Texas Vs. Massachusetts schools (Andover, North Andover: real estate, best schools, universities)

[cddweller]

I have a middle school aged child who is in a Gifted and Talented program at a top rated in school in Texas. We are looking to move to Massachusetts, most likely to the Andover area. Does anyone know how the school systems in Massachusetts compares to the school systems in Texas? The schools in the Andover area do not get the same ratings as those in Texas but the rating systems seem to not be nationally based but rather specific to their state. So over all as a whole which state has a better education system Texas or Massachusetts?

Thank You!

[CaseyB]

I'm sure most posters would say that Massachusetts has better school systems than Texas, but an individual Texas school might be very, very good.

Our schools are city/town run, not by county. Generally the richest municipalities will have the best schools.

[jayrandom]

Try this: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...-compares.html

Overall, Massachusetts is ahead. Between a top Texas district and a good Massachusetts district you are probably splitting hairs. The difference shouldn't be enough to influence your desire to move either way.

[cddweller]

wow jayrandom that's a really insightful website. Thank you for sharing that.

[mwj119]

As far as test scores, and overall generic rankings, MA schools are generally considered the best in the country.

But, the best schools in each state aren't going to be dramatically different. The link above is a good one as it shows grqade levels above average- generally a reflection of high standardized test scores.

As for Andover, it's a solid school system. I'd bet that ~90% of students go to 4 year universities. Maybe not as high as some school districts, but it's definitely considered tier 1/top 50.

[cddweller]

I really like the North Andover area, how are the schools there? Are the schools in Andover significantly better?

[tysmith95]

Originally Posted by cddweller

I really like the North Andover area, how are the schools there? Are the schools in Andover significantly better?

Facility wise North Andover has a nicer high school. Much newer, while Andover has an old and at times overcrowded high school.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by cddweller

I really like the North Andover area, how are the schools there? Are the schools in Andover significantly better?

Most would probably choose the Andover schools over North Andover. North Andover does have a beautiful, updated high school.

Andover is the more 'established' of the two, but they're more similar than different. Of course, downtown Andover offers the distinct New England charm with good functional space, and some of the schools/rec center/library/train are all built into the downtown. It's very attractive, and to me, is where Andover differentiates itself.

What about North Andover do you like more? If you like the space, openness, newer feel of North Andover, I'd urge you to look southwest in the Westford/Acton area. Great schools (some of the best in the country), great facilities, priced comparably to North Andover (maybe a bit more?). That "league" of schools- Westford, Acton Boxborough, Concord Carlisle, Lincoln Sudbury, Weston, Wayland- are excellent. Definitely worth a look.

[ogre]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

I'm sure most posters would say that Massachusetts has better school systems than Texas, but an individual Texas school might be very, very good.

Our schools are city/town run, not by county. Generally the richest municipalities will have the best schools.

Originally Posted by jayrandom

Try this: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...-compares.html

Overall, Massachusetts is ahead. Between a top Texas district and a good Massachusetts district you are probably splitting hairs. The difference shouldn't be enough to influence your desire to move either way.

So the key question is not how the schools in general compare between the two states, but where in MA you'll find schools best suited to your child's needs.

[ogre]

Originally Posted by mwj119

What about North Andover do you like more? If you like the space, openness, newer feel of North Andover, I'd urge you to look southwest in the Westford/Acton area. Great schools (some of the best in the country), great facilities, priced comparably to North Andover (maybe a bit more?). That "league" of schools- Westford, Acton Boxborough, Concord Carlisle, Lincoln Sudbury, Weston, Wayland- are excellent. Definitely worth a look.

I'm not familiar with all those school systems enough to answer the question about gifted programs, but do want to point out that the OP has a gifted child, so a key question is what they have for gifted students, not just overall quality. These towns' schools have excellent reputations overall, but how well do they accommodate gifted students?

By the way, most of those towns are very affluent and have really high real estate prices. Acton and Boxborough and Westford, which are among the closer towns on this list to Andover, may be more modestly priced, at least relatively speaking.