Conference moira::parenting

Hi - 

I am interesting in any information anyone can provide on the school
system in Marlboro.

How is the teacher-child ratio?
Has the ever present "cut the school budget" gotten out of control in
Marlboro?
Does this school system offer any types of sports or music?

I am specifically interested in elementary school information.

Thanks -

Cindy @ WRKSYS::Piccicuto

    Hi,
    
    Does anyone know if there is a publication that compares school systems
    in Massachusetts.  I'm particularly interested in getting information
    about the school systems in Framingham, Marlboro, and Hudson, MA.
    
    If anyone can send me a pointer to one source of info, that would be
    great.  I'd also love to hear your personal opinions about these school
    systems.
    
    Please send mail to TIMBER::CAISSIE.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Sheryl

Metrowest area preschool query:

I am wondering about local area preschools or montessori schools.  Something 
other than daycare.  What's out there?  Are waiting lists common?  Cost 
estimates?  Min or max days, or morinings, per week?

Westboro, Northboro, Shrewsbury, Southboro, Grafton, Upton, ...

Any info appreciated.  I expected to sort through some existing info in this 
file but find it precluded by note 8, specifically stating that replies to 
that note are forbidden.  So please reply to this note.  I'd really rather 
read it here.  

-craig

    After much discussion, the moderators have decided to open this
    note for responses, even though their interest is limited by
    geography.  The information is of sufficient general interest to be
    worthwhile.

    To keep things clear, please specify your location (e.g.
    city or town) in the title of your reply, whether you are asking for
    information or providing information.

    L
    co-mod
    
    

    Hi,
    
    I live in Reading, England. We are thinking of buying a house in
    the University area (Whiteknights specifically), but don't know 
    anything about the schools 
    there. Are the schools in the catchment area good? Does anyone
    know or have any experience with them? 
    
    Send me mail, please. (HEART::ETHOMAS)
    
    Thanks for any information,
    
    Elizabeth

    I'm trying to get information on the school system in Marlboro. 
    Specifically, I have a son who will be 4 in March.  I have contacted
    the Marlboro public school for information on pre-school starting
    September.  I have also contacted Immaculate Conception (catholic
    school in Marlboro).  My tendancy at this moment is to go with the
    IC school due to the total hours/week of schooling available, however
    I have not visited either school as yet.  IC school also has a 
    "screening" process they use for admitting pre-schoolers.  Can
    anyone provide me with information/experience with either of these
    schools?  I have also been looking into the Fay School and would like
    to hear some opinions/experiences.
    
    Thanks for your help.
    
    It looks like the moderators have allowed opinions to be noted in
    reply, however, if you want to send me mail . . .
    
    BUSY::LBEAUCHESNE
    
    Thanks,
    Linn

    In reference to the note on schools, Does anybody know Manchester NH?
    Whats good what is expensive?  I have a child going to school this fall
     and I am just starting to think about Kindergarden.  I would
    appreciate any input you may have.

    re:.9
    
    I know a couple of people who have sent their kids to St. Andrew's
    musical kindergarten and were real happy with it.  It is not in the
    best part of town (lower west side) but seems to have a real good
    reputation.
    
    -beth

    re .9
    
    We've sent my daughter to Holy Cross Kindergarten for the past two
    years and have been extremely pleased. (and my wife being a teacher is very
    picky) It's a preschool and kindergarten which offers both half days and 
    full days. Tuition for full days is $70 wk.  I have also heard good things
    about St. Andrews but have no first hand knowledge.
    
    If money is an issue Manchester does have public kindergartens.
    
    Mike

We have two children 2.5 + 1 y.o., we are currently debating and learning 
about the issues around public vs. private schools....does anyone
have any experience with Stow K thru 8??

Thanks.

    We are looking at buying a home in Littleton MA and would like to know if	
    anyone has information on the school system.
    
    Thanks

    Betty Coleman
    VMSMKT::COLEMAN
    381-0924
    
    I have a friend whose husband is being relocated from Massachusetts to
    Manchester and they have decided to move the family.  They have 3
    school-age children and are evaluating towns in the area of Manchester.
    I am interested in your opinions, but also in finding an evaluation on
    the school systems in souther NH.  Any info would be appreciated.
    

