Orange county- Minisink Valley school district (Monroe, Warwick: homes, layoffs, school districts)

[Aardvark999]

We are looking to relocate to a more rural area from over developed NJ suburbs. Have 3 children (one hs, one ms and one in elementary). We saw a lot of homes within the Minisink School District within our price range that we really liked. I have heard conflicting information about whether it's a good school district. 2 of the kids have learning disabilities and it's important that the special ed dept is up to par. Any information regarding experience with this district (good or bad) would be greatly appreciated. Also is there enough activities in the areas for the kids without driving great distances.

[Dreamshot]

Generally speaking, the only districts worth being concerned about in Orange County are Port Jervis City and Newburgh City. Middletown City probably isn't an issue...especially after Middletown was named the 8th best place, in the entire US, to raise children by Kiplinger...

...From what I gather, Minisink Valley is a solid district [reviews]. I have never heard anything outwardly negative about the district, although it is rather isolated in the southwestern quadrant of the county. You will have to drive to Middletown (10 minutes) for kid-friendly activities and a wide array of retail.

[Aardvark999]

Originally Posted by Dreamshot

Generally speaking, the only districts worth being concerned about in Orange County are Port Jervis City and Newburgh City. Middletown City probably isn't an issue...especially after Middletown was named the 8th best place, in the entire US, to raise children by Kiplinger...

...From what I gather, Minisink Valley is a solid district [reviews]. I have never heard anything outwardly negative about the district, although it is rather isolated in the southwestern quadrant of the county. You will have to drive to Middletown (10 minutes) for kid-friendly activities and a wide array of retail.

Thanks Dreamshot. I saw the reviews on greatschools that you posted but they are all a few years old. I am concerned because I read that the district lost a lot of state funding and had many cutbacks and layoffs last year. I saw that it was rated a 5 out of 10 and am worried that the district may no longer be as good as it once was. We are seeking a quiet community with good schools and just want to make sure we don't make the wrong decision.

[zakas80]

Originally Posted by Dreamshot

Generally speaking, the only districts worth being concerned about in Orange County are Port Jervis City and Newburgh City. Middletown City probably isn't an issue...especially after Middletown was named the 8th best place, in the entire US, to raise children by Kiplinger...

...From what I gather, Minisink Valley is a solid district [reviews]. I have never heard anything outwardly negative about the district, although it is rather isolated in the southwestern quadrant of the county. You will have to drive to Middletown (10 minutes) for kid-friendly activities and a wide array of retail.

Minisink wouldnt be my 1st pick but def not the worst in the area. Yeah but instead of just listing the worse two in the area doesn't really help out much for the OP. If she has kids with special ed needs I wouldnt recommend a mediocre district such as Chester or Valley Central for example. I would suggest in no particular order Warwick, Washingtonville, Monroe Woodbury, Tuxedo, or Goshen for your families needs. Oh and take that Kiplingers baloney with the smallest grain of salt. Drive down South St to Wisner Ave in the city of Middletown one evening, tell me if you wanna raise a kid there?

[Aardvark999]

Thanks kakas80 for the additional and detailed information. It gives me a lot to think about. We looked in some of the school districts that you mentioned but could not find a home to meet our needs in our price range. I think maybe we will just keep looking.

I would also love to hear from someone who had has a child in the Minisink Valley district...

Thanks.