Elementary schools in Canton and Dedham (Boston: houses, layoffs, closing)

[daniaesterman]

My family is moving to the Boston area, and my husband will be working at the Boston VA hospital in Jamaica Plain. We have been up a few times to look at houses. We have 2 and 4 year old children so school is important, but we cannot afford the 'best' school areas. It seems we can afford a nice home in Dedham and Canton, but it is hard to judge the schools as school has not started yet (we will try to visit them in September). We have seen lovely homes in the Luce school area and the Greenlodge school. Can anyone weigh in on these schools or the Early Childhood Education Center in Dedham?
Thanks! It's so hard to find this kind of info long distance.

[capecodcathy]

Can't say much about Dedham, but I have a niece and nephew who went through Canton schools and two nephews who are still there. All have done very well there from elementary through high school.

[Beachcomber4]

I like using wicked local which features online editions of many local towns' newspapers. You can find new and archived articles about a number of topics that would help you become more knowledgeable about the current economic climate of a given town.


Because of budget constraints, many towns that were previously noted for their well funded schools and town services are now facing cuts and in some case layoffs and school closings. I do know the town of Canton had been experiencing financial difficulties but not sure what impact that had on the schools which have always been well regarded.