Which York County Schools would you choose? (Harrisburg, Hanover: daycare, student loans)

[mdteacher]

I started teaching in Maryland (Baltimore) but am looking to settle in York county because of affordability (student loans, etc.) Me and my wife have two boys who will be kindergarten age in a few years. I'm thinking will purchase a townhouse or small single family home as a starter home until the kids reached middle school. Three schools/areas I am considering are Suburban, Dallastown, and Southern. Suburban/Dallastown seem to have best housing options in our price range so it will probably come down to them (although I will continue to look at Southern school properties). Anyway, looking for opinions from locals on these three districts and pro/cons of each (outside of commute). Me and my wife are both from PA, but a few hours north of Harrisburg so we do not know much about the York area. Thanks for any information/suggestions.

[JettaPA]

I think Dallastown gets the best ratings, but if student population size is a concern, York Suburban is a smaller district. Honestly, all the districts in the county outside of York City and Hanover are of the "get out what you put in" variety. Some districts have higher ratings than others, but overall all the districts are safe and clean outside of the two I mentioned, you can't really go wrong with any.

[mdteacher]

Thanks, all three do have good ratings but wanted to get the opinion of those living in the area. Red Lion also has decent townhouse developments but I did not like their rating (not sure why they are rated lower). Suburban outlines York city, are there areas within that district that you would not consider safe due to it's proximity to city? Thanks again

[JettaPA]

Originally Posted by mdteacher

Thanks, all three do have good ratings but wanted to get the opinion of those living in the area. Red Lion also has decent townhouse developments but I did not like their rating (not sure why they are rated lower). Suburban outlines York city, are there areas within that district that you would not consider safe due to it's proximity to city? Thanks again

No, York Suburban encompasses all the affluent neighborhoods just to the east and south of the city. Its all nice, middle class and higher suburbs. A lot of doctors from the hospital reside in that district, its definitely one of the more "rich" districts in the area.

I also wouldn't hesitate about Red Lion either, like I said, as long as you avoid York City SD, all the districts are clean and safe, none of them would hinder your educational goals if you're an involved parent.

[teachbeach]

Suburban gets the rankings, but they are also stretched financially and will likely have to eliminate positions or programs. Dallastown is a huge district and is financially better off because of their size and tax structure (Suburban is landlocked, no more building and the largest companies are the two hospitals that don't pay taxes). Red Lion is a great district, if there is an emphasis on education in the home and the students are in school each day, the quality of education is grossly under rated for Red Lion. I used to live in the district and know many kids who went to Penn State, Princeton, the Air Force Academy, University of Pitt, etc. Many of the "kids of the 90's" products of Red Lion are now physicians, dentists, college professors, teachers, coaches and have ended up in very successful careers. The competitiveness is less evident in Red Lion, as is the divide of the "have's and have nots" which is more recognizable in York Suburban. Dallastown and Red Lion are just huge districts, your child's best friend could be a 20 minute drive away, and often the bus rides are long for students who have to ride the bus. I would concentrate on finding the best house for your family in either of those districts and you'll be okay. York Suburban includes parts of Spring Garden Township and Springettsbury Township, Dallastown include York Township and Dallastown Borough, and as far south as Loganville and Glen Rock. Red Lion include the Windsor Township, Collinsville, Yoe, and Red Lion.

[Thebestteach]

Any new info on this thread since we are now in 2017?

I'm looking for good schools but am not familiar with the towns. I only kind of know about the exits off of 83. lol What exit would the Dallastown area be? And what are the schools hours like and what are daycare center costs like?

[teachbeach]

Originally Posted by Thebestteach

Any new info on this thread since we are now in 2017?

I'm looking for good schools but am not familiar with the towns. I only kind of know about the exits off of 83. lol What exit would the Dallastown area be? And what are the schools hours like and what are daycare center costs like?

The Dallastown School district starts at Glen Rock, and extends to Queen Street. At north Queen Street (Rt. 74), after getting off the interstate and heading towards York, you mesh with Suburban School District. In/around the Queen Street Plaza (Weis/BonTon/Movie Theatre) is Dallastown, even though York Suburban is a stone's throw away. South on 74 and behind the Giant/South Pauline area is Dallastown. You should be able to google a school district map.