Looking for Methuen information and opinions... (Haverhill, Westfield: rentals, best schools, college)

[Celarie]

Our family will be relocating to the Merrimack Valley area this summer. My husband will be employed in Methuen. In researching the area schools, I have some concerns. What are your opinions on the best schools in the area? Is Methuen High as bad as some are mentioning? Thanks!

[konfetka]

From what I've seen in Methuen I was not impressed, and there are many nicer towns in the area.

For schools Andover, North Andover and Newburyport have great schools, and are nice commuities.

Pentucket - serving Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury - seem to have good results, 93, 90 and 86 percent proficiency in English, math and science. Amesbury is 88,86,75. Tewksbury is 86,82,70.

Methuen is 76, 58, 57, which is below state average.

MCAS Report (DISTRICT) - Massachusetts Directory Profiles

[Valerie C]

IIf you are not required to be a Methuen resident, I would look elsewhere. There are some bargains to be sure, in Methuen, and a high number of rentals avaialble if you're going that route. I just think you can do better elsewhere.

Andover/North Andover were recommended, also consider Dracut, maybe Groveland, Georgetown & Merrimac. Amesbury is improving and has a great downtown. West Newbury is very nice but $$$. Haverhill's schools are ailing (but I have 3 HHS-graduate nephews who have recently graduated with honors from Westfield State and UMASS. You also have the option of Whittier Tech, for students who are more likely to learn a trade than go off to college.