tell me what makes westchester schools "good"

[bg7]

Yes good points - does the needs of the student population result in your school having to devote resources to custodial care, are there many students there used to living in a war zone in their house and in their neighborhood resulting in corresponding behavioral problems at school? Having experienced the problems resulting from disruptive kids in class in Brooklyn middle schools, even well-regarded ones and in G&T programs, we've found Westchester to be a different world, cirriculum the same or not.

[jjinla]

"Yup. If your kid has a special need, whether it be a disability or an interest in a specific sport, that's something you'll have to do a lot of leg work. If your kid is a "normal" kid, then it's hard to go wrong among the 25 or so "good" school districts."

I'm not certain that this is always true. My son has special needs, and I've heard from many parents (even Scarsdale), say that if your kids need extra help or are gifted, the schools are great but if you fall in the average range it is easy to get overlooked. Middle of the road kids can fall through the cracks in some districts - especially the most competitive ones.

[rgweiser53]

Very well stated

[LoWest]

This is a great response, and I agree everyone who comes to this forum asking to compare school districts would benefit from reading it.

I would just add, in response to the OP's questions, that wealthy towns like Bronxville can support private foundations to support the schools. Check out the website for the one in Bronxville - BSF: Home which boasts about bringing technology, arts, science, athletics, drama, foreign language, music, facilities enhancements, etc... to the school system every year (through grants). These additional programs are certainly attractive to parents, and the whole system seems to foster the idea that it's a pseudo-private environment. They solicit funds and updates from alums the way a private school does, and foster loyalty and support with newsletters and reunions. I've met many adult "Broncos" and they sure share a common bond. So, in addition to the fact that parents are driven and drive their kids to succeed in these towns, the wealthier of the towns do provide enhancements to the curriculum and extra-curricular activities that are a meaningful draw. I only picked Bronxville as it was specifically requested - many towns have something similar.

Oh, and I'm realizing that this is an old thread, but hopefully this info is helpful to some!