[JayCT]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Does anyone honestly care if a school district offers six languages instead of three? Most kids take Spanish. French is a distant second. I don't know what's third.

The world is a lot smaller than it was a generation or two ago so having multiple languages offered in high schools is very important, particularly in an affluent town like Westport. I think many high schools in Connecticut offer close to that number these days. It is just a different world. Jay

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by BkDan

Wanted to follow up on the 'keeping up with' sentiment. I think that is very much palpable in Mamaroneck. Especially for summer activities which basically require membership in a club. My impression is that the town generally congregates around the beach and town amenities are enjoyed by all; is that the case?

Town beach can be accessed by all residents, not private. There is also a town pool for residents, not private.
Town outdoor skating rink in the winter as well, though open to the public, not just residents.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Does anyone honestly care if a school district offers six languages instead of three? Most kids take Spanish. French is a distant second. I don't know what's third.

My high school also had German and Italian, in addition to Spanish, French, latin, etc. Don't remember if they had chinese though. So basically, every language.

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by Raider111

My high school also had German and Italian, in addition to Spanish, French, latin, etc. Don't remember if they had chinese though. So basically, every language.

Chinese has been coming to more & more schools over the past 10 years or so. If you graduated high school prior to 2010, most schools did not offer Chinese in Connecticut. I know some schools also offer ASL as well (American Sign Language)

I think Glastonbury also offers Japanese and Russian.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

Chinese has been coming to more & more schools over the past 10 years or so. If you graduated high school prior to 2010, most schools did not offer Chinese in Connecticut. I know some schools also offer ASL as well (American Sign Language)

I think Glastonbury also offers Japanese and Russian.

Oh it was definitely prior to 2010. I'm just told they offer about 10 languages now or something, insane.

[VagabondBoy]

Originally Posted by lginlg

Two vastly different worlds. Mamaroneck far more blue collar and staid, Westport upscale and artsy. Westport has become a culinary mecca with a thriving downtown and vibrant cultural scene. Westchester higher taxes, but NYC much more accessable. Community activities about even. Westport schools superior, though not as diverse. Westport makes better use of its waterfront and the Saugatuck that runs through the city.

Mamaroneck is friendly, non judgemental. Westport is see and be seen. These are generalizations, of course, and lots of exceptions. But there is a palpable difference in the vibe and lifestyle.

I like this quote because it likely will equally upset people from both towns


I moved to Westport in late 2012 and can attest to the fact that there are definitely elements of the "see and be seen" crowds. Many Type-A personalities around and it's hard to argue against that given there's a show on ABC based around this fact. However, they are not in the majority and my family has no trouble finding "normal" people to hang out with. I think all the super-rich kids go to private schools, but there are definitely some $100k+ cars parked at the school's student lots from time-to-time.


The schools are ranked very high but I never know what rankings really mean. I agree with the poster who said bigger schools are better, I think this is true as a big school can cater to all levels of ability. I can say Westport schools push the kids harder than where we lived before, not sure if that's good or not. The downside is no diversity what-so-ever. Also, funding from the state is under pressure as the Governor is looking to take away from the wealthier towns to better help other school districts.


Amenities of living in Westport abound. I love having such easy access to beaches and there are plenty of hiking parks around. The longer commute I have into NYC is worth being able to get more for our money with the house.


Good luck with your decision

[BicoastalAnn]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Does anyone honestly care if a school district offers six languages instead of three? Most kids take Spanish. French is a distant second. I don't know what's third.

I did (when I was a student) and would as a parent. If your kid wants to take Spanish, then there's no problem... but if the school offers Chinese, Korean, Arabic, or any other of the Eastern languages that I see in some schools now, and the child wanted to take that, that's pretty valuable. Otherwise they'd be waiting until college (if ever) to learn those. Same with any other niche extra-curricular/course offering - it matters to people who want them.

[Lalalally]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Does anyone honestly care if a school district offers six languages instead of three? Most kids take Spanish. French is a distant second. I don't know what's third.

You're 100% right. A million and a half years ago (ok I'm exaggerating-- 1980s really, but pretty much same difference!) languages offered at my NYC HS in Brooklyn were Spanish, French, Japanese, and Hebrew. Lol! Spanish and French are the only two that are relevant though.

Edit: Italian too. And Latin. Doesn't change the fact that Spanish is the one that really counts. And French of course also, only because it's fun

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by Lalalally

You're 100% right. A million and a half years ago (ok I'm exaggerating-- 1980s really, but pretty much same difference!) languages offered at my NYC HS in Brooklyn were Spanish, French, Japanese, and Hebrew. Lol! Spanish and French are the only two that are relevant though.

Edit: Italian too. And Latin. Doesn't change the fact that Spanish is the one that really counts. And French of course also, only because it's fun

Oui, exactement, as if anyone is gonna stick with Korean or Arabic long enough to learn it fluently.

[BicoastalAnn]

Originally Posted by Raider111

Oui, exactement, as if anyone is gonna stick with Korean or Arabic long enough to learn it fluently.

Most people don't learn any language fluently in just 4 years. But I don't understand your statement... if someone wanted to take Korean or Arabic and their school offered it, why would they stick with it any less than another foreign language?