[quietmum]

We are from Rutland City and my oldest is starting kindergarden in the fall. I haven't chosen a school yet and I am wondering if anyone has any words of advice (or caution) to send my way. I have only attended the high school and I am well aware all of Rutland's city schools have their fair share of problems. Unfortunately, we won't be moving anytime soon and I am trying to find the best school for my boys. Does anyone have any experience with kids in the system? I am interested in Northeast, Northwest, and Pierpoint schools. I have always gotten the impression that NE was the best, but everyone I talk to now seems to say NW is the better school, and while Pierpoint is small and not for everyone, I am certainly interested in their alternative program. Thank you to everyone who replies!

[KNOTTE]

Hi,

My daughter is now a 4th grader at Rutland Intermediate School. I cannot comment on the Primary Schools as she went to Christ the King for K-part of 3rd, but I have heard from EVERYONE I have spoken to that NorthEast is the better of the schools. A large part of the reason is the demographics of the kids that go there. I'm not sure if you are aware, but the primary school your children go to depends on where in the city you live. Aside from a few exceptions, if you live east of Rt 7, your children go to NE and if you live west of Rt 7, your children go to NW or Pierpoint (I believe Pierpoint requires separate admissions testing).

What I can tell you is that I was adamant for years that my children would not go to Rutland Public Schools, so we essentially wasted thousands of dollars sending your oldest to CKS. We finally had enough of her CKS 3rd grade teacher and some of the obnoxious children there and gave her the choice of switching schools and she decided to check our the public school. We have never looked back. She is so much happier there and the education she is receiving is the same, if not better. There are also many more advantages at RIS than offered at CKS. My husband and I (both CKS and MSJ graduates) fully support the public school systems now - never thought I would say that. Is it perfect? No, but nothing is. There are a lot of troubled kids there, but I have found that it is a great life lesson for my daughter in having to figure out what kids she should befriend and which to stay far away from - that wasn't an issue before.

Anyway, Rutland Public Schools seems to get a bad rap. I am looking forward to my son starting NE next fall and my daughter continuing at Rutland.

Good Luck!

[MistyVT]

I can tell you that part of the westside of route 7 is divided, so there also exists a great deal of poverty in the Northeast school and the low income family housing community is divided in half for school placement. Northwest and Northeast schools are affiliated.... both being city schools. I haven't heard anything regarding academic differences, but I have heard people recommending Northeast school.....because it is somewhat smaller and in a nicer location. I honestly like Pierpoint as it is a small self contained home away from home environment. The children are with the same peers and teachers from grades K - 2. Children from both sides of the city ..Northwest and Northeast are offered this option. Personally, if I resided in the city, I would elect this option for my children entering public school. My second choice would be Northeast...as it is not quite as overwhelming in size...then northwest would be my third choice.