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We are moving to MA from Atlanta area, based on our affordability we have narrowed down these 2 towns Acton/Westford, I will be working at Billerica, MA. We have 2 kids ready for elementary schools. Schools are our highest priority. Diversity at school is also highly desirable for us. Based on different postings in city-data, it seems like Acton has a better school system than Westford, but we are not truly sure. Really like to learn from people who know the areas and schools system better in these areas. We would appreciate your suggestions.
Both school systems are consistently rated very well. You can check out Best Schools 2010: The Rankings - Boston Magazine for rankings and greatschools.org for parent reviews. (Note: There is a 2011 ranking from Boston Magazine but my understanding is that it only includes towns inside Rt 495).
Both towns have good school systems however I believe Acton schools are higher rated. Acton has a great elementary school program. These towns do have a dfferent feel/personality about them so you should make sure the town you choose fits with you and your family. Westford is closer to Billerica and would reduce your commuting time. But both are great towns and you won't go wrong with either one.
Just anecdotally, I'd say Westford has more of a suburban new-money feel and there is a lot of materialism among the school kids. Acton, much less so, and more variation in incomes and how people make a living. I'd way prefer Acton if I had kids, although yes, Westford is closer to Billerica.
I also work in Billerica but commute from the opposite direction.
I have friends who live in Westford and Acton. Between those two I would probably choose Acton, for a little more rural feel. If you can afford those towns you may also want to consider Littleton and Carlisle.
Of all those laudable towns mentioned, Littleton is by far the cheapest (and I think Carlisle very very expensive, being so rural and all).
I love Littleton.
Thank you for all the replies and comments, really appreciate your time.
One thing we found out in comparing MCAS and SAT scored for both the school districts that Westford schools have better MCAS scores for 5/8/10th grade compared to Acton (in fact Westford comes in top 5 school districts in all those category), but Acton (1862) has higher SAT scores than Westford (1771). Does this tell something? I found those numbers from Boston Magazine, Top 50 school district article.
I have been a student in Westford and can only tell great things about the education system which strives for the best and puts in you a place to succeed as it has helped me develop and be able to be accepted to competitive colleges. I would they though that both towns are great education comparable to many top tier private schools. Also both towns have a community feel and respect families and senior citizens. Just as a side note both towns are rivals in sports, education, and pretty much everything else but respect each other
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Moving to Westford/Acton
