[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by 7 Wishes

As I noted in some other recent forums, based on some new recent experience of mine working p/t in the Trumbull school district at all grade levels, it's more "diverse" than I expected. Whether it's because of "sneak ins" from Bridgeport or whether the demographics of those with school age kids are more "diverse" than those without in the town

I'd have to guess it's a bit of both. I've noticed in the past year or so that the North End of my town has become much more diverse, with families with children moving in. And i have to suspect that part of the reason for the influx is due to the more militant stance that the BOE adopted toward identifying sneaks from Bridgeport. Granted, Stratford's schools are not top tier by any means, but they're still considered desirable to people with children in the Bpt. system. I'd have to believe that Trumbull and Fairfield will/are seeing a similar increase in diversity due to a combination of moves and sneaks.

[JayCT]

We knew someone that did this. For a while they used a relative's address. When the relative moved they switched to a PO box. That sent up a red flag to the school district and they were told immediately to leave the school. I remember Fairfield was always very diligent about sneaks even when I was a kid. Jay

[Chicoan]

Avoid New Haven unless you're privy to being shot.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I'd have to guess it's a bit of both.

I honestly think this too. I just was saying this to point out to the OP that they might be a little more comfortable in Trumbull than another poster on this thread thought they might be in terms of seeking diversity and all.......

[Tolliver12]

Originally Posted by 7 Wishes

As I noted in some other recent forums, based on some new recent experience of mine working p/t in the Trumbull school district at all grade levels, it's more "diverse" than I expected. Whether it's because of "sneak ins" from Bridgeport or whether the demographics of those with school age kids are more "diverse" than those without in the town, I can tell you from the classes I've seen while I still wouldn't call it "diverse" in the true sense of the word, I would guess averaging them out that it appeared to be more like 5-10% AA, and an equal percentage Hispanic. (If you go by the 2% number and figure an average of 25 kids in a class that's an average of 0.5 (less than one) African-American student in a class, and I rarely saw a class like that (usually it was like 1-3 kids, thus my 5-10% guess).

Affordability is another matter, but just some thoughts now that this thread seems to be moving again.

Thanks 7 Wishes for the detailed insight, I really do appreciate it. It's good to hear from someone with hands on experience inside these schools. I am interested in Trumbull, but my main concern was that my child would be the only one of his race in class and I didn't want him to be isolated in that way. 5-10% IS relatively diverse and wouldn't be isolating at all compared to some schools that are less than 1% AA.

Also, if you or anyone else has any info regarding North Haven, that would be greatly appreciated.

[dazzleman]

I live in Fairfield. Prices have come down, but $350K is still pretty much at the bottom for a house in Fairfield.

It's a great town, but it's not terribly diverse. The non-white population that we do have is mainly latino with some other different groups, but very little black population. I have noticed a sprinkling of black people in certain parts of town, but there's no identifiable neighborhood in which blacks would have anything close to a truly noticeable presence. It's up to you to judge whether you feel comfortable.

If you look in Fairfield, you may want to consider the McKinley school district. It is the most ethnically/racially diverse school (about 40% non-white, and maybe 8% black), followed by Holland Hill and Jennings, IIRC. Many of the other elementary schools are lily white, but McKinley most definitely isn't. My friends' kids go to McKinley and they've been very happy with it.

[Cambium]

Surprised nobody recommended Stamford east side of town. Very diverse, close to everything, but you'll probably find a nice 3BR condo for that price. Start searching in Stratford, you might like it there..

[dazzleman]

I think Stratford is a good choice as a place to look. It's much more diverse than Fairfield (or Milford), but the schools probably aren't as good as Fairfield's schools are.

At the end, it's really a very subjective decision.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Tolliver12

Also, if you or anyone else has any info regarding North Haven, that would be greatly appreciated.

If you're considering New Haven County, you might like the dynamics of Hamden. North Haven has better schools than Hamden, but it probably doesn't have quite the diversity that you would like and your $$$ will go further in Hamden.

BTW, if you don't need to live in Fairfield County, don't. Your money will go much further in New Haven County.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by dazzleman

I live in Fairfield. Prices have come down, but $350K is still pretty much at the bottom for a house in Fairfield.

It's a great town, but it's not terribly diverse. The non-white population that we do have is mainly latino with some other different groups, but very little black population. I have noticed a sprinkling of black people in certain parts of town, but there's no identifiable neighborhood in which blacks would have anything close to a truly noticeable presence. It's up to you to judge whether you feel comfortable.

If you look in Fairfield, you may want to consider the McKinley school district. It is the most ethnically/racially diverse school (about 40% non-white, and maybe 8% black), followed by Holland Hill and Jennings, IIRC. Many of the other elementary schools are lily white, but McKinley most definitely isn't. My friends' kids go to McKinley and they've been very happy with it.

In that same vein, from my experience with Trumbull, the elementary school that seemed the most "diverse" was Frenchtown. But someone who actually lives in the town may know a bit better.