    
    I am interested in information about the public and private schools in
    the greater Worcester, Ma area.  I have a 3-1/2 year old that will be
    entering school in the fall of 1994 and want to get her started in a
    school with a strong academic record and has a lot of parental
    involvement. 
    
    Can anyone give me info on what options are available?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Sue Lindsey
    aiag::lindsey
    296-5540

Holliston is about a 30 minute ride from Worcester.

	Elementary schools - Early childhood center pre-school and Kindergarten
	in the Andrews School and grades 1-3 in the Miller and Wilder Schools.
	Programs include Montessori (age groups are 3-6 and 6-9), French 
	immersion(Children are taught entire curriculum in French K-2 50/50 in
	grade 3), and traditional. 

	Middle school - grades 4-7. Grade 4 is elementary style configuration
	(self contained classrooms). Montessori is available as a transitional
	program at grade 4. French immersion continues in grades 4-7 50/50 in
	grade 4 80 minutes in grade 5-7. Spanish Immersion begins at grade 5
	with a language class and one curricular subject taught in Spanish. 

	High School - grades 8-12. Immersion programs continue. AP courses, 
	Syracuse University affiliation. 

	National Exemplary School 1990
	Redbook Magazine award - overall academic excellence award 1992 (one
	of 40 nationally)
	SchoolMatch "what Parents want" award - top 9% of schools nationally.

    I would like to hear from anyone with information about The Oxford
    Academy in Northboro, Mass.  Information on the Northboro public
    schools would be helpful, too.  My son will be entering Kindergarten 
    this coming September.
    
    Thanks!

    Joyce,
    
    I am in the same situation as yours.  My son will enter kindergarten
    this fall and I looked into both Oxford Academy and Northboro
    public school.  You can call me at DTN 297-6187 to discuss it.
    
    Wendy

    Although I have no first hand info on the academics of Oxford Academy,
    my understanding from a teacher is that they don't put up with a lot of
    discipline problems at the Academy.  I considered them last year for AJ
    who is "mildly" hyperactive, and was advised against it, due to their
    intollerance of discipline problems.  I also  understand that
    transportation to and from the school is the responsibility of the
    parent, as is the case in many private and perochial schools.
    
    FWIW, my babysitter has a 12 year old girl in St Louis school in
    Webster, which is a near proximity of Worceter, her 5 year old will
    enter kindegarten there next year.  She and several others have given
    rave reviews of the school, tuition seems to be fairly inexpensive, I
    think she said $70something per month for one child.
    
    Good luck, this part of you and your child's life is a real MAALOX
    moment!
    
    Lyn

Hello

	I am planning to look for a home in the Westford, Littleton,
Chelmsford area and would like to know about the Elementary and
Secondary school systems in these areas.

	Any information and experience that you have would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jon Mysel

LIKERT::MYSEL
DTN: 223-4985

    You might want to cross-post this into the MASSACHUSETTS notesfile --
    there are several other discussions about school systems there.
    

    I am looking for info. on Pre-School programs in the Groton,MA
    area (Groton, Shirley, Ayer, Littleton, Acton, Westford, etc.).
    I am particularly interested in 1/2 day (morning) programs for a
    2 yr. 9 mo. old. Pointers, comments (good and bad), are welcome.
    
    Lisa Midttun

    
    We are in the process of thinking about moving back to Massachusetts
    from New Hampshire. Can anyone tell me about the following school
    systems:	Dracut, Westford, Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Littleton and
    Dunstable?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Janet Oberti 
    DTN 226-6322
    ranger::oberti

Digital supplies a free service through WORK/FAMILY Directions that is called
School Match. Call them and tell them you want profiles on those Massachusetts
school districts and they'll mail you out a packet containing information on
each school district.

What is the best way (other than word-of-mouth) to find out the quality of a
school system.  We are considering relocating, and are looking at the following
towns:

	Pepperell
	Littleton
	Chelmsford

I've heard good things about the 1st two, but have heard both good & bad about
Chelmsford.  Any input or advise?

Thx,
Deb

    My family and I are being relocated to the NH area in November.  We
    plan on moving to NH from MA.  We're currently looking for a house in
    Merrimack.
    
