Private Schools in Phili Area? (Ambler, Blue Bell: credit, neighborhood, preschool)

[pennquaker09]

I have to say, I agree with the last two posters. I lived in the Colonial School District and it was good also.

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Finally! Another voice of reason in a sea of insanity! Welcome brother, now duck and cover...

Thanks, and yeah, I think I'll go hide

[toobusytoday]

I really have nothing against public schools. My three kids have attended or now attend them. My daughter just got a job teaching at a Middle School. My point is that times have changed in the last 20 years. Even the elementary school that my daughter attended 15 years ago is quite different today. My son is enjoying his HS experience but he would enjoy it more if his teachers did not have to stay within such a rigid curriculum. No, I'm not telling him that so hope you all don't mind me venting here.

[elm1203]

I may be moving to the surrounding area of Philly. I currently teach elementary school and was hoping to get another position once the move is final. I am beginning to search for teaching positions and am looking for school districts recommendations. Any suggestions? I am open to public or private. I have an interest and background in teaching reading to young children, so if there are schools with a special background I'd appreicate any information. Thanks.

[toobusytoday]

elm, Are you moving from out of state? If so, make sure you start the PA certification process ASAP. It took my daughter almost three months to get PA certified, and she had taken the Praxis tests over a year ago AND had the school superintendent sign off on emergency certification to get the ball rolling.

It's not unusual for each job posting in elementary ed to get 400 applicants. In my area (Lehigh County) all of our aides have ed degrees as do many of the substitutes - all hoping to get their foot in the door in case a teacher retires, dies or moves.

If I were in your shoes I would be searching any of the school districts that you would be willing to commute to. I understand that it's common for the schools to just list the spots on their own websites and not bother with the state-wide posting sites. If you are a reading specialist (certified) it may be easier.

I'm not the expert on school districts for the Phil. area so I'll let someone else advise you on that.

[PattiSmith1957]

Hi! I am looking for financial aid for a private grade school in Philadelphia for my son. I have googled the Elite 40 List but can not find any info. Can you let me know where I might find any infoemation on finding financial aid for my son? Thank you so much. Patti

Originally Posted by J&A'sMOM

Let me tell you about my experience for discussion - We live in a wealthy school district. I went to public and my DH went to private. When our oldest entered public kindergarten there was a lot of bullying. Even one of the kindergarten teachers was known to yell and belittle her own students!! How crazy is that. The public school wouldn't do anything about it except teach the victim to stand up for himself. The parents of the kids that bully are bullies themselves or don't care so the school doesn't get them involved - either they don't want to or they are worried about getting sued. We switched to private because they can eliminate bullying - The kids must follow the rules or they will not be attending the school. PERIOD!! My son loves his new school.

Plus did you see the % of kids that are getting financial aid according to the 2006 "The Elite 40 List"? Some of the schools listed on the list were 40 percent receiving financial aid. If you don't have enough money then you can apply for financial aid - but only parents who make this a TOP priority do it - it's a lot of work to apply and follow up on it.

I wish I had parents that would of sent me to private schools. They could have afforded it but education was not a top priority in our household. I'm in my 40's and I'll never forget the torture that some of the kids went through with the bullying and my DH who attended private did not have it.

Lastly I feel really good about having my child in an atmosphere where the parents all think (not look) similarly to me. Meaning education and good behavior is a priority. The kids all seem to get along - whatever my priority whether it be religion, education, sports, ettiquette I can find a school to match. How great it is to have choices! Public is also a great choice for many children - one of my best friends has her 3 kids in public and they are doing great. She is really on top of it - but she doesn't allow her kids to ride the bus due to the bullying.

[orrmobl]

You should check the individual school web sites or call the schools for scholarship information...

[toobusytoday]

This website may help you compare schools and see where you have a better shot at financial aid: William Penn Charter School - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/PA - Private School Profile

[19104 Mom]

About how long is the driving commute from Philly to/from Moorestown during the 7:30 am-8:30 am hour and the 4:30-5:30 hour? My family is also considering a move there, schools being the motivating factor. We live and work in Philly currently.

[chessimprov]

I don't know about you, but I would be happy to be able to reside off of the mainline OR Moorestown. Moorestown has a friendly atmosphere with support for its staff. Nice place to just sit and relax, and still near to the excitement of Philly. I don't know about the school facilities in Moorestown very well.

Things off of the main line have many amenities school wise. They get a few popular kids and outstanding students. Sometimes I feel like the reputation is more based off of the resources and popularity they have rather than the students themselves, at least to a degree.

All in all though, it really depends on what YOU are looking for specifically.