[leavingMI]

We may be transfered to Groton. Any suggestions for great towns or schools within a 45 minute commute? Car, bus, train all acceptable forms of getting to work.

Public schools are preferred, but willing to go private if under $10,000 a year.

[skytrekker]

Lots of towns actually- in nearby Waterford, Stonington, Niantic, Norwich- to name a few.

Best thing to do is look at a map of south eastern CT- Microsoft Streets is great. Schools in the towns above I named are very good. Groton schools are above average actually.

SE CT has much to offer, culturally, and more. Whatever decision you make, be it cost of living, schools, and climate, you really cannot go wrong.

[leavingMI]

Thanks Skytrekker,

That was very helpful. I'm very worried that you are the only one who has replied. Perhaps there are just very few people on this board from this portion of the state? Given that Pfizer may be relocating over 1000 folks to this region of the state, I would have thought more folks would be waving a banner for their town and schools. I'm worried that folks in this part of CT really don't have much confidence in their private or public schools as they aren't cheering them on here. I hope I'm wrong.

It looks like there is lots of great culture throughout the state. Finding out about the schools seems to be the quest for the holy grail. We'll all be leaving the best schools in MI. I know those of us transferring to CT will not be willing to settle for less as far as education goes.

Again, thanks for your help.

[skytrekker]

leaving MI

Connecticut is a tiny state- so its not a question of people here answering your questions. Pfizer is laying off people worldwide- but not in Groton.

On schools- firstly in Connecticut- there are 169 towns- and for the most part every town is responsible for its own schools. Smaller towns (under 5,000) have 'regional schools' or share a Middle school or High School.

The town I am in population 30,000- has a High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. There is a town wise superintendent, and a local school board- get the picture? Schools are supported mostly by the local taxes-residential- you hear people complain about high property taxes here- well they pay for the school buildings, maintenance , and staff salaries.

Quite honestly- I would not pay the amount to a private school here- since most public schools here are as good or even better then private schools!

Most private schools here are either elite prep schools like Loomis Chafe, Pomfret Academy or Miss Porters (where Jackie Kennedy went) That have excellent credentials with a price tag that will give you sticker shock.

Other private schools here are religious (usually Parochial)

Some suggestions- firstly what town have you chosen to live in?
From there I can assist you about finding the appropriate information about that town.

Do private or e mail

[giselle]

Some parts of SE CT have changed since I grew up. With the two casinos in the area, more visitors come in to gamble, shop, and see shows. Not as rural as it used to be. The casinos seem to be THE big entertainment draw for some, particularly people in the smaller towns in that area.

[leavingMI]

Unfortunately with small children we can't decide on a town until we can figure out which schools are really good and which are struggling. Once we figure out which school systems are viable options and are a commutable distance to Groton, then we can decide where to spend our paychecks each month.

I was able to gain some insight from an old friend I looked up.
She suggested that some folks from Pfizer live in the following towns:

Madion, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Lyme, Stonington and Westerly, RI.

The only school district web site that really impressed me at all was the one for Lyme. It actually listed the average SAT scores and the colleges and universities the seniors were accepted to. That says to me they really are trying to get the word out that they are serious about being known for being a good school district.

I must say, after briefly checking out realtor.com, these town aren't all that different in costs when compared with each other.

Again, thanks for everyone's help. I would love to hear from folks in these school districts, or even those who were left off. We are confident that culture abounds throughout the state. Having grown up in NJ, I know first hand that NYC is just a train away ride away as are fabulous skiing and hiking spots.

Its all about the schools.

[skytrekker]

Most schools in Connecticut are not struggling- except those in the urban areas of Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury and Bridgeport.

The towns in South Eastern CT-including New London and Groton- are doing well. The educational system in Connecticut has a very high reputation- among the best in the nation- and private schools here for the most part are a unneeded luxury.

[indecisive]

I am in a similar position, having been offered a post in either NYC or Groton. Very indecisive as all the folks I know in these cities wish they could move to St. Louis. I'll keep watching this thread ....

[Viralmd]

Oooohhhh...I know who you work for.....I'm at NYHQ....Best of luck. The relo people are GREAT and will help tremendously.

[indecisive]

Viralmd, how do you like NYC? Where do you live and how is the commute? I dread having to move to NY in exchange for a smaller house, longer commutes, colder winters and higher expenses all around. Groton may be as expensive .... may have better schools ... but is it worth it? indecisive ....