New to Boston Area
 

We recently moved to the Boston area and absolutely love it. I have a toddler and need some advice/info on the following:
1) I am looking for good pre-schools. She is already trying to sound out 3 letter words...so she definitely needs a preshchool with a strong teaching curriculum. I am willing to take her anywhere in the greater Boston area if it means she gets a good preschool experience.
2) I would like to know about good school districts in the greater Boston area. We currently live in Saugus, but we are willing to move to any area with outstanding public/private schools.
I would appreciate any infomation on this.
Thanks in advance.

Two websites to check out - psk12.com and Massachusetts Department of Education. Each give objective ratings - based primarily on test scores - of various school districts. However, subjective ratings are harder to come by - and they can be just as important.

In general, as with other places, the more affluent communities and the non-cities have better regarded school systems. There are always several notable exceptions on the MCAS scores - and they may be worth looking at since housing costs are unbelievably high in some of these communities. And often rental property is either scarce or just as expensive.

I think that answers your question - now my two cents worth. Make sure you actually want to live in your selected community. Each town has its own character, strengths and weaknesses. You will possibly be making a mistake to gear your choice solely on education opportunities for a 3 year old, however gifted she is (and I have never met a parent who did not think their toddler was very bright).

If you end up commuting 2 hours each way and your daughter never sees you, or you feel trapped in a job you hate to pay the living costs in your selected community, your child may pay a higher cost than any minor blip in a selected preschool or public school system.

Hi Andrea -

I'm glad you like the area. I would just like to second gail's comments on moving to a city or town that makes you happy. School ratings based on MCAS and other scores are usually not as indicative of the school as they are of the parent's income levels. Wealthier places are less likely to have second language learners, students who work for family support, lack of money for tutoring, etc. Wealthy and middle income cities and towns receive less money from the state and when money gets tight are forced to charge for or cut extracurriculur activities. As for preschools, check around. Some towns offer public preschool (free in Lowell) but it is usually for 4 year olds. Private preschools abound and many have good teaching curriculums. Find one that doesn't require a long term commitment and try it. Your daughter will really be going mostly for the socialization skills. Good luck. A child like your daughter who is inquisitive and has interested parents is likely to get a wonderful education nearly anywhere.

I just came across this website when I was doing some research for my SIL..perhaps it will have some good info for you.

http://boston.urbanbaby.com/front.html

Thanks, I really appreciate the practical advice.
Can anyone suggest specific Pre-schools? I am willing to travel a 50 mile radius (!!) around Boston.

Are you sure - 50 miles around Boston could take 2 hours in traffic. And then how will she be able to have play-dates with her new friends. Preschool is also great for Moms to meet other Moms - don't pass up that chance by travelling too far for a preschool.

You might be happy at any of the Montessori schools around.

Hi Andrea,

Are you still looking for good school systems? I imagine your little one will start Kindergarten next fall. Since you are north of Boston, you might want to look into Marblehead or Hamilton/Wenham. Marblehead is tough commute, however, since there is only one road in and one road out, and it is not near a highway. To the west, the Dover/Sherborne school system is also highly touted. These are all affluent communities that spend quite a bit on public education. Unfortunately, there is not much diversity at any of them, though. Danvers would be another good choice for school system, and it's a bit more mixed grouping. Newburyport is a beautiful place to live, but I don't know much about the schools. And Andover/No. Andover are easy commutes to Boston. Don't stress too much about pre-school; your daughter's enrichment will come primarily from you anyway. Good Luck!

Dreamer, that's interesting info but I can't help wondering why you resurrected a thread that's 16 months old. I suspect that the OP has finished her research and made some decisions by now.

Boston Magazine comes out with a school edition. I would search out back copies as a very loose guide. My town has a %98 graduating class attending college. They have a breakdown of of per student cost etc.

Again I would use this as a loose guide, but a good one>