[JML621]

Looking at some of the elementary schools in Norwalk, it seems that Cranbury is tops. Within two years, my toddler will be starting Kindergarten. I was wondering if anyone can recommend some apartment/condo complexes in that area. Or does Cranbury allow your child to attend their school if you pay?

[JayCT]

The Cranbury School does perform well above the state average on the Connecticut Mastery Test. It is one of the better performing public elementary schools in the city. Wolfpit and Rowayton Schools also perform above the state average. I am not sure what areas students come from for these schools and I could not find a district map. I am sure the landlord would know or you could contact the Board of Education but be careful. Some cities will bus students around to achieve certain racial and academic goals so while you could live near a particular school, your child could be bussed to a school in another part of town. While these particular schools are good, I am not sure I would pay to go to them. Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The Cranbury School does perform well above the state average on the Connecticut Mastery Test. It is one of the better performing public elementary schools in the city. Wolfpit and Rowayton Schools also perform above the state average. I am not sure what areas students come from for these schools and I could not find a district map. I am sure the landlord would know or you could contact the Board of Education but be careful. Some cities will bus students around to achieve certain racial and academic goals so while you could live near a particular school, your child could be bussed to a school in another part of town. While these particular schools are good, I am not sure I would pay to go to them. Jay

I remember someone here inquiring about Norwalk a few years ago, and i remember that Cranbury scores were surprisingly off the charts at the time. I know it's a nice area, but i was still kind of questioning the validity of the scores.

[Raider111]

You can't pay a public school to go there, you have to live in the Cranbury district and Norwalk doesn't bus students to different areas. There may be a couple of condos that go there near Rt 7, ex. Foxboro and Winnipauk but not sure. The other 3 schools also on the east side of town are good as well and they go to the better middle school than Cranbury. They are the only 3 I would personally use in town.

[chanTy04]

Cranbury school is zoned to the upper right corner of Norwalk, where there are more expensive homes and fewer apartment buildings compared to other parts of town. You might be able to find a rental home or condo there. Example of one home currently available in that area : 170 Grumman Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 is For Rent - Zillow

FWIW, Wolfpit school is zoned to just underneath that area on the map and will likely have more of a wider/affordable selection. In my experience both schools are very good, both have an active PTA, and both have events like family pasta night and fundraising fairs. But remember, your child will be in kindergarten. IMO the elementary school experience in Norwalk is pretty much the same across *many* of the schools in Norwalk. You'd be just as fine with a child at say Fox Run or Jefferson magnet or Rowayton school, imo. It's the middle and high school level where you want to be a little more selective in school choice, if that's your concern.

But you won't have to think about schools for a few years yet. All of what you currently know about these schools could change, or school district boundaries could change, or any one school could suddenly have a staff exodus. There are also 2 magnet schools and a private Catholic school (All Saints) in town if you want other options.

Everyone will have their opinion on this, or some anecdotal horror stories about one elementary school or another. But as a parent, just make sure to get involved at whatever school you wind up at right away and ensure you are helping your child and his classmates get the elementary school experience that they need to thrive. A kid who wants to learn can succeed in *most* of the schools in Norwalk, especially at the elementary school level. Especially if there is parental involvement.

Also, Norwalk is not going to let you pay to send your child to a different school than you're zoned for. They pretty much adhere to zoned boundaries unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances like you move during the school year and you have a 5th grader who is about to graduate, or there is a divorce with shared custody. I know its scary to have a child entering kindergarten and everyone of course wants "the best" for their kid, but in this case it is definitely not necessary to go to desperate measures to get a 5 year old into one certain school, especially if you're just renting and not buying a house. GL!