East Penn Elementary Opinions.... (Macungie, Alburtis: homes, best school districts, trailer)

[dkm2003]

We have been looking at homes in the East Penn school district. We have elementary school aged children. For those of you who have kids in the district, please rank the following:

1. Wescosville
2. Lower Macungie
3. Willow Lane
4. Shoemaker

We're trying to get a sense of what sets each of the above apart from one another. For instance, we've heard that the prinicpal and some faculty left Wescosville to go to Willow Lane that opened this year.

Are there any of the above you would not send your child to? If so, why not? What are the main distinguishing characteristics of each school?

Thanks...

[KristyLiz]

My boys go to Willow, but went to Shoemaker before Willow opened - I have been equally happy with both. That being said, the bulk of the Shoemaker kids (and their very involved PTO parents) got moved to Willow along with my kids, so it's hard to know if it's the school or the group of kids/parents making for the good experience. I will say that I have been very happy with Mr. Moyer (principal at Willow).

I don't know anyone who goes to Macungie Elementary, so I can't give an opinion there, but everyone I know who goes to Wescosville, Shoemaker and Willow seems fairly happy. There are also a few other Elementary schools in the district - Alburtis, Jefferson and Lincoln - I know families at Alburtis who are happy with the school, but don't know anyone who goes to Lincoln or Jefferson.

My biggest complaint about the district as a whole is overcrowding. Even with the new school, they did not hire more teachers, so class size is still an issue.

[Lehigh Valley Native]

I drove by Willow Lane for the first time today. That is a really nice school and campus.

[Blinky PA]

These are all excellent elementary schools. I really don't think you could go wrong with any one of them. Willow Lane is brand new and really nice. The principal and the teachers are very involved and caring (they are outside greeting the children everyday, rain or shine!) The class sizes really aren't even that large when you compare to other areas. We are relocating to the south in the fall and I am dealing with schools that are so overcrowded they utilize trailers for classrooms. However, they manage to be one of the best school districts in North Carolina with phenomenal scores and parent reviews. So, I don't put too much emphasis on class size as long as it is within reason. Anyway, best of luck with whatever school you choose! I'm sure you'll be happy with East Penn.