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I'm kind of serious. Schools that offer good academics like AP classes, schools with decent SAT scores... all the typical stuff comes first, but then choices can make a difference between a good school and a great school for me. (Yes, my daughter really is getting bagpipe lessons at school.)
I think it honestly all comes down to the wealth of the residents. It’s no secret that usually all the top-ranking districts in NJ are the wealthiest ones. These families have the resources to hire tutors or enroll their children in Kaplan courses. Explains the high SAT scores too. My wife and I have talked about this and she expresses concern about sending our future kids to a great school district like Northern Highlands Regional, but have them feel like the “poor” kids because we don’t charter private planes for vacation or drive a Bentley. Is the stellar education worth it at that point? You will have to decide...
I look at attendance records for the Asian population. If there is severe absenteeism among the Asian, I will not consider sending my child there.
Absenteeism among Asians? That is highly unusual so the school must be really bad.
But in general, a healthy percentage of Asian students usually indicates high test scores and string academic program. At least 20% Asian is usually enough. Those are the schools that I would ideally like my children to attend.
If there is no sizable Asian minority, the school will have a strong football/baseball/basket weaving program and terrible test scores. And parents will be complaining about unfair tests, teaching to the test and lack of extra curricular activities...
Absenteeism among Asians? That is highly unusual so the school must be really bad.
But in general, a healthy percentage of Asian students usually indicates high test scores and string academic program. At least 20% Asian is usually enough. Those are the schools that I would ideally like my children to attend.
If there is no sizable Asian minority, the school will have a strong football/baseball/basket weaving program and terrible test scores. And parents will be complaining about unfair tests, teaching to the test and lack of extra curricular activities...
Palisades Park is one exception that comes to mind...
SAT scores, degrees offered (IB for instance), graduation rate, AP classes offered, % who take, % score 3 and above, extra curricular activities offered (I.e more than just sports), % graduate with 4 year degree. If I can get info on what colleges seniors are attending even better.
This is a good list of criteria. Not much else is important to me.
Grew up in the hood in Jersey City. My parents were blue collar and we went to the public schools and all have been successful. 60 years ago I don't think many people cared.
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