What's wrong with Armonk?

[PEmom]

Originally Posted by Forest_Hills_Daddy

In terms of the academic program and classroom instruction, what was your personal observation about the Armonk schools? Is it any better than what's offered in other Westchester public schools? Are their subjects more challenging, especially in the elementary level?

I really don't think the program is any different from other top Westchester school district. Armonk used to have some Intel science program that made it stand out but later many other school district all offerred it as well(I heard). My son was in the lower elementary grade and compared to Ardsley, both schools have advanced reading programs that he participated in. (although when I visited Chappaqua school, they told me they did not have any of that, which is surprising). But both programs group kids of the same level together for in class excercises. My son benefitted from the writers work-shop from both schools (very similar) but both math programs are too easy for him. His current teacher in Ardsley actually could give him some challenging assignment that fits better his level. I believe if we were still in Armonk, the teacher would probably do the same thing for him or similar kids. But overall, he seemed very bored during the year in Armonk, and I think it's more due to his specific teacher. Both schools cut their TAs in lower grade due to budget issues (probably the same across all the schools thanks for the strong teachers' union here in NY. wish we could move to Fairfield). So you can imagine the little kids classes are just becoming more chaotic than ever. Armonk elementary schools size has grown a lot recently years and there were 8-9 classes in lower grades, which we don't like as it will further strain the limited resources.

Socially, he did much better in Ardsley than in Armonk (not hard to understand). The parents are much wealthier in Armonk (they are so called Scarsdale Wanna-Be) so the high schools kids receive strong support in tutoring from parents to bump up their SAT scores, which we don't think would benefit us by any means.

[Forest_Hills_Daddy]

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Thank you. That is similar to the feedback I've been getting from other parents who moved to Westchester, though not necessarily Armonk.

You mentioned Fairfield. Aside from Greenwich, what other neighborhoods would be recommendable as alternatives to Westchester?

[dma1250]

The differences in most Westchester schools are tonal, rather than in actual programs. But I am surprised that neither Armonk or Ardsley have advanced math--in our elementary (Yorkown Central) kids are taken out of class for daily advanced math classes (one to two grades up), as well as remedial. I know from talking to other parents that some nearby districts don't have that, but I think Chappaqua does. Other than that it all sounds the same--Yorktown also has the Intell science program, advanced reading groups, level-based instruction, etc., etc. If you have particular needs, you should ask the schools you are considering, but you'll find the offerings at most schools to be very similar.

[qjbusmaster]

Originally Posted by jodinewyork

Thank you for your reply. How is the traffic to White Plains in the morning rush hours? I'll be taking metro north, do you know the parking situation at White Plains station?

from armonk you can use beeline #12 directly to white plains or transfer on westchester ave to 13 for train at portchester.