[loridean]

I've done a little research, but overall, which one is generally better?

They both seem good as far as scores are concerned, but I know scores aren't a good indicator.

Does anyone have kids at these schools that can comment? thanks!

[JayCT]

Both Warde and Ludlowe are excellent and have good points and bad. Warde serves the eastern part of Fairfield so it is a little more diverse than Ludlowe. Ludlowe serves the western part of town which has some of the more wealthy areas like Southport and Greenfield Hill. In general the curriculum offered at both schools is the same. I wouldn't be too concerned about the differences. Look at homes in both areas and buy one the best suits your needs. JMHO Jay

[ambarstone]

I agree with JayCT. Warde is definitely more diverse than Ludlow because it is located in a more diverse area of FF. Interestingly, if you check in greatschools.net, Ward has higher overall rating, 9 VS 8 for Ludlow. But as far as I hear, both schools are great. Warde I believe is larger and the building a bit older but looks in great shape. If given the chance to choose, I'd pick Ward becuse of diversity alone.

[JayCT]

Actually Ambar, the core of the Ludlowe building is not much newer than Warde. It may even be older. The Ludlowe building was originally built as an elementary school (can't remember the name but it may have been Mill Plain or Sturges) and was converted to a high school in a the early 60's. Warde was designed and built as a high school. I believe it opened in 1958 with its graduating class held in 1960. When it was built, its design was unique because it was laid out to separate the students into smaller sections called "Houses". Students attended all core classes (math, english, social studies, science) within their "House" and would only leave your house for special classes such as gym, art, music, home economics, industrial arts, etc. I believe the design was the first in the country and that the building won several design awards. Still both schools are great. They have both recently been remodeled and have a lot of room. Jay

[ambarstone]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Actually Ambar, the core of the Ludlowe building is not much newer than Warde. It may even be older. The Ludlowe building was originally built as an elementary school (can't remember the name but it may have been Mill Plain or Sturges) and was converted to a high school in a the early 60's. Warde was designed and built as a high school. I believe it opened in 1958 with its graduating class held in 1960. When it was built, its design was unique because it was laid out to separate the students into smaller sections called "Houses". Students attended all core classes (math, english, social studies, science) within their "House" and would only leave your house for special classes such as gym, art, music, home economics, industrial arts, etc. I believe the design was the first in the country and that the building won several design awards. Still both schools are great. They have both recently been remodeled and have a lot of room. Jay

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That is great information, many thanks. I guess I formed my opinion about the buildings looking from the outside.

[ambarstone]

Originally Posted by ambar371

I agree with JayCT. Warde is definitely more diverse than Ludlowe because it is located in a more diverse area of FF. Interestingly, if you check in greatschools.net, Warde has higher overall rating, 9 VS 8 for Ludlowe. But as far as I hear, both schools are great. Warde I believe is larger and the building a bit older but looks in great shape. If given the chance to choose, I'd pick Warde because of diversity alone.

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Just checked greatschools.net and the rate has now changed. Ludlowe is now scoring a 9 vs Warde and 8. Don't think that is very important but wanted to update my comment anyway.

[uconn99]

Fairfield High School used to be the main highschool for Fairfield up until 5 or so years ago. Fairfield having 2 Highschools (Ludlowe and Warde) is a new thing. I don't know about the 50's and 60's but up until a few years ago Fairfield was only 1 highschool.

[goredsox]

i go2 platt tech but I have freinds that go to both warde and ludlowe. I havnt heard much from the ones at ludlowe lately but ive been talking to the ones at warde and they like it. both are good schools. either one is ok, just dont send your kids to any bridgeport schools.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by uconn99

Fairfield High School used to be the main highschool for Fairfield up until 5 or so years ago. Fairfield having 2 Highschools (Ludlowe and Warde) is a new thing. I don't know about the 50's and 60's but up until a few years ago Fairfield was only 1 highschool.

Up until 1958, Fairfield had one high school. That was Roger Ludlowe (though sometimes it was called Fairfield High) and it was housed in the building that is now Tomlinson Middle School. In 1958, Fairfield opened Andrew Warde High School (now called Fairfield-Warde). Not long after that, the town remodeled what was then an elementary school to be a new high school and Roger Ludowe High School moved there. In the 1980's, student population at the high school level dropped and the town decided to close one of the high schools. The decision was made to close Ludlowe and change the name of Andrew Warde to Fairfield High School. A few years ago, it became apparent that one high school was not enough, so RRoger Ludlowe was reopened as Fairfield - Ludlowe and Fairfield High was changed to Fairfield - Ludlowe. Personally I believe the town made a big mistake when they closed Ludlowe and should have maintained the two. It cost the town millions to reopen the school and remodel them both, negating any savings they had by only having one high school. JMHO Jay

[uconn99]

Thanks for the insight Jay. Growing up I always knew Fairfield as a 1 high school town.