Schools in Pelham? (Nashua, Concord, Derry: house, neighborhoods, elementary schools)

[gangofthree]

We found a house we love but have heard the schools are mediocre. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!

[Valerie C]

GangOf3
Pelham's elementary schools aren't regarded as being less than average, but that seems to change as the grade level goes up. Part of the problem may be that by comparison, some of the neighboring towns have very highly regarded school systems, most notably, Londonderry. I know many people who live in Pelham, and while they LOVE their neighborhoods, they have complained about various issues at the high school. It's easy to blame it on the "Massachusetts influence" of being a border town (right next to Dracut) but part of it is that in trying to keep the tax rate down, the school suffer. Big catch 22......

[WinterWonder]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

GangOf3
Pelham's elementary schools aren't regarded as being less than average, but that seems to change as the grade level goes up. Part of the problem may be that by comparison, some of the neighboring towns have very highly regarded school systems, most notably, Londonderry. I know many people who live in Pelham, and while they LOVE their neighborhoods, they have complained about various issues at the high school. It's easy to blame it on the "Massachusetts influence" of being a border town (right next to Dracut) but part of it is that in trying to keep the tax rate down, the school suffer. Big catch 22......

Valerie -

What other high schools, in your opinion, have an excellent reputation, anywhere from Concord area on down, besides Londonderry?

[Valerie C]

Hi WW, haven't seen you for awhile on City Data. Schools with excellent reputations... well unfortunately the towns with the higher taxes seem to have the most highly regarded schools. Along the 93 corridor, I'd have to say Bedford (new HS), Londonderry, Windham (new HS). Derry schools are pretty good, but Pinkerton (their HS) is excellent. Going across the river into the Nashua area, Hollis, without a doubt. Amherst also. Nashua, being a city, has many varied programs, throughout the grades. Just please remember that this is an opinion only, gathered from talking with many parents and residents of these towns. Looking at test scores alone (IMO) is very limiting. There is so much more that makes the school, programs (both advanced placement and SPED services, sports, clubs, etc...)

[WinterWonder]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Hi WW, haven't seen you for awhile on City Data. Schools with excellent reputations... well unfortunately the towns with the higher taxes seem to have the most highly regarded schools. Along the 93 corridor, I'd have to say Bedford (new HS), Londonderry, Windham (new HS). Derry schools are pretty good, but Pinkerton (their HS) is excellent. Going across the river into the Nashua area, Hollis, without a doubt. Amherst also. Nashua, being a city, has many varied programs, throughout the grades. Just please remember that this is an opinion only, gathered from talking with many parents and residents of these towns. Looking at test scores alone (IMO) is very limiting. There is so much more that makes the school, programs (both advanced placement and SPED services, sports, clubs, etc...)

How about in the Concord area?