What makes Council Rock a great school district? (Penn: cliquey, house)

[mom2cjj]

In order to move to Council Rock School District, we'd be moving about 15 mins one way further for my husband to go to work. I am not sure if this is worth it. Of course, good schools are important to me, but I am wondering why they are rated so high? Any input?

[alphamale]

Intelligent, caring parents who know what it takes to become successful.

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

[kimrocktherealtor]

Lots of things...
1. Good test scores
2. Diverse activities/sports/clubs for the kids
3. Advanced programs/AP stuff

and yes - the parents are very involved for the most part also.

[kimrocktherealtor]

Honestly though - I feel Pennsbury and Neshaminy have these things as well, and a bit more diversity also.

[orrmobl]

Traditionally the school districts that have the highest ratings have lots of good programs etc but they also have lots of parents who are involved and value education and therefore are willing to expend the time and effort to make sure their kids are successful. This kind of environment challenges kids to be their best and exposes them to people who have the same mindset.

Fifteen minutes a day is well worth it to move that far up in the rankings IMO. And don't forget, if you ever need to sell, your home will appreciate faster as well...

[PA2UK]

I graduated from Council Rock and while I'll admit I got a good education, I despise that school with every ounce of my being. It's SO big that if you don't stand out in some unique way, you get lost in the crowd and no one - not the students or the faculty - give a crap about you. The kids are snobby, there's tons of bullies and everyone is very, very "cliquey" - ever see the movie "Mean Girls"? Welcome to Council Rock.

It's a miracle I did manage to get a good education because from a social aspect, it got so bad for me I was having panic attacks in the mornings before leaving for school. My grades plummeted in Junior and Senior years because of all the social crap I was dealing with. Meanwhile none of the teachers or staff cared except maybe one - my photography teacher (which might be why I became a photographer).

I know most of my friends from high school feel similarly about it too.

[alphamale]

Originally Posted by ooodsie

Honestly though - I feel Pennsbury and Neshaminy have these things as well, and a bit more diversity also.

Why does "diversity" matter? People say that like it's a neccessity. "Oh, I like "diverse neighborhoods>"....yea, until your house gets robbed.

[mom2cjj]

PA2UK,

Your post makes Council Rock sound much like my high school in NJ. That scares me. I went to a "blue ribbon" awesomely regarded school in Middlesex County, but like you, I got what I put into it grade-wise and the kids were so clique-y and it wasn't the best experience. That definitely gave me something to think about, thank you.

As for diversity. I do care about that. We are a mixed international family, with a daughter that was born in South Korea. Therefore, I do not want a school that is 100% caucasion. However, I also do not feel that with diversity means my house will get broken into. If any of these school districts means locations where I will be robbed, I am not sure that means diversity, but its definitely an area I'd like to stay away from.

[PA2UK]

Glad I can help - for a moment, I thought I was being a bit harsh because that's all behind me now and I turned out okay despite it. But it was what it was for me.

Council Rock isn't 100% caucasian but it's pretty close. But one positive thing I can say is that the few minorities never seemed to experience any racism or anything.

[Jfoldno7]

Yeah alphamale, because diversity means your house gets robbed.