Rent 2nd Home to get into Better School District? (Penn: best school districts, income)

[lifepgh2op]

Originally Posted by slamont61

What? No open enrollment??? How Back woodsy..

I used to think it was weird that PA didn't have open enrollment. I lived in Ohio for some time and realized it basically is just there and only in smaller places (declining, too) does it really work. You have to apply each year, and in Cleveland and Columbus, you better know somebody in that school district or be good at a sport, or have some other reason that the school district would benefit from having YOU, or they aren't accepting you into that district. Especially if you are trying to come from the city public schools.

[AVYinzer]

You're all missing the point. I WANT to live in the city limits but cannot afford private school for 4 children.

The idea was that I would rent a place within a better school district and pay all taxes to that specific school district just as any other person living there would, but I would maintain another home in the city in which we would live. Between rent and taxes I figure to pay about $10k/year but that is still way less expensive than $10/kid/year or $40k total for all 4 kids.

If I have an address in the district and pay all school and local taxes, why would the school have an issue?

All these other stories posted saying people were caught, did they pay proper taxes?

Lastly, someone mentioned non-resident tuition. Is this available in PA? I didn't think it was.

[BrianTH]

From a quick search it appears this is the applicable state law:

§ 11.11. Entitlement of resident children to attend public schools.

(a) Entitlement.

(1) A school age child is entitled to attend the public schools of the child’s district of residence. A child’s district of residence is that in which the parents or the guardian resides. . . .

So it is not a matter of whether or not the parent pays rent in the district. It is a matter of where the parent has their primary residence.

[ddietrich]

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

You're all missing the point. I WANT to live in the city limits but cannot afford private school for 4 children.

Well I might want a million dollars, but it's not going to happen. If you do not want your children in the city schools, you either need to come up with the cash for private schools, or move to another district. You need to make a choice- what is more important to you? Living in the city, or your children getting the education that you want them to have.

[fleetiebelle]

And not all city schools provide a dismal education. A bright kid with involved parents can thrive wherever he or she goes to school. And with the money you save by not sending them to private school, you could send them to enrichment classes or other educational opportunities.

[Hopes]

We're not missing the point. What you want to do isn't legal in Pennsylvania. You'll put your children in a terrible position. You'll be harming them, not helping them.

[AVYinzer]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

And not all city schools provide a dismal education. A bright kid with involved parents can thrive wherever he or she goes to school. And with the money you save by not sending them to private school, you could send them to enrichment classes or other educational opportunities.

I agree a bright child will get good grades wherever he goes but grades aren't the only thing you get in school. There are influences too. And experiences to be had.

I checked every school in the city. Public, charter, magnet, etc. I talked to principals, teachers and directors. I was praying for one of them to tell me something that would make me think the school was acceptable. Unfortunately, AS MUCH AS I WISH THIS WASN'T THE CASE, there is not an acceptable school within city limits.

Until Luke and Dan actually change things instead of just talking about it, the city will be missing out on a lot of young professionals with young families who want to move to the city but will not STRICLTY because of the schools!

[AVYinzer]

Originally Posted by Hopes

We're not missing the point. What you want to do isn't legal in Pennsylvania. You'll put your children in a terrible position. You'll be harming them, not helping them.

I have now come to that same conclusion. I spoke with school officials to see if there was any way I could pay tuition to get the kids in. I was completely honest and open. They were not even remotely willing to work with me. It's understandable on their behalf, but again, ultimately it's the city that will lose out on another young family moving in.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

If I have an address in the district and pay all school and local taxes, why would the school have an issue?

Because the law states that the student attends the district where the child actually lives. It has nothing to do with where the parents pay taxes.

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

All these other stories posted saying people were caught, did they pay proper taxes?

Yes! Not only did they pay the proper taxes, they OWNED the second property, not just rented it like you want to do.

Many people have tried to explain how you will be teaching your children terrible morals----teaching them to lie to their teachers and friends. No matter how hard you try to convey to your children the importance of keeping it a secret, they will tell someone.

THAT'S how you'll get caught. That's how everyone who tries to do this gets caught. The teachers turn them in. Other parents turn them in. You're children will never be able to form real friendships with classmates. They won't be able to play with them or have them over to their house like normal friends. It's an absolutely terrible life you're wanting to give your children by doing this.

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

Lastly, someone mentioned non-resident tuition. Is this available in PA? I didn't think it was.

If you can't afford private school, you can't afford to pay tuition for the public schools. It willl still cost near 10k per child, give or take a couple thousand.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

I have now come to that same conclusion. I spoke with school officials to see if there was any way I could pay tuition to get the kids in. I was completely honest and open. They were not even remotely willing to work with me. It's understandable on their behalf, but again, ultimately it's the city that will lose out on another young family moving in.

I must have been typing the last response when you posted this. I'm glad you realize it's not a good idea. Good luck with your house hunting.