    We have a 3 in school.  1 Kindergartener, 1 9th and 1 12th grader.
    Our senior is staying to finish up the year at her school and will join
    us after graduation.  So what I would like to ask is:
    
    I understand that Merrimack doesn't have a public kindergarten, so can
    folks tell me about the private school(s).  Do the elementary schools
    have afterschool programs (for next year)?  
    
    Also, were are the schools located in town?
    
    I appreciate your input.  It helps!!
    
    Chris
    high school?

Hello,

	We are hopefully going to be buying a home in Merrimack, NH.  I was
	hoping some of you could give me some info on the elementary
	schools in the town.  My daughter is only 3, but I am very 
	interested anyway!  

	Please send me mail at ZEKE::MAZUR

Thanks,
Sheryl

    My children go to the Reeds Ferry Elementary School.  This is in the
    north end of Merrimack.
    
    We are very happy with this school.  I have a 4th grader and 2nd grader
    with a 4 year old "in the wings".
    
    When problems have arisen, the teachers who my children have had have
    been very responsive.  My 2nd grader had a problem adjusting from 1st
    to 2nd grade and his teacher was wonderful.  She actually called us at
    home in the evening to discuss her concerns.  As with any school, there
    are some teachers I prefer over others - we've been very lucky.
    
    The principal and vice-principal are very focused on interacting with
    the children.  There is Music and Art which my children both love.
    
    You could probably call the three elementary schools in Merrimack and
    meet with each of them - that should give you a good idea of which
    school you feel comfortable with.  All three districts are quite large
    and there are very nice sections of town in each of them.
    
    Linda

    I'm interested in information about both St. Michael's School in
    Hudson,MA and Immaculate Conception in Marlboro,MA.  I'm looking at
    both of these as alternatives to the Marlboro public school system. 
    
    Any information/opinions both good and bad would be greatly
    appreciated.
    
    ginny

    I'm looking for information on the Sudbury Extended Day program for
    Kindergarten in Sudbury, MA.  I'd appreciate any comments from parents
    who have used this program.
    
    Thanks,
    Deb Bernstein
    ROCK::BERNSTEIN
    dtn 225-6626

    I live in Methuen, MA and my son will be starting Kindergarden next
    year.  I'm looking for a school for him.  We're going to look at:
    Prospect Academy in Lawrence, St. Monica's in Methuen, St. Joseph's in
    Salem,NH, St. Augustine's in Andover.  I'd appreciate any information
    comments, opinions from any parents who are familiar with these
    schools.  I'd also appreciate input about any additional schools in my
    area to visit.
    
    Thanks!
    Kathy Turmel
    NAC::TURMEL
    DTN: 227-3633
    

Kathy,

You may want to look into Holy Trinity in Lawrence as well.

Daryll

    I am looking for feedback on Applewild School in Fitchburg.  Any
    information would be appreciated.  Please send mail to VSSCAD::LEE.
    Thanks!
    

    I am interested in any comments, opinions or information on the
    Groton/Dunstable Massachusetts school district.
    
    This note has been cross-posted in the Education_Issues and
    Massachusetts notesfiles.
    
    Thanks!
    
    Julie Zeiler
    PMROAD::ZEILER
    DTN 223-8311

    I'm looking for information (especially from parents of students
    in the elementary grades there) about the "Moppet School" in 
    Pepperell, Massachusetts.
    
    		-John Bishop

    I am looking for info about the "Moppet School" in Pepperell, MA
    
    Shaila

I've received a couple of mail messages recently asking 
about where people can obtain information about schools
and school districts. Nationally for both public and
some private schools Digital contracts with Work/Family
Directions to provide profiles of schools/school 
districts. Work/Family Directions can be reached at:

	1-800-635-0606.

In Massachusetts the state Executive Office for 
Education operates a Parent Information Center that
provides information about public school districts. 
They can be reached at:

	1-800-297-0002.


Many other states, especially those who have recently
passed Education Reform legislation, have state level
offices that gather information and supply it to parents
so you may want to check with your state's department of
education.

I would appreciate mail to WWDST1::MGILBERT on the
following topic.

