Lakeland Vs. Yorktown schools (New York, Rye: lawyers, house, buying)

[tea39]

We are considering purchasing a home in "Yorktown Heights" in the Lakeland school district. Initially I had heard or rather read that Yorktown schools were considered more desireable than Lakeland schools. We attempted to focus our search in Yorktown schools, but there was very little that we were interested in. Many of the homes were older and run down. All of the homes we liked seemed to be in lakeland schools. I know the next block over is Yorktown schools and I wonder if we should worry about the schools or is this absolutely ridiculous. The elementary school we would be zoned for scored just as well as Yorktown schools for testing. The Lakeland district is twice the size of Yorktown district. Everyone I know from the city that has moved to the area are all in Lakeland schools. It seems that the more expensive homes, like 800k and up are all Lakeland schools- so isnt it possible the desireability of Lakeland schools could change soon????? I know I am rambling, but reading these threads confuses me. We would paying extremely high taxes and want to make sure the schools are solid. I also read on one of these threads that residents zoned in Lakeland schools tend to be lower to middle class and Republican. We do not fit that description at all. I do not want to live in a highly Republican domain. any comments?????? should i be worried????

[dma1250]

I've always heard that Lakeland is not as good as Yorktown, but I don't know the district so I have no idea if that is actually true. I bet the rep is in part due to SAT scores (average in Lakeland is 1486, compared to Yorktown's 1635), but SAT scores are pretty meaningless. My suggestion is to compare class size, teacher-student ratio, amount spent per pupil, number of electives, and other critical data. Ideally visit both and see which one feels right for you and your kid(s).

I can say that I've been very happy with Yorktown schools so far. My son is in French Hill Elementary (which is K-2) and it has been excellent. I've been very impressed with the principal and teachers and all of the specials. I love that the school is just K-2, which makes everyone really focussed on the needs of the specific age group. I've also heard great things about the Grades 3-5 elementary school we're zoned for (Brookside).

[tea39]

Thanks for the information. The elementary school states 22 in a class, but I heard there were overcrowding issues in Lakeland schools. I am worried about resale and the middle school- not so much the elementary school, as data is great on our zoned school. We have a few years to worry about middle school, but it is a huge school. Why are the SAT scores so low in Lakeland? I know there are two high schools- Lakeland more desireable than Walter Panas. anyone w experience or knowledge w Lakeland schools??? I know I am asking a lot of questions at once, but any more info would be great. This is such a big decision, don't want to be sorry. Thanks!

[havoc315]

SAT scores are mostly a reflection of an area's affluence, more than the quality of the precise instruction students are actually receiving.
The children of lawyers/doctors/CEOs get higher SAT scores than the children of blue collar workers. It's likely due to the combination of nature (partially genetic-- highly intelligent people having highly intelligent children), partially nurture (parents who take education very seriously), partially greater opportunity (wealthier parents = more tutors, etc), and partially better schools.

Thus, if you see 1 district has an average math SAT score of 620, and another district has an average math SAT score of 520-- It doesn't necessarily mean that one district has better math teachers ---

But it does mean-- That the first community is probably wealthier. It means the community, overall, puts a higher premium on education (not suggesting that the poorer district doesn't care about education). It means that there is more peer pressure for academic success (which can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing). It means that the children will be surrounded by more future-successful people (networking starting in high school?). And while it's not a certainty, the schools probably are better (a more affluent community usually is more demanding of the school and teachers).

Thus, if you look at one school with a SAT score of 1700 and graduation rate of 99%, and another school with an SAT score of 1500 and graduation rate of 85% -- It does not mean that the first school will give a vastly superior education. But it does mean that there would be a greater emphasis on academic achievement. It means that peer pressure would apply towards academic success (for better or worse).

Getting to Lakeland compared to Yorktown --Yorktown is simply a bit more affluent and a bit more white collar than Lakeland.

[MCB0B]

Lakeland schools are good as far as public schools go. My children received good educations in them. I'd say Yorktown schools are a bit better, but not enough to keep one from buying the house they liked the most.

[aldersh]

Lakeland is ranked quite low in westchester

[basketmom]

If you want affluent and Democratic, move to the southern part of Westchester - Rye, Harrison, etc. Schools are good, and you needn't worry about the neighbors mowing their own lawns.

[dma1250]

Originally Posted by basketmom

If you want affluent and Democratic, move to the southern part of Westchester - Rye, Harrison, etc. Schools are good, and you needn't worry about the neighbors mowing their own lawns.

Gee, I live in northern Westchester (Yorktown) and no one in my area mows his/her own lawn. We all use lawn services since we all have lots of acres of lawn. As for politics, I was recently attacked on this forum for the fact that my community association only invites the Democratic candidates to its events since there are no Republicans in the area. On Sunday I went to an Obama fundraiser (Artists for Obama) down the road run by a neighbor--and all our neighbors were there donating freely. So, please don't make broad generalizations about huge areas.

[CityOnDown5250]

Yorktown is better. the enviroment in both schools are pretty laid back. but Yorktown is more competitive and the staff is more well known around the area. I would go with Yorktown.

[SLP247]

Sorry 'bout that!

So here is my answer summed up again. Each school will have its great points and bad points. It will go through good and bad times. A lot depends on the School Board, Superintendent and Principals.

I went to Lakeland and it is very different than when I was there. My friends went to Yorktown and it is very different as well. I have personally seen students Excel as in EARN FULL RIDE scholarships to colleges while attending what some would describe as very poor performing schools and I have also seen students fail completely in some of the best, most technologically advanced schools.

Rate a school as to what it offers your children, their interests and special needs. Then look for homes within that school district. Truth of the matter is that most schools can easily provide the average student a great education. The KEY to a student achieving Great Success in school is DIRECTLY related to the parents involvement with that child AND school.

With that said, both Lakeland and Yorktown should be sufficient for the average student. Yorktown has a GREAT LAX team, Lakeland has a great one too. As my father was an award winning soccer coach for Lakeland for many years, I tend to like Lakelands Soccer program, but since he is retired now, it does not matter much any more.

I would ask your agent to set up a tour of each of the schools your children will attend. I do this for my clients and they should too. View the schools in both districts and see how YOU and your Children like it. Typically, the children will be a bit scared and therefore be either reserved or react negatively, but I have seen some that love the new school.

As far as political party. The majority of Lakeland and Yorktown schools fall under the Town of Yorktown. There are no Republican Areas nor Democratic Areas. The town its self goes both ways too. We just finished a long reign by a Republican Supervisor and now we have a new Democratic Supervisor. Prior to the republican supervisor, there was a democrat in that seat.

Both schools are very diverse when it comes to politics. New York is an overwhelmingly Democratic State. I'd say the only place you can find a republican or democratic area is going to be Washington D.C. and even then you will have to get right to the floor of the Senate or Congress to see a clear division.