Haverford school district gifted / seminar program vs. Lower Merion SD program (Chester: real estate, school districts)

[Gooch13]

The big move to Philly is rapidly approaching, but the misses and I are torn between two properties - one in the Haverford school district and one in the Lower Merion school district. We have two elementary school-aged children, so school quality is a major factor for us. However, the asinine real estate prices in the LMSD are also an unavoidable factor.

At the risk of sounding like an obnoxious parent, I'm fairly certain both of my children would qualify for / benefit from gifted education programs. I am seeking any available information on the gifted programs in the above school districts. Specifically, from those that have actually experienced it, how are children selected? How are their in-class activities affected? Is there a pull-out component? Opinions of the quality of the respective gifted programs would also, of course, be helpful.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

[orrmobl]

I don't have any experience with the gifted programs but considering Lower Merion is one of the best districts in the state, they have a better program guaranteed.

Have you considered the Tredyffrin/Easttown school district? Best district this side of the state and what was the second best high school in all of the state, the other one being in Philly.

More affordable options would be Wallingford Swarthmore, Garnet Valley, Rose Tree Media, Unionville Chadds Ford (also one of the best districts in the state), Great Valley, Downingtown and West Chester.

[silverspringer]

Why don't you call the school districts and ask about selection, format, activities, etc.? You might get a sense that one is a better fit than another, as it seems unlikely you will find someone on this board who has direct experience with both programs. You might also consider visiting the two elementaries to compare.

[ebroderick]

Hi - hopefully this gets to you in time, but the Director of gifted programs for Haverford held that same position in Lower Merion and West Chester previously. My guess is that you can trust the experience will be similar, however today they are modifying the Haverford program greatly in its basic mechanics. I've done some research having a gifted 5th grade student in the Chatham Park elementary and the program they're considering seems sound and has support of the head of the Gifted programs for the State and the State expert in the methodology who is in Delaware County, PA. Good luck - hope this was helpfull.