PV or JimThorpe School district (Jim Thorpe, Lansford: university, taxes, living)

[JerseyBean]

Hi...
I have read so many people boast of PV school district, but when I look online to inquire about it, the test scores are very low and people complain about class size, etc. Do you find this to be true?

Also, which do you think is better PV school district or Jim Thorpe?

Thanks so much...thinking of moving to the area's mentioned....

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by JerseyBean

Hi...
I have read so many people boast of PV school district, but when I look online to inquire about it, the test scores are very low and people complain about class size, etc. Do you find this to be true?

Also, which do you think is better PV school district or Jim Thorpe?

Thanks so much...thinking of moving to the area's mentioned....

I personally am not at all familiar with either district, but I wish you the best of luck in your relocation. I hope you find the quality-of-life in Northeastern Pennsylvania to be just as good as New Jersey, if not even surprisingly better. Summering is our forum expert on the Pleasant Valley area of Southern Monroe County (the "West End"), so she should be along shortly to help. I would personally prefer to live in Jim Thorpe myself because it has a traditional "town center" type of feel with sidewalks, a downtown, businesses, etc. whereas Pleasant Valley has a very suburban feel to it with no town center, but to each his own.

[JerseyBean]

Thanks ScranBarre!

[Summering]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

I personally am not at all familiar with either district, but I wish you the best of luck in your relocation. I hope you find the quality-of-life in Northeastern Pennsylvania to be just as good as New Jersey, if not even surprisingly better. Summering is our forum expert on the Pleasant Valley area of Southern Monroe County (the "West End"), so she should be along shortly to help. I would personally prefer to live in Jim Thorpe myself because it has a traditional "town center" type of feel with sidewalks, a downtown, businesses, etc. whereas Pleasant Valley has a very suburban feel to it with no town center, but to each his own.

Thanks for the applause ScranBarre..........
The only pointers I can really say is to look into Schoolmatch.com or into Schoolmatters.com
My kids actually went to New Jersey schools, so I'd be giving some just hearsay advice. My neighbors children seem to enjoy the school system of PV.
I do see happy kids around the school area in PV. Lots of sports and activities going on. Very nice families, and a good environment.
However, you'd have to look into those stats to compare the two schools.
Jim thorpe does have a cute town appeal. But, I feel closer to main highways to get to surrounding towns while living over this way.
To get the "best" of schools sometimes requires the "best" and most expensive towns.....
My kids always did well in just a regular graded school system. They went on to college and further success. Children ,I think, can make the best for themselves........it seems to work out ok.

[JerseyBean]

Thanks Summering...I appreciate your thoughts...

[poconoproud]

My kids go to Pleasant Valley. Yes the class sizes are a bit big, but between the 80's and now - this area has seen an explosion of growth. I am not sure about the low test score thing, my kids are honor roll students and enjoy very much the friendships they have with the other kids here. There is a lot of diversity, as my kids have friends of many colors and cultures. I wish the teaching staff was as diverse, but we can't have everything.

My good friend has children in the Jim Thorpe school. She seems to be happy with the school, and really likes that they provide all day kindergarden. I don't know if you have kids that young, but she said it made it possible for her to go back to work full time, a year sooner than she would have in PV - as they have half day programs.

[jojo1617]

I went to PV and still live in the area. My nieces and nephew go to PV and one day my daughter will as well...LOVE IT. I know nothing of low test scores, my nieces are with honors. My nephew has special needs and they do wonders for him.

[gaglianom]

Love Jim Thorpe Schools. My children went to Catholic schools in Jersey. Figured I would try Jim Thorpe for six months...my daughter just graduated there with honors! She was excepted into every college she applied to. She chose to go into a 5 years honors masters program at a private university that offered her a huge financial scholarship based on her years at JT High School.(She originally started JT in the 6th grade. My son is an honors student as well, and will be a junior this year. Love, love,love this school system! Can't say enough about safety, academics ,discipline and wonderful communication between school and families. MUCH LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH!!!

[PeeAye Native]

PV in this area could mean Panther Valley (ie., Lansford) or Pleasant Valley.

[krp123]

While I was in high school at Pocono Mountain I dated a guy who went to Jim Thorpe, and I was envious of him because of it. Small class sizes, everyone knew everyone. He graduated with honors as many of the students there did at that time. Taxes are lower too. If I had to choose between the two I would honestly go with Jim Thorpe.