[middle-of-nowhere]

Well... what is it? We're thinking of finally buying a place, and we definitely only want the best schools available in the Burlington area. Academics first, everything else (ie, extra curriculars and sports) after that. I'm under the impression the best ones are Essex, So. Burlington, and CVU.

Any comments?

Also...

For those originally from the DC metro area, how do these schools compare to those in Fairfax and Montgomery county?

For those originally from the NY metro area, how do these schools compare to those in Westchester and Nassau county?

[vter]

You've heard right....Essex, South Burlington, and CVU (Champlain Valley Union). You can live in Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, or Williston for your kids to go to CVU.

[middle-of-nowhere]

Originally Posted by vter

You've heard right....Essex, South Burlington, and CVU (Champlain Valley Union). You can live in Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, or Williston for your kids to go to CVU.

Thanks for the info.

I wanted to know if there are differences between the schools? It seems like people are saying Essex is generally considered the best in terms of academics. I do see though that South Burlington dominates the list of Vermont Math/Science fair gold medals. Which schools have a reputation for which subjects? (Math/Sci, Liberal arts, etc)

[vter]

Hopefully someone with a more intimate knowledge of hte area schools will pipe in here. I CAN tell you, that if your children are athletes, Essex has top-notch team athletics. We always joke that there must be something in the water in Essex as their teams seems to win lots of state championships!

[negreenUSF]

CVU,S.Burlington and Essex all do have very good school systems but they have had recent issues (I graduated in 2000 so I'm not sure if a lot of change has gone on since). CVU is very crowded and the last time I heard additions were being planned or a new HS, it is very good but there are a lot of towns that all attend one HS. S.Burlington is a very good school as well and is also facing too many students. However I did know a lot of people who attended SBHS and they do have a drug problem as does Rice. (which is the private school in Burlington) Essex I would say is the best choice, still has a lot of kids but they have more teachers and still maintain a low teacher/student ratio. Mt. Mansfield Union is also a good school but is also growing (which is an issue everywhere in the Burington area) They have great teachers but their strength is def in the math/science. ENG and History are getting better but still has a lot of holes. Stay away from Burlington High School, Rice and Milton. CVC, SBHS, MMU and EHS all have good elementary and middle schools attached, however Camels Hump (MMU) is not good. I hope this helps a little and if you want more information I can see what I can help with.

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by middle-of-nowhere

Well... what is it? We're thinking of finally buying a place, and we definitely only want the best schools available in the Burlington area. Academics first, everything else (ie, extra curriculars and sports) after that. I'm under the impression the best ones are Essex, So. Burlington, and CVU.

Any comments?

Also...

For those originally from the DC metro area, how do these schools compare to those in Fairfax and Montgomery county?

For those originally from the NY metro area, how do these schools compare to those in Westchester and Nassau county?

Time and time again I've heard great things about Essex and South Burlington. CVU too. Few would argue they aren't top shelf.

Two observations: First, I'd talk to a few Burlington parents before deciding to rule out BHS (and even Rice, which I know much less about). As a step-parent of 2 over achievers (I know - this isn't the "brag about yer kids" thread )who are about to graduate from BHS and go on elite universities, (I take no credit! I'm just the step-dad! It's my wife's genes and dedication ...) I can tell you the parents I talk to frequently seem often to be surprised by the quality at BHS, as was I. And the kids we know all seem to be hearing from some pretty heavy-duty schools these days.

Second: http://crs.uvm.edu/schlrpt/

Also (I'm a Realtor) I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the properties on the market right now. There's just more on the market right now than there typically is at this time of year. It's a fun time to be a buyer.

[vter]

I wouldnt single out SBHS as having a "drug problem". EVERY school in this country has some sort of drug problem. I've known and worked with quite a few SBHS students the past few years who have gone on to great colleges (Cornell and McGill in Montreal to name a couple). They were very happy with their eduction. Also, SBHS does not have a crowding issue anymore, although they could use a new cafeteria which is too small. I believe the number of student are declining, as it is statewide.
Middle of Nowhere - Rice is a private, catholic high school.
CVU recently put on an addition so overcrowding is not an issue anymore.
Chaz-glad to hear about BHS. I've never really heard much about it.

[Tetsuo65]

In South Burlingtons defence, I am currently a student that is enrolled there. It is a very good school for literature, and Sciences. All of the teachers love what they do, and it is a good enviroment to be in. Although, yes there is a slight issue with drugs, the groups are very distinct and is is easy to tell who to avoid, and who to make friends with. The actual number of kids who do drugs is a very low number, when place with the number of people enrolled, it is around 20 of the hundreds that enroll so it is not a predominant number of kids. There are many oppurtunities here where you could find nowhere else (well... mabye)

[Julie*]

We are Colchester residents and so far are thrilled with the schools. Granted, my kids are still in elem (Mallets Bay School and Porters Point) but I know that my neighbors/friends are thrilled with the high school. I haven't looked into how it actually compares though with other schools in the area.

[Alt Dach]

If you GENUINELLY love learning you kids will too and will thrive anywhere. If you don't they
might accrue the social prestige associated with a "good"(read rich area) school but probaly
will not be well educated even if they go to Yale.