Holliston is currently conducting a search for a 
new High School Principal. We now have our 4
final candidates and I would appreciate any
feedback on the following High Schools. I am
particularly interested in educational atmosphere
and inovation along with administrative support
for such. The names of the finalists are public
and I will place the name and current position 
next to the high school.

Quabbin Regional High School -  Dr. Maureen LaCroix
				Principal

Marblehead High School - 	Mr. Henry Lukas
				Principal

Franklin High School -		Mr. Walter McClennen
				Asst. Principal

Leominster High School - 	Dr. Kevin O'Malley
				Principal

    I've used Work/Family Directions, and they don't have 
    what I'm looking for.
    
    If you're planning to move to an area you don't know 
    and want to pick a public-school district, they can get 
    you statistical information which can help you narrow
    down the list of schools to go look at in detail.
    
    But they can't sustitute for a visit, they often don't
    have information on private schools, and they don't
    have "personal" kinds of information--pupil numbers and
    teacher numbers and so on won't tell you whether a school
    has discipline problems or a nice playground, for 
    example.
    
    I was told that they get their information on private
    schools by sending a questionaire--if the school doesn't
    care to answer, they don't know about it.  I didn't ask
    whether the school had to pay for being listed.
    
    So they were no help to me--they didn't know about the
    private schools I was interested in, and I already
    knew which were the local "good" public school systems.
    
    		-John Bishop

Schools do not have to pay to be listed. They simply
answer the questionaire. 

    Re: Moppet School
    
    I've sent mail to John and Shaila about the Moppet School - this is the
    third year my daughter has gone there; she's now in first grade. 
    "Delighted" doesn't seem strong enough to describe our feelings about
    the school, the teachers, the environment, etc.
    
    If anyone else would like to know about the school, please send me mail
    or call me.
    
    Bruce Epstein
    flume::bruce
    bruce@zk3.dec.com
    DTN 381-0278

    
    
    
    Hi
    
      I am looking for some suggestions for preschools in the 
      Londonderry NH area.  My son is 3 years old and I would 
      like to put him in school this September for a few days 
      a week.  Thanks in advance.
    
    Andrea
    
    

    Hi,  My son will miss the cutoff date for kindergarten and I am going
    to registar him for pre-school this afternoon.
    
    I would like some information on the Leominster school system.  My
    Husband and I have decided not to send him to Catholic school (mainly
    due to the cost, we can't afford it).  The pre-school is located at the
    Bennett School along with the kindergarten.  I also know that they
    seperate the kids depending on which district they live in.  I live in
    the Fallbrook Condo's on Route 12 if this helps.
    
    Please send mail to: RAILRD::TRUMPOLT.
    
    
    Thanks,
    
    Liz

    I am looking for a pre-school for my 3 1/2 yr old in the
    Bolton/Stow/Marlboro area.  Does anyone have any recommendations?
    I think I would like part-time...maybe 3 days/week, but I am open to
    the possibility of a complete transition from her current family
    daycare.  Any recommendations on that?
    
    Thanks
    
    Janet
    
    ROYALT::FRICK

    My best friend is moving to the Manchester NH area this summer. She is
    looking to live w/in 25 min. of Manchester and needs to get some
    information on towns in that radius that have good elementary schools
    and kindergarten. (Her children will be in Grade 2 and kindergarten next
    year). Additional information related to school or town related
    intramural sports/other activities would also be helpful as her kids 
    are currently very active in scouts and baseball/soccer/hockey, etc. 
    
    She is of the understanding that NH does not require public kindergarten, 
    and is looking for either a very well run public (preferred) or a private 
    sitation. Any recommendations? Please send any/all info. to me via 
    E-Mail on PSDVAX::MIDTTUN.
    
    Rgds,
    
    Lisa

    NH does not require kindergarten, but they do require testing before
    entry to first grade.  If your child does not pass the test, it may be
    determined that they require a year of "Readiness", which is kind of
    like in between kindergarten and 1st.
    
    Note that only some towns w/in NH even offer public kindergarten, and
    it's my understanding that the state will Not bus Kindergarten
    children. (Nashua certainly doesn't).

    Not all New Hampshire schools test first graders and not all have
    Readiness classes. 
    
