Compare the diversity in neighborhoods and elementary schools Short Hills, Millburn, Montclair and South Orange NJ (towns, people)

[qrysdonnell]

Originally Posted by lancers

Although Maplewood and SO share the same HS you cannot compare the two. Maplewood ain't SO.

From actually living here in the here and now, I don't really see any sizable difference between the two. There are some municipal quirks between the two, but the area pretty much functions as a whole as far as the residents are concerned. The high school essentially the focal point of a singular community, which is made up of two municipalities. There are some areas where the character changes from neighborhood to neighborhood, but there isn't anywhere where there is a noticeable change (apart from the existence of gaslamps) when crossing a municipal border.

[sheba7]

Thanks for the advice everyone! We decided to move to Montclair after visiting and talking to many friends, locals and online research. Next step is figuring out the school system in Montclair, which appears to be a magnet system.

Any advice on managing the application process for Magnet schools would be appreciated.

Also, if anyone knows a great group for new Montclair families, I would appreciate the help!

[pinkydapimp]

Originally Posted by sheba7

Thanks for the advice everyone! We decided to move to Montclair after visiting and talking to many friends, locals and online research. Next step is figuring out the school system in Montclair, which appears to be a magnet system.

Any advice on managing the application process for Magnet schools would be appreciated.

Also, if anyone knows a great group for new Montclair families, I would appreciate the help!

You will want to check out montclair watercoolers on facebook for starters. Its a great town. you will love it.

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by sheba7

Thanks for the advice everyone! We decided to move to Montclair after visiting and talking to many friends, locals and online research. Next step is figuring out the school system in Montclair, which appears to be a magnet system.

i wonder whether or not the sacrifice in quality schools is worth it for the child to grow up with more friends that are the same color as the child.

[Kthnry]

Originally Posted by CaptainNJ

i wonder whether or not the sacrifice in quality schools is worth it for the child to grow up with more friends that are the same color as the child.

While we're on the subject of Maplewood/South Orange schools, let's hear it for Ibtihaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim representing the U.S. at the Olympics in fencing, the first American woman to compete in a hijab, a poised and articulate defender of her faith -- and just one of many accomplished graduates of Columbia H.S.

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by Kthnry

While we're on the subject of Maplewood/South Orange schools, let's hear it for Ibtihaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim representing the U.S. at the Olympics in fencing, the first American woman to compete in a hijab, a poised and articulate defender of her faith -- and just one of many accomplished graduates of Columbia H.S.

we are all individuals. i think the olympics and representing other people and nations is silly. god hates flags. let's stick to nj stuff. we all have our opinions.

[pinkydapimp]

Originally Posted by CaptainNJ

i wonder whether or not the sacrifice in quality schools is worth it for the child to grow up with more friends that are the same color as the child.

I dont think the goal is necessarily to be around more friends that are the same color, its just to be in an environment with many different types of people. Different meaning skin color, religion, socio economic status, etc. I think many feel this provides an education that cant be gauged in a standardized exam. So maybe the test scores are better in another district. However, i think most people that choose these towns do so because they feel it will provide a better overall education.

[sheba7]

Originally Posted by pinkydapimp

I dont think the goal is necessarily to be around more friends that are the same color, its just to be in an environment with many different types of people. Different meaning skin color, religion, socio economic status, etc. I think many feel this provides an education that cant be gauged in a standardized exam. So maybe the test scores are better in another district. However, i think most people that choose these towns do so because they feel it will provide a better overall education.

Well said. My kids can be friends with whomever they want, whatever color, religion, etc. However, we prefer that kids are exposed to all people and feel that this may be as valuable to their lives as learning math and science. In fact, as a parent, I can easily help them with school subjects and my children are naturally good at those things. They will know their ABC's. I don't want them to live in an environment that makes them feel like they are outsiders or different. In addition, I want them to see people who are different from them as "normal".

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by sheba7

I don't want them to live in an environment that makes them feel like they are outsiders or different. In addition, I want them to see people who are different from them as "normal".

is the primary motivation to protect them from feeling like outsiders? i am not suggesting that is a bad thing. maybe it is better to be in a "lesser" town if it means you have a better social life. ive never been in that position myself, you would need to find out from the 30 or so black kids that went to my high school to see if they benefited from being in a more highly regarded town while being a small minority of the population. i probably wouldnt want to be in that situation.

[AnesthesiaMD]

Just a thought. How do the non-diverse towns ever become diverse if all the "diverse" people are only considering diverse towns?