Bettendorf vs Pleasant Valley Schools (Davenport: school districts, community college, where to live)

[abc'sand123's]

Our family will be relocating to the Davenport area and need info regarding schools. We've heard something about a block schedule in Bettendorf and wondered if those of you with experience there could weigh in?

We would also be interested in info about specific preschools in the same area. Thanks!

[Northern Traveler]

I have family in Bettendorf schools. They seem to enjoy the block scheduling. You're classes are a little bit longer every day but you finish the course in a semester rather than having it all year long, and they seem to be doing something right because Bett is a great district.

Both PV and Bett are known as middle-upper middle class districts, Bettendorf is a little bit bigger so you may find more extra-curricular opportunities there. Good luck - I'm sure you'll love that area of the Quad Cities!!!

[abc'sand123's]

Thanks for the info, Northern Traveler!

We had heard that Pleasant Valley's schools were much better (as well as more "snobby"), but we didn't get any details. Any idea if that opinion has any merit? We're trying to figure out where to live based on school districts...

[hugepossum]

Some upsides to PV is that they have a swimming sports program and the school is very close to Scott Community College (in case your kid is a go-getter and wanted to get some college classes in after school). It is also situated in a "nicer" area. It probably costs more too.

That all said, I haven't heard anything bad about Bettendorf schools.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by abc'sand123's

Thanks for the info, Northern Traveler!

We had heard that Pleasant Valley's schools were much better (as well as more "snobby"), but we didn't get any details. Any idea if that opinion has any merit? We're trying to figure out where to live based on school districts...

I'm sure the people in PV are a tad bit more wealthy since they cover a smaller and newer area - but don't worry about it being "snobby." A lot of people like to hold that against good districts- but I look at it this way, it's CLEAN, the kids are involved, and for the most part come from successful families that are well educated. So yes, maybe you'll have to deal with a snobby attitude here and there, but finding a public school with these characteristics is well worth it. I'd encourage either PV or Bettendorf strongly.

[QuadCityImages]

One of the reasons for PV and to a lesser extend Bettendorf HS being considered snobby is that the school is overwhelmingly white and upper-middle class. I suspect my education within Davenport public schools prepared me for the real diverse world better than some of these suburban districts do.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by QuadCityImages

One of the reasons for PV and to a lesser extend Bettendorf HS being considered snobby is that the school is overwhelmingly white and upper-middle class. I suspect my education within Davenport public schools prepared me for the real diverse world better than some of these suburban districts do.

lol...

[QuadCityImages]

I just noticed that I used "extend" instead of "extent," which somewhat argues against my point that urban public schools are better... but everyone has typos.

On a serious note though, all schools have their own pluses and minuses. Bettendorf is less likely to have gang issues, but they've had trouble in other areas. I guess my point is not to just write off a school district based on what a few people tell you. Including me.

[abc'sand123's]

Originally Posted by QuadCityImages

Bettendorf is less likely to have gang issues, but they've had trouble in other areas.

Would you be able to elaborate on the other areas Bettendorf has had trouble?

Thanks so much to all of you for the info! It's true that you can't judge anything based on a couple opinions, but it definitely helps to hear the thoughts of those of you that are familiar with the area...

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by abc'sand123's

Would you be able to elaborate on the other areas Bettendorf has had trouble?

Thanks so much to all of you for the info! It's true that you can't judge anything based on a couple opinions, but it definitely helps to hear the thoughts of those of you that are familiar with the area...

There are some crappy areas down towards the river where there may be some light crime/drugs. I would imagine this is what he's talking about.. could be wrong but that's all I really know of as an issue in Bettendorf.