[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by KNOTTE

Chester is a really neat town. I don't know much about the elementary school there, but I would recommend further researching the high school there. GMUHS has had a rough reputation for years. When I was in high school at a private school in Rutland - 15 years ago- we had numerous transfer students from GMUHS who drove the 45 minutes to and fro each day. I'm hoping they've improved, but I can't say that I have heard that they have. I'd just recommend doing your homework - no pun intended.

I appreciate your input, because it is certainly something both c-mom and I would need to know.

When you say rough, what exactly do you mean? On LI, it's implications are something racial, to be frank. Obviously, I spend a fair amount of time in Chester, so I know that your comment is certainly not of that nature.

Property values have gone up in those 15 years and there has been an infusion of 'new blood' from other areas...things might have changed for the better -- but we are all learning at this point.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by KNOTTE

I'd recommend googling VT Act 150 which is High School School Choice, there are a variety of conditions and I believe that you are responsible for transportation if you take advantage of this option. I'm glad to see they are providing alternatives however. Good luck!

I have followed your advice and will place some links on here:
The first link is most recent:

Laws & Regulations : Act 150 Links & Resources

http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/laws/act150/summary_0407.pdf (broken link)

THE VERMONT EDUCATION REPORT - January 19, 2004 Vol. 4, No. 03
THE VERMONT EDUCATION REPORT - January 17, 2005 - Vol. 5, No. 03
THE VERMONT EDUCATION REPORT - January 09, 2006 - Vol. 6, No. 02

[KNOTTE]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

I appreciate your input, because it is certainly something both c-mom and I would need to know.

When you say rough, what exactly do you mean? On LI, it's implications are something racial, to be frank. Obviously, I spend a fair amount of time in Chester, so I know that your comment is certainly not of that nature.

Property values have gone up in those 15 years and there has been an infusion of 'new blood' from other areas...things might have changed for the better -- but we are all learning at this point.

I DEFINITELY don't think it's anything like you might experience in LI! LOL Like I said, I don't know much about the school other than that there were several students that took the 45 minute drive each way rather than go there. I'm not sure if it was academic or social why they transferred, maybe a little of both. To be honest, the Union schools in the state all seem (with maybe the exception of Mill River) to have more issues than the normal high school. I think it's trying to combine a bunch of kids from different towns, economic situations, etc that contributes to the problem, they never seem to fully come together as a class. Maybe I'm off base, but that's my perception.

The state runs a site that shows the school's test scores, free lunch recipients, etc, etc. All contributing factors of what molds a school. I hope this helps.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by KNOTTE

I DEFINITELY don't think it's anything like you might experience in LI! LOL Like I said, I don't know much about the school other than that there were several students that took the 45 minute drive each way rather than go there. I'm not sure if it was academic or social why they transferred, maybe a little of both. To be honest, the Union schools in the state all seem (with maybe the exception of Mill River) to have more issues than the normal high school. I think it's trying to combine a bunch of kids from different towns, economic situations, etc that contributes to the problem, they never seem to fully come together as a class. Maybe I'm off base, but that's my perception.

The state runs a site that shows the school's test scores, free lunch recipients, etc, etc. All contributing factors of what molds a school. I hope this helps.

Your thought about the Union schools might not be very off base -- what you've written about different towns. economics, etc, can make a big difference and certainly prevent a school from attaining some form of cohesiveness and unity amongst the student population.

I've checked the state site; while I can decipher what is written, I am looking at it through NYS testing eyes. Looks like some of my research will actually be within the school once it looks like I will be fulfilling my dream of making the move to VT.

[Ellwood]

E. Arlington and Arlington are lovely small communities.