Syracuse city schools question

[CNYer2b]

Thanks for the info and advice. I am broadening my search (geographically). It looks like we'll settle on one of the suburbs, likely F-M because of the schools. It is a shame we can't live in the city but we are still looking forward to the move.

[Ham Sandwich]

Originally Posted by CNYer2b

Thanks for the info and advice. I am broadening my search (geographically). It looks like we'll settle on one of the suburbs, likely F-M because of the schools. It is a shame we can't live in the city but we are still looking forward to the move.

Hi.
I don't think that the 'burb you've mentioned (F-M) and that others have mentioned (J-D) are so non-diverse you'll dislike it. (I will note that I had a conversation with ONE of the TWO POC students in Caz... That student had some very discouraging remarks about the "tolerance" level pf Caz... which saddens me.)

As for F-M, I can tell you that I've been to COUNTLESS sporting events & extracurriculars involving their various HS teams -- those kids ALL seem to be good sports, place a high value on good behavior, and are cordial hosts...

[Sue Boyle CBPP]

I have 4 kids that attend JT Roberts school in the city. It's a great school. The teachers are wonderful, the PTO is very strong. I would absolutely recommend Roberts to anyone. We live in the neighborhood of the school (Strathmore) and walk to school every day with many of our neighborhood friends. There is talk of implementing an elementary International Baccalauriate program at Roberts in the next 2 years. The high school in our neighborhood (right next to Roberts) is Corcoran HS. Corcoran is one of the few schools in the state that offers an International Baccalauriate (as well as AP) program to their students.
Also - Elliot Spitzer is working on a great free college program for students that graduate from Syracuse City Schools with a regents diploma. Syracuse University and 20 other private universities are also coming on board...I am absolutely holding my breath for this program to pass!!!

[kmbell]

I went to Ed Smith Elementary about 12 years ago, I grew up in the University neighborhood, and I couldn't be prouder and happier that my parents chose to raise me in such an environment. I'm not sure about lately, but Ed Smith was a great school, very diverse, Levy Middle School leaves something to desire as far as academics, but Nottingham High School is very diverse and among the best academically in the city.

I ended up going to Manlius Pebble-Hill, on scholarship, after 9th grade, and a good number of families with kids at Ed Smith make that choice as well after 6th grade. Just something to think about. The neighborhood is great, and it has all the amenities of living in a city and close to a college campus.

[djfam5]

Originally Posted by CNYer2b

My family and I will be moving to Syracuse next summer. We want to live in the city but have 2 young children. I haven't had much luck finding an acceptable school in the city.

The public schools seem to be rated poorly. Is there a such a thing as a good public school in the city?

The private schools are almost all religious (we aren't). One exception is the "New School" which has only 6 kids per grade . Am I missing any options here?

I do know of the Manlius-Pebble Hill school. It is in the 'burbs, kind of defeating the purpose of living in the city (not to mention $16k for kindergarten).

I know the city is starting to turn around but the primary thing young couples/families look for when moving are schools, which seem really lackluster. Please tell me if I'm wrong!

Have you tried looking into Jamesville-Dewitt? J-D is diverse and that area would make for an easy commute into the city. If you do decide to go to suburbs look into Fayetteville-Manlius will not be as diverse but a solid school.