relocating to Burlington (Rutland, Colchester, South Burlington: school districts, college, to live in)

[murphy7845]

After many years in New Mexico its time to return to New England. We are originally from the Rutland Area, spent most of my time in Claremont on the wrong side of the river.

Right now we are looking at Milton Vermont. How is Milton? How would you rate the school district? How are the roads? Internet access? Also looking for office space for my company, prefer it to be in Milton as I like to stay out of the big city (burlington, lol). We have a 3 year old son, so we are looking at pre school options for him. We are ready to go back to the rural lifestyle and work off the mid section with some pond hockey.

[VTtoPA]

Milton school district? I wouldn't send my kids there. South Burlington is the best around - think again.

[murphy7845]

May i enquire the reason's why you look unfavorably upon the Milton School District?

[VTisforMe]

Milton schools aren't so great, and it would be easy for a kid to get in with the wrong crowd there. Colchester is just to the south and they have a better reputation and test scores but the town still has the general rural feel that Milton has.

[Mary77]

My kids have been in the Milton School District for the last ten years. It has been a great experience for us. My oldest son is taking AP courses and getting ready for college. The teachers I have met over the years have been hard working people who cared about the kids they had in their class. The families who stay involved with their kids education are turning out smart, college bound kids. Of course there is always a "wrong crowd" at any school that your kids can get involved in, but if you pay attention to what your kid is doing than you can manage that. Sure, the Colchester, Essex and South Burlington school districts have more money and are better, but not everyone can afford to live in those towns. That doesn't mean that Milton is not a good school district. The parents just need to stay involved with what is going on with their kids.

[68vette]

Mary77 makes a good point about being involved in children's educations and activities, but the reality is that many if not most families are lucky enough to eat a meal with their kids because both parents have to work. There is no one single reason why one school district is good while another one isn't. I don't think anyone intentionally wants to give a town a bad rap , but the test results speak for themselves. The majority of the kids scored poorly on the NECAP test (year after year) and that is why the Milton school system ranks low in the state. Sure, a child may do wonderful in that school district, but the odds are lower than if they were to go to a great school district.

[murphy7845]

Are there private schools in Milton?

[Grocerygetter01]

I had no issues with the Milton schools when I was there and this was back in the late 90's. I'm not sure how they are now though. You will have your trouble makers at any school. Just make sure you know what your kids are doing and who they are hanging out with.

[Grocerygetter01]

Originally Posted by murphy7845

Are there private schools in Milton?

No. I don't believe so.

[MassVt]

Traditionally, Essex ( IBM) and South Burlington ( airport, numerous restaurants, car dealerships on both Williston and Shelburne Roads) have been the strongest school districts, while the city of Burlington has offered decent public education, along with popular Catholic schools as well...

Milton and Mount Mansfield have started to emerge as large school districts in the last 25 years or so; they were almost "afterthoughts" before that..