    Here in Goffstown, the schools go primarily on the recommendation of
    the (private) Kindergarten teacher to determine whether a child is
    ready for First Grade.  There is no Readiness program in town.   
    
    I'm not sure what happens if your child has no Kindergarten teacher -
    I heard that the vast majority of kids this year (all but a few out of
    125 or so) did go to Kindergarten.   I think they then go by parent
    recommendation and/or take them in that year anyway if they are 6 by
    September 30.

    I am interested in preschool recommendations (or warnings) for the
    Northboro, MA area.  We are considering transferring our son (currently
    2.5 years) from family daycare to a preschool setting when (or soon
    thereafter) he turns 3.
    
    Thanks in advance!
    
    Leslie

    NOTE:  This reply is from Tracy Warren, who responded to my request
    	   via mail.  I thought that this information might be useful for
    	   others in the community.  Thanks, Tracy!


This is in response to your request for information on preschools in
or near Northboro.  If you are looking for full-day (daycare)
preschool, check out Family Care in Westboro (at
Fountainhead).  (Actually, they have a part-day option too.)  They have
infant through after-school care.  There are two preschool groups and
a pre-K class. 

For 6 1/2 of the 7 1/2 years that Family Care has been open, at least
one of my daughters has gone there.  My younger daughter, Paige, is
currently in the pre-K program there two days a week.  Both daughters
will probably go full-time for the summer again.

Some of the reasons we are happy with Family Care:

--Low turnover in both staff and children.  The two teachers Paige
     started with 3 1/2 years ago are still in the center.  In fact,
     one of them moved with her from toddlers to preschool and is now
     her pre-K teacher.  Many of the children in her class have been
     there since then also.  

--Physical setup.  I like that the rooms are really rooms and not just
     spaces set apart by toy shelves.  It cuts down on the volume and
     the "craziness" factor compared to some centers we have looked
     at.

--Long hours. (7-6.  Some places are 7:30-5:30.  For us, the 5:30 is a
     problem.)  They also offer extended hours sometimes, particularly
     in the fall for Christmas shopping.

--Flexibility. (the director is always as accommodating as possible
     when I need to change or add days.

--Communications.  There are daily notes, weekly curricula, monthly
     newsletters, and parent meetings (with babysitting available).
     The teachers and director are always very
     open to my phone calls (just to check what kind of a day she is
     having) and my requests for meetings, etc.  When I AM unhappy
     about something (which I think is inevitable), they have been
     very accommodating.

--Extra Programs.  They offer gymnastics, Futurekids computer classes,
     swimming in the summer, CPR and first aid for parents, field
     trips, periodic Saturday play groups, and family events.

That's all I can think of for now.  If you have any questions, feel
free to send mail or give me a call (DTN 223-4707).  If you go visit
(if you haven't already), tell them that I sent you!  In case you need
it, the number is 366-0555 and the director's name is Kim.

Tracy

    Does anyone have any information on the Chelmsford Children's
    School on Rt 27?  I'd be interested in any feedback for pre-school
    and full time daycare.
    
    			Mary Russo
    			Solvit::russo
    			264-2950
    

	I would like to know to enroll my daughter into one of these schools:
	
			Julie Country Day in Leominster
			Applewild in Fitchburg

	Any advices or recommendations for these schools will be apprecated 
	
Thanks
Mai Hong
ASKEM::HONG

We're moving to Massachusetts!!!!!

Shellie and I and the kids (ages 6 and 1 1/2) are moving this summer to 
Massachusetts.  We put our house on the market here in Colorado Springs and as
soon as it sells and closes, we're outta here.  But where to go??  :-}

We want a place with:
   1.  good schools, 
   2.  a liberal environment (some place that will accept a lesbian family 
       next door and in their schools - gasp!)  ;-)
   3.  which isn't too far away from high-tech jobs (Shellie is still looking,
       with possibilities in Cambridge, among other places, and I can be 
       set up in any Digital office that will agree to have me [currently 
       planning for Shrewsbury]), and lastly 
   4.  has to be someplace we can *afford*!  We've decided with the state
       of affairs at Digital and elsewhere that we are better off having a 
       less expensive house so we'd like to find one between $150,000 to 
       $170,000 or so.

