[flburgos]

Originally Posted by novanative75

There are bad schools everywhere, no on is arguing that point. However, Florida, as a whole, is in a poor state of education. I live in one of the wealthiest counties in Florida and the school system is horrible. Again, it is the overall state, we all understand that there are bad schools and districts everywhere.

it's not the schools.it's the parents that could give a rats A@s if they're kid is passing or not.my daughter just started going to public school for the first time and i was told how bad the school was.can i tell you she is doing well and we communicate with the teachers every 2 weeks and stay on top of her.the parents that don't care are the ones that make schools look like c@#p.

[OnThaGrind]

Originally Posted by novanative75

Please be careful when you talk about school ratings and grades. A rating or grade does not make a great school. You need to know to look beyond that. Everything these days is based on test scores, I mean, we all know to take those with a grain of salt.
Please, please do not choose your child's education based on websites like Greatschools.net!

In your opinion, what is the best way to find out if a school is good or not? Especially if you are looking for info on a school that is far away, and want to look into it before making a move to another state? I know to look beyond the school ratings, but what other ways can we compare, or lets say, shop for the best (public) schools? I am honestly looking into this myself, because i am considering moving back to NYC from the West Palm Beach area of south FL. My son now goes to an A rated school, but how would it compare to any other school in NYC?

[Karen48]

Moved from NJ to Fl then to NC. Hands down NC the best of all worlds. Couple hours drive to mountains or the beach. Seasons, though none severe. NICE people. Lots of "new" areas meaning new homes, new schools plenty of malls and shopping. Also plenty of quaint, older areas to live. Much lower car insurance and property insurance. Like I said the best of all worlds.

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by OnThaGrind

In your opinion, what is the best way to find out if a school is good or not? Especially if you are looking for info on a school that is far away, and want to look into it before making a move to another state? I know to look beyond the school ratings, but what other ways can we compare, or lets say, shop for the best (public) schools? I am honestly looking into this myself, because i am considering moving back to NYC from the West Palm Beach area of south FL. My son now goes to an A rated school, but how would it compare to any other school in NYC?

It is hard, I will say that. I think you can use ratings to distinguish the good from the bad overall but sometimes the ratings are based on such crazy things that it really makes it hard to take them seriously. I think one great way to learn about the schools is to talk to people who have kids that go there. If it is a high school, I would look at the course offerings, how many AP classes do they offer? How many honors classes do they offer? Where are the kids going to college? How are kids doing on standardized tests (although school grades will pretty much tell you that)? How many ESOL students are there? It is going to be harder with middle and elementary schools.
If you are pleased with the school your son is going to now, think of what it is you like about that and then look for similarities in the new schools.
Also, visit the school yourself, take the time to meet with a guidance counselor and see what kind of feel you get from walking around. Sure, a beautiful building does not make a good school but it is a start, to get a feel for the atmosphere.
It is hard, though, I do agree with you. There is no sure fire way to tell exactly what kind of experience your child will have at any school whether it is good or bad. I have seen kids do horribly at a great school, it happens. Know your child and know what they need and make sure the school offers those things, educationally and otherwise.
Good luck!

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by flburgos

it's not the schools.it's the parents that could give a rats A@s if they're kid is passing or not.my daughter just started going to public school for the first time and i was told how bad the school was.can i tell you she is doing well and we communicate with the teachers every 2 weeks and stay on top of her.the parents that don't care are the ones that make schools look like c@#p.

Yes and no. I see your point and caring parents certainly can help in schools, good or bad. However, caring parents do not have anything to do with poor course offerings, outdated computer equipment and school supplies and underqualified teachers and staff, for examples.

[Wendyb0077]

Originally Posted by Karen48

Moved from NJ to Fl then to NC. Hands down NC the best of all worlds. Couple hours drive to mountains or the beach. Seasons, though none severe. NICE people. Lots of "new" areas meaning new homes, new schools plenty of malls and shopping. Also plenty of quaint, older areas to live. Much lower car insurance and property insurance. Like I said the best of all worlds.

I moved from the Bronx, to upstate NY Bear Mountain area, South Jersey, Port Saint Lucie, FL and have a cabin in NC. NC people are really nice, but it depends on what area you move to. Larger cities, more transplants, not as nice.

[luvthatmouse]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

Mouse,

Your post is subjective and prone to your personal choice in some areas, but you have written with more balance over two general areas (the entire northeast vs the entire state of Florida) than virtually any post that I have read. I could dispute or agree with your opinions on virtually every level if I was to look at specific areas, but you have capsulized most of the issues that are on the "front burner" of any family looking to move to/from Florida. Excellent, well-thought post!!

Thanks. I make a lot of lists when trying to decide things I love things about both of the areas and dislike things. If I had the money we would keep our condo here in FL and have a house with some land up north. Jan-May in FL and June-Jan in NH or MA.

[Petertherock]

We just got 13 inches of snow a few days ago. We are getting another 3-6 inches tonight and changing to ice. Then the daytime highs will be 5-10. The overnight lows will be well below zero. Any question as to where the better place to live is?

[121804]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

We just got 13 inches of snow a few days ago. We are getting another 3-6 inches tonight and changing to ice. Then the daytime highs will be 5-10. The overnight lows will be well below zero. Any question as to where the better place to live is?

And when it gets to be the regular 95 degrees with 70% humidity in FL for days & days starting in May...

Winter is winter in the "north" which comprises about 25 states to people on this forum & FL summers is its own special breed of relentess heat & humidity...

Go figure why there are so many halfbacks...summer sucks in FL & winter is anything but great "up north"...

Come August there will be the gazillion posts on how hot is in FL.

[flburgos]

all the snow that fell is frozen now and the weekend is going to be below zero with the wind chill factor.i know where i would be.i hate hearing some of these people that live in florida complaining,they should take a flight out here this weekend.i guarantee you will get back in the plane and fly back.