Fort Collins - Old Town elementary schools (Bennett: relocation, income)

[outwash]

We are planning on a relocation to Ft. Collins this summer for a job transfer.
We are most interested in living in the old town/university area on the
north end of town (although the price markup is hard to stomach).

The big thing we were wondering about is the in-town schools. We have
two elementary school-age kids. The houses we are most interested in are in
the Dunn, Irish, Laurel, Putnam or Moore boundary areas. We know that
everybody loves Dunn so we don't have too many questions about that
one. And I think we heard about enough problems with Irish elementary
to possibly eliminate that one.

But the other three Laurel, Putnam and Moore - we're not so sure
about. From the school reports they are dominatly low income schools
with lots of english as a 2nd language and generally score lower on
test scores than district and state averages. Those are things that
do not automatically eliminate those schools in our mind if they have
good teachers, low discipline problems, involved parents, etc.. And I
would rather go to a school that is economically and socially diverse
than the other extreme (my wife is part hispanic herself).

But one trend that disturbs me is that it seems like so many parents
are choicing out of those schools (I think Irish is the extreme where
about 50% of those within the boundaries choice out to other schools, a similar percentage with Lincoln Junior High).
It seems like the school-choice program is leading to a economic and
social segregation in a district that is overall not very diverse.

On the other hand we hear that the school choice program is getting
much more restrictive and since we are moving into the district 4
months after the deadline for the program, there will not be any
availability in the most desired elementary schools. And most
importantly, we prefer to go to a elementary school in our
neighborhood.

But we have not spoke to anyone who has kids in any of those schools
to know what their opinion.

I was wondering if any of you had any observations beyond the superficial
school report cards. Are parents happy with those schools, do
teachers tend to stay in place or always look for a transfer to a more
affluent school, do they have high parental involvement, discipline
problems etc.

Thanks for any observations you have.

[Fort Collins Joe]

When you mention the state reports, are you referring to the CO state accountability reports? Browse
School Accountability Report - School Search

If so, I think, yes, they have some superficial aspects to the grading system but in general, they are great for comparison investigations.
As much as many people hate the standard tests, having a majority of passing students in the school can be a good indicator for general comparison of the school in general.
I have kids in Fort schools and I personally think the reports are a great indicator. Everyone knows that schools in nice neighborhoods get better reps and scores and the report card system reflects that.

Another thing I like to check is schools in other states (like on GreatSchools.net) and compare to Fort Collins schools. I think you'll find that the indicators reflect the schools progress.

Good luck!
-Joe

[outwash]

Hi Joe

Thanks for you comments.

Yes I believe we are referring to the same thing. I agree that they are a good indicator of the type of students going to the school. I'm not so certain they are indicative of how "great" the schools are just more how "smart" the students going to those schools. I thing they appear to show that the schools with higher number of students eligible for free lunch, learning english as a 2nd language, single parent homes, other socioeconomic factors - are going to have the lower test scores.

I am moving from Pennsylvania. One interesting thing they do here is compare a school with respect to its socioeconomic makeup (income levels, singel parent, ethnicity etc). So you get an indication whether a school is overachieving or underachieving (or teaching to the test a cynic might say) based on the prediction. One old town school (I believe it was Putnam) did seem to perform fairly well on the standarized test even though it was a majority lower income school.

Just looking at the numbers and what I've read about the number of people using the School Choice program, it seems that the elementary districts in parts of town that would normally be considered middle class trending are now mostly lower income trending becasue of the choice program. But that is a side issue.

What I'm really interested is if there are parents out there who have some experience with the old town schools they could relay.

Thanks again for your reply.

[outwash]

Just out of curiosity? Does anybody on the list have kids that go to schools the north side schools (Dunn, Putnam, Irish, Moore, Laurel, Lincoln Junior high). And have you been happy with them?

I'm finding a lot of people have posted about the south end of town but few about the schools in the north end.

I'd love to hear more from parents who have children attending the schools on the north end of town. I'm finding it difficult to locate those parents.

Thanks.

[Jen M.]

I don't know if you've made your move yet, so this may not be helpful... My children and I have had nothing but good experiences with Putnam. It has very up to date computer & science labs, awesome elective before and after school activities, a very parent friendly bus options, wonderful music program (which is hard to find) and experienced, friendly and involved staff and faculty. I was concerned about the lower income stats also but we've had such a positive school experience there that Putnam is now our school of choice. (I drive 20 min a day each way so they can keep attending.) I grew up here so I'm familiar with the district -- I recommend Putnam to everyone.

[outwash]

Hi jen M.

Thanks so much for comments. So you've continued in the school even after moving out of the district? We are trying to buy a house in the north end so we will probably end up in the Putnam district, so you're comments are very encouraging. I like the feel of the north - a real mix of educated professional/university types and working class whites and hispanics. We've met some parents who choiced out and a couple who are staying in the school and happy. I guess the number of parents who have choiced out is discouraging, but the ones who have kids in the school seem to be very happy with the teachers and everything. We may get on the waiting list for Bennett and Dunn (the next two closest schools) just in case but will probably go to Putnam. We can also be reached on email at soilscape@gmail.com.

Thanks again.

[cheyenne1966]

All of the Poudre School district is pretty good. I would have no problem whatsoever putting my kids in either of those schools & have friends whose children have attended school in old town. It's actually my favorite part of town

[outwash]

thanks for your comments Cheyenne1966.

We are going to be in the Putnam district and I believe we have decided to go ahead and attend that school.

thanks