Soooooo, do you know any community which would meet most or all of those
needs?  :-}  Even if you don't know one way or the other about #2, if you
can help with the others that would help a LOT!!!!

Please send mail to me at CSC32::DUBOIS (or SAPPHO::DUBOIS if CSC32 is having
troubles).  If you reply here, the other mods might give me a hard time (the
topic is "reply by mail").  :-)

    Carol

    Betty Coleman
    293-5635
    BEEMER::COLEMAN
    
    Does anybody have any information on "Grafton Children's Day Care &
    Preschool Center" in North Grafton, MA? Has your child or somebody you
    know attended?, happy or not with the services?
      

    Betty,
    
    Our 5 year old just completed Pre-school at the one run by the Y on
    Worcester St. (Rt. 122) if that's the one your talking about.  All in
    all I think it went pretty well.  For more details you should probably
    talk to my wife as I wasn't involved with it that much.  Give her a
    call if you'd like more details.
    
    					John G.

    I'm looking for information on 
    
    Family Care, Westboro  (in Fountainhead complex)
    
    If you have any positive or negative feedback, please contact me.  I
    did read note 8.49 but the noters appear to no longer work here.
   
    thanks,
    Stephanie   MPGS::SCHWARTZ

    Does anybody have any information on Acorn Childcare Centre in
    Westford.  I am interested in hearing about the center itself as well
    as the infant room.  Also does any now of any openings in Littleton for
    an infant in an in home daycare.  Please send mail to boudev::miller
    
    Thanks 
    Dawn

    Looking for information on Country Day School in Groton.  Our kids are
    not school age yet (another year for kindergarten) but thought I'd
    start asking around.  It's K-8 I beleive.  Send mail to AKOCOA::SALLET

I'm looking for information on Pre-schools in the Groton/Littelton/Acton/
Westford area.  My son will turn 3 next Sept. and we would like to get him
started by then.

Please send mail to TLE::BEAL.


Thanks,

Steve

HI

I am looking for information on the preschool at Alvine High School in
Hudson, NH.  Registration for preschool starts next month for Sept. 95 (age 3).
Since there are only spots for 18 children, a lottery is held.  Does 
anyone have experience using this preschool?  Thanks.

Lynne Poegel
send mail to: xirtlu::poegel

    Any comments on the Children's Discovery Center in Lancaster would
    be appreciated, this will be for a 4 year old, 2 days a week all day
    (preschool plus daycare).  Other quality places in the
    Lancaster/Sterling/Leominster/Lunenburg area would be  appreciated.
    
    steve
    STOWOA::SWFULLER
    

    
    I'm interested in information about the Country Day School in Groton,
    MA.  Any info, comments or opinions, both positive and negative, would
    be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Yvon Girard @DAS
    CSLALL::GIRARD_YB
    DTN: 275-3213
    

    
    I'm interested in information on the Julie Country Day School in 
    Leominster, MA.   Any info/comments/opinions, both positive and
    negative would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Yvon Girard @DAS
    CSLALL::GIRARD_YB
    DTN: 275-3123
    

    
    I'm interested in information on St Bernard's Elementary School in 
    Fitchburg, MA.  Any info/comments/opinions, both positive and negative,
    would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Yvon Girard
    CSLALL::GIRARD_YB
    DTN: 274-3123

I am considering the First Steps Day Care Center in Hudson, MA
for my daughter who will be in Kindergarten in September.  I
am looking for information about the before and after Kindergarten
program.  Additionally, I may also send my 1 year old (she'll be
21 months in September) so I would also like to hear about the
toddler room there.

Please send information to AKOCOA::LANDREWS.

Thanks.

    
    I am looking for information on kindergarten in Hollis, NH.
    Do they offer it? Is it all day? Do they have any 'after school'
    program for kindergarten children?
    
    Also, I would like to know if they have after school program 
    for 1st grade (we are thinking of moving there, my son is 4,
    he currently spends all day at the Learning Center in Nashua.
    
    Thanks,
    
    	Dirce
    

    We are considering sending our daughter to attend the Presentation of
    Mary Academy in