are truly interested in researching these more carefully, you can check the strategic profiles of the school systems available through the Connecticut Department of Education.

Since both school systems are so well regarded, I would look at the character of each town and the homes available to choose which to live in. Both are nice communities and are located right next to each other. They have a lot in common with Avon generally considered to be the more upscale of the two. Hope this helps. Jay

[glxyman21]

I'd say as for school systems they're pretty equal, though one larger than the other. At this point I say its really splitting hairs. Choose based on location/house/house price as you can maybe find a good deal. Both towns are nice with lots of shopping around.