If we moved to Philly, where would be right for us?

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Move to one of many small towns outside Philly that have older classic homes with excellent public schools.. Do a search for topics about Philly public schools. We work in the system and its BAD..

//www.city-data.com/forum/phila...imploding.html

The op said they would want to live IN Philly if the situation arose, NOT in the suburbs. I know it's hard for certain people to comprehend, but some people like cities ...

[s1oozne]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Then do NOT move to Philly. The public schools are in shambles and are closing schools as we speak. Move to one of many small towns outside Philly that have older classic homes with excellent public schools.. Do a search for topics about Philly public schools. We work in the system and its BAD..

//www.city-data.com/forum/phila...imploding.html

Honestly, how many jobs do you have? You've claimed to have at least three different ones now, I believe.

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Charters are lottery(your admittance is up to luck) Magnet schools are for the selected few.. The public school sin Philly are the worst that can be. PERIOD

I'm guessing your "excellent" suburban district needs more students or families to keep the facade going huh

Time to preach about the fire and brimstone you personally know is coming to Philadelphia due to a source you know or because you work in that business of course.

Originally Posted by frankgn87

This essentially means the top tier get in and the rest don't. Few spots are filled by top performing kids. Here is their admission page..
\And I quote.. http://www.centralhigh.net/pages/Cen...Nav/Admissions



No average kids need not apply, that means.

Penn Alexander and Meredith are elementary schools. I'm talking high schools

Are any of the OP's kids even high school age?

Originally Posted by frankgn87

The BIG difference is that students that don't achieve 'above average' status in the city go to the worst public schools where in the burbs, ALL the kids get to go to the excellent public schools and get an excellent education no matter if they are 'smarter' or not. See the HUGE difference?

Your schools aren't anywhere near as excellent as you think they are.

How many of those kids with their "excellent" education can't even spell or use proper grammar? There seems to be quite a lot.

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Let me say it again... Average kids need not apply, you guys get to go to your neighborhood school with Police roaming the halls and metal detectors as you walk in..

Grades Applicants must have major subject marks of A or B with the exception of one C on the most recent year-end report. Test Scores Both Reading & Math scores must be at or above the 88th percentile. If the PSSA is utilized, Reading and Math scores must be submitted in the numerical advanced range. Please Note: You must provide the numerical value for your PSSA score. Other accredited Standardized Test are acceptable

Because you know, of course, having grown up in Bucks County and not likely sending your kids to public school during your stay in Northeast Philadelphia.

It's amazing this guy has been allowed to go on like this for so long without so much as a warning.

[jazzy jeff]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Then do NOT move to Philly. The public schools are in shambles and are closing schools as we speak. Move to one of many small towns outside Philly that have older classic homes with excellent public schools.. Do a search for topics about Philly public schools. We work in the system and its BAD..

//www.city-data.com/forum/phila...imploding.html

I personally would never send my kids to the cities public schools. However there are a fair amount of Asian, Jewish, Indian and others that are a product of the cities public schools and go on to be fine lawyers, doctors and engineers. The point being if one wants to learn, they can in the public school system.

[Julie8849]

I wish you well in your search. While I admire your commitment to sending your children to public school, I would do some deep reading about the state of the public schools in Philadelphia.

The schools here are a real tragedy. Teachers often have to buy their own paper to make copies, some students don't have books. Half of all Philadelphia public school students drop out by 9th grade. I'm not kidding, it's that bad.

While the choice is certainly yours, just be sure to do some reading on it on Philly.com or any other place. The poor state of our educational system is well-known. If you come from a decent city system, sometimes it seems unthinkable that a system could exist that is as bad as people say...unfortunately, this one is.

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by Julie8849

I wish you well in your search. While I admire your commitment to sending your children to public school, I would do some deep reading about the state of the public schools in Philadelphia.

The schools here are a real tragedy. Teachers often have to buy their own paper to make copies, some students don't have books. Half of all Philadelphia public school students drop out by 9th grade. I'm not kidding, it's that bad.

While the choice is certainly yours, just be sure to do some reading on it on Philly.com or any other place. The poor state of our educational system is well-known. If you come from a decent city system, sometimes it seems unthinkable that a system could exist that is as bad as people say...unfortunately, this one is.

Nahh its your imagination, Julie.. Just ask s1oozne. He says the school system in Philly is great! he must be right!!??

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Nahh its your imagination, Julie.. Just ask s1oozne. He says the school system in Philly is great! he must be right!!??

Unfortunately, that member is no longer available to comment.

Bottom line: if a household is determined to embrace city living, they will find a way to make it work. We certainly do a good job on this forum of providing the benefits and challenges of doing so.

[ebyrnes]

Eschaton, I'm from the Pittsburgh board since that is where I live now, but was in Philly for 11 years. I think that your family would enjoy West Philly, particularly University City, although it is quite expensive now; or Mt Airy/Chestnut Hill - although your wife might feel that they are too suburban - for their decent schools. Both areas are well served by transit, have good restaurants, and active community groups working to maintain the quality of life for their diverse residents.

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[iheartgardening]

We have loved Philly for a long time, and called it home for almost a decade. But now that we are trying to have a family, we are getting out as fast as we can. The schools are so staggeringly terrible, it makes me sick. If you're into home schooling, there are a lot of parent groups who get together & do that kind of thing, or if you have college tuition style money to pay for a good (read: NOT Catholic) private school, you will be fine. But if you really feel strongly about public schooling for your kids, don't even think about Philly.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, here. I just see so many of my friend who are parents struggling with the city & neighborhoods they love, yet knowing how bad it is in the Philly school system. Most operate without any sports, arts, music, etc programs- many operate without things like a nurse, or a staff to do things like call you if your kid isn't in school.