[beccalyn23]

We are possibly moving to CT. Job is in NewLondon/Groton area. Biggest concern is school system. Need a school district that has top-rated academic program as well as excellent special ed services. Old Lyme district has top rating from Great Schools and apparent strong academic scores. Any thoughts? Any other school districts around area with top ratings. Looking for a high school who's scores are consistently in 90th percentile with either IB or AP offerings. Looking for elementary which has good programs and services, enviroment and teachers who understand autism (high functioning). Thanks for any adivce or direction.

[Tricia911]

I would encourage you to look at Gales Ferry, CT. The schools are good. I have a special ed child and feel like he has been served well. The housing prices are much better then Lyme. The high school is Ledyard high school. There are also several good private schools. By the way I am not a realator, or do I work for the city or school system.

[ibp]

Did you find something? I have the same questions about Groton/New london. I'll be grateful for any information.

[beccalyn23]

IBP, I have made some calls specifically to individuals in the area with special needs children. What I am hearing consistently is East Lyme, Old Lyme or Waterford. Since I am also looking for an academically challenging district, these seem to fit the "bill." This was my "gut" feeling and confirmed my basic research prior to talking with parents and advocates in the area. You can view test scores on Great Schools.net. I'm sure that there are those who would disagree - everybody thinks their school district is the best. I am here to say 'not.' We have lived in both Naperville, IL and Plano, TX - two of the undisputed top school ditricts in the country; and now live in southwest MI. I am here to say "all education is not equal!" Naperville and Plano have conistent test scores in the solid 95%. They both have schools who have recieved Blue Ribbon Awards from the US Department of ED. They have high schools in the top 200 - 500 list of top high schools in the country. Their graduates not only attend but recieve scholarships yearly to IVY league colleges. This is what I look for in a school district because for the last four years I have not had this and what a disappointment. Unfortunately the part of Michigan we live in does not measure up in the least. Although everyone will tell you how great the schools are - there are NO blue ribbon schools; none of the high schools in this area make it on the list of top high schools; students who do exceptionally well academically are NOT offered scholarships because the curriculum is NOT challenging. What's interesting is these schools only seem to compare themselves to other MI schools never nationally. This is indicative of MI view of higher ed. - less than 30% of individuals in MI consider higher ed important - this is certainly reflected in the schools. And as far as educating students with special needs - well that's a whole 'nother story.

All this said it really boils down to a value system. As an educator, I believe education is essential. As a mom of a special needs child an academically focused school district which is considered "wealthy" typically means better services because funding is not an issue. Yes, you pay more in taxes and yes, your housing will be higher and yes, you will be dealing with a number of intense, pushy, and somewhat snobby parents. And that's all of a matter of opinion too because I am viewed as being one of those parents where I live now because I insist on quality; but where I came from, I was the one saying, "chill" there just kids. So far I'm impressed with CT's take on education - actually relieved. I am also impressed with the warm reception and helpfulness of those individuals in CT who have given me direction and info. Good luck to you and your family - moving is always an adventure!