Pioneer Valley - public schools (Boston, Springfield: how much, neighborhoods, elementary school)

[gouldmanj]

My husband is interviewing for a job in Springfield, since he went to school at UMass we are looking to relocate to the Pioneer Valley because he would love to get back there. (we currently live in a city just outside of Boston)
We have a 7yo son who currently attends a wonderful Montessori School.
If we move out to the Valley we would most likely be looking at attending public school, so would love a GREAT school and a GREAT neighborhood. So far looking at MCAS scores, I'm looking at Amherst, Pelham and Hadley. However, not sure how much value I should be putting into the MCAS scores.
Any other towns that I should be looking at, that I may be overlooking?
Would love an elementary school that teaches Spanish, any of those out there?
Thank you,
Julie

[imbrendanglamour87]

There are school systems in the Pioneer Valley that are exceptional and ones that are terrible. Generally, Longmeadow and Southwick schools are high performers. However, just over the state line, in Connnecticut (towns like Granby, Simsbury and Avon) is were you will find the best public schools in the country.

As for MCAS scores, put NO stock into those. It is generally agreed that MCAS scores have NO relationship with the success of individual students or student population samples as a hole. Instead, look at average SAT scores for the region.

[teachertype]

You'll want to avoid Greenfield like the plague. It has the worst school system in the state and has been in a total melt down for a year. Most of the Franklin County schools are known more for bullying, racism and provincial attitudes than academics.

Any of the towns you mention, and I've taught in three of them, will do good by your family. MCAS scores are more of a measure of the affluence of the community than individual opportunity for success.

[jeffw]

southwick is great little town, and close to springfield. some of the towns you mentioned are way far from work.

westfield has a newer system lots of new modern schools, some great teachers some so so. but for the most part a great town to live and raise a familiy and close to spfld 20 min ride for the most part.

[Xenos]

What are your kids like? There is a pretty good variety of school communities to choose from. My kids love Amherst, were they challenge the kids a lot and have a high tolerance for eccentric types. Good foreign languages, but not at the elementary level. Hadley is less organized around serving the children of professors, but has excellent, seasoned teachers and a very strong tax base that will serve it well in the next few years. Northampton is sorting out some tax revenue problems, and may have to close a neighborhood elementary school, so proceed with care.

Take a look at Longmeadow while you are at it. The housing stock is old, but middle class neighborhoods have a density that can allow a nice sense of neighborhoods. For strong students, it has an excellent track record for college preparation, with less counter-cultural flavor to the community and the high school culture.