Need feedback about Collingswood public schools (Camden, Oaklyn: neighborhood, middle school, live)

[elsasmom]

We've lived in center city philly for years but want to leave now to give our 2 year old daughter the kind of childhood we had. Seriously looking at Collingswood. We've heard that the public schools are pretty good- Zane North and Tatem Elementary particularly. But, the numbers and ratings can't give you a real picture of the school. We'd love personal feedback about all the public schools- middle and high school too. Have heard some concerns about safety of the high school.

Any info is appreciated- thanks!

[MoorestownResident]

I think this is a restart of an old thread but I'll say what I said before - no personal experience - but having grown up in Haddon Twp I can tell you that Collingswood schools are considered somewhat better than average but nothing to get too excited about. As far as moving to Collingswood, I think it's a pretty good investment with the revitalization efforts there over recent years but also understand that it borders Camden on one side. Areas around Cooper River are generally considered to be fine but you don't want to be near Rt 130 and the apts over there. Probably the best area is closer to Knights Park and Collingswood HS. It is a good town and you'll be happy there. I also think you should take a look at Haddon Township/Westmont, very good area, and farther away from Camden with schools probably a bit better than Collingswood.

[elsasmom]

Thanks- I did a search and read through several of the posts but they didn't specifically address the schools.

[Tangled Threads]

I have a child in 3rd grade in Collingswood (Zane-North) and I have to say I've been very pleased with all the teachers he's had since he started in kindergarten.

The environment is very nurturing and with the small (neighborhood) school size most of the teachers know all of the children. There's a new superintendent (as of July 2007) and he's very energetic and effective; he's accomplished alot since he's been here.

I don't have a child in the upper grades but they've just dumped a ton of money into the middle and high schools. As of fall 2008, sixth grade will be at the middle school. There seems to be a lot of effort to improve student life as well. There's a new principal at the high school as well - formerly at one of the elementary schools in town.

Woodlynne and Oaklyn are sending districts to Collingswood - Woodlynne at grade 7 and Oaklyn at grade 10 I believe.

Take a look at the Collingswood Schools website - there's a fair amount of information on there. If you look at the Board of Education section, you can look at the board meeting agenda and minutes and see what's going on.

Feel free to send me a private email if you have specific questions. We moved to Collingswood almost five years ago from Philadelphia for similar reasons.

[salix229]

My two sons have attended Collingswood High School, as we have been very happy with the education they have received. Our oldest just graduated, and got into every school he applied to with scholarship offers from most. There are plenty of opportunities for honors classes and advanced placement coursework, a wide variety of elective courses and extracurricular activities, teachers are for the most part excellent, and the guidance staff and administration have been very helpful. The recent renovations have added to to the facility, with new gym areas and a state of the art media center. Our other son participates in several sports, and the opportunities to participate and the coaching are also excellent. I have been very "excited" about the opportunities made available to my kids through Collingswood High School.