Job offer in lancaster need help with schools and other questions (Millersville: home, best school districts)

[gongamonga]

My husband has a job offer in Lancaster. Are public schools there good? I checked greatschools.net and one of the high schools got a really poor rating. Are there areas to avoid? Are gangs a problem? We have one child who is special needs in elementary school. He is in a regualr classroom, but still requires special ed services everyday. Our other child is gifted and in middle school. Would we have to consider private schools? We prefer public because we feel it offers more diversity, but we want the kids to be safe and get a good education. We have heard such wonderful things about Lancaster. What are the best school districts? Thank you for the help.

[toobusytoday]

Great schools is not a great site. Try Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools. or SchoolMatters - Home Lampeter-Strasburg just south of the city is a wonderful school district. Lampeter-Strasburg School District - L-S Home Page

[gongamonga]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will check out the sites you mentioned. I appreciate your help.

[teachbeach]

Also check the following school districts. You will most likely have a Lancaster address, but not be in the city schools. There are many school districts in Lancaster County~Hempfield, Warwick and Manheim Township, Lampeter Strasburg all seem to get top billing for overall education for students.

[graysmom8]

I student taught in Lampeter-Strasburg about 12 years ago and really enjoyed it. Millersville University has a huge dept of education, so there are lots of future teachers doing field experiences/student teaching in many of the districts around Lancaster, which means extra hands to help out in the classroom for part of the year.

Penn Manor School District in Millersville is another district that I have heard good things about.

[ASW]

If you are interested in Catholic education, you cannot beat St. Leo the Great School and Lancaster Catholic High. Excellent!!