Tell me about schoools in Philadelphia area (elementary, MS, HS) (Chester: school district, to live in)

[chrissys74]

We are seriously considering a move to Philadelphia from NC. The public schools here have scared me out of public school in general. I have hear good things about the system there but I have a few questions.

1) do they teach to the test? It is so bad here! Wondering if it is like that everyplace

2) Do the schools have the accelerated readers programs? I really DO NOT like that!

3) Is there a hands on approach? There is not what so ever here.

4) how do the schools handle discipline?

5) Are the schools crowded? They are so over crowded in Charlotte that most schools have trailers and 500-1,000 students in just one small elementary school.

Obviously I am NOT a fan of the way the school system is run here. Any input on the schools in the Philadelphia burbs (anywhere within an hour commute to city central) would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[kidphilly]

The schools in the Philly burbs are some of the best in the country.

This is an annual rank

Public Schools 2009 - Philadelphia Magazine - phillymag.com

[chrissys74]

thanks!

[chrissys74]

anyone else??

[maf763]

Originally Posted by chrissys74

anyone else??

Philadelphia area schools are not a monolith, so without talking about specific districts, it's seems kind of unproductive to answer the questions.

[Northbound81]

There is huge variation from district to district. It is not countywide here, each township/borough/city/whatever (or sometimes a group of them) have their own school district. I am sure you will find better schools here than in most of NC. Lower Merion, PA and Haddonfield, NJ are supposed to be some of the best. However I know Wake County NC has far better schools than Charlotte-Mecklenburg, so that might be an option too (unless you're already in Wake).

[cpomp]

Philly city= bad public school.
Philly metro= excellent public schools.

Delware County: Radnor, Garnet Valley, Rose Tree Media, Wallingford Swarthmore, Marple Newtown, Springfield, Penn Delco, are the best.

Chester County: Easttown Tredyffrin, Great Valley, Chadds Ford Unionville, West Chester Area, Avon Grove, Oxford, downingtown.

Montgomery County: Lower Merion, North Penn, Methacton, Perkiomen Valley, Hatboro Horsham, and many more.

Bucks County: Pennsbury, Council Rock, New Hope, Central Bucks, Quakertown.


A large variety, i didnt even mention them all, but the are all very good, NJ has great schools too, im not that familiar with them though.

[Angus215]

virtually all of the schools in the suburbs here are very good. there are only a few exceptions which will be obvious if you go to a web site like school digger and look at rankings. in terms of the specifics you asked, they will vary from one district to another. however, i rarely hear anyone complain about whatever district their children are in. i'd figure out what area(s) you think you might want to live in and narrow down the districts you're looking at.