Gray, ME (Portland, Lewiston, Auburn: daycare, houses, best school)

[futurecruiser]

Hi,

We are considering moving to the greater portland area from southern
NH. So, I know what the weather's like... :-) and we are all set for jobs.

A few of the houses we are looking at are in Gray, ME. Heard there's a school issue, there, is that true? We do not have kids but it's no fun living in a place where the schools are a problem (plus there's resale value....)

Any other comments about living in Gray in general?

One of the homes in particular is near Portland Sand and Gravel off Mayall Road. Does anyone know first hand how loud this will be? And how often are they running the machines that are loud?

Thanks!

[flycessna]

My son goes to gray schools or MSAD 15. I was very dissapointed with the elementary schools. We worked twice as hard schooling him at home because they were not teaching him anything. 3 years in a row: 1st teacher left half way through the year because she was having a baby, 2nd year teacher had major psychological issues and at one point was out 3 weeks because of a nervous break down, 3rd teacher just did not do anything. I had to keep asking and fighting with the school to get him extra help in reading ect it was a nightmare for which he is still paying the price today.... but he is catching up. for all the negative stories about the Junior high I have to say I am was pretty satisfied. This past year he had an excellent teacher and it made all the difference. The school started a program called power school (probably already in NH...but) which is you can track the students progress in homework, tests, school projects, ect. online. The system, as long as the teacher keeps updating it, is great. Thank god it wasn't around when I went to school. I also think from what i've seen the HS is not so bad either.

Statistically, Yarmouth and Cape elizabeth are the best school systems around Portland. I do think Gray is getting better. With all of the growth and people moving in from outside there has been a push to change.

[littlejm]

I have lived in New Gloucester, right on the Gray/New Gloucester line off of Mayall Rd, for eight years. We love it here. We are right in the middle of Windham, Yarmouth/Freeport, Portland, and Lewiston/Auburn so it is very convenient yet out of the way. I drive by the area you mentioned everday to bring my children to daycare on Merrill Rd.
My daughter is in 1st grade at Russell Elementary and I cannot say enough goods things about the education that she has received thus far. The two teachers that she has had and the prinicipal are exceptionally good with the children from what I have experienced. My daughter, as a 1st grader, is in her second year of Spanish which I think is amazing. She was also reading level one books within the first few months of Kindergarten and absolutely loves to read. She loves her teachers and I have not had any issues with her education so far. I also find that the recreation department offers a lot of programs for children and adults that are very appealing.
I can easily say that if my husband and I were given the opportunity to live elsewhere, we would not leave the Gray area.
Best of luck!

[shadowfax1997]

I think gray is a fairly nice area. Their schools budget is voted each year by the residents - so some years there are 2, 3 or 4 votes to get a final budget. Can't speak to quality as I live in next town over, but I drive through daily on way to Portland area to work.

It is a VERY convienent area. 30 minutes to lewiston/auburn area, oxford hills, windham, portland. LIttle longer the the ski mountains, but not by much. There are beautiful trails for walking. Lots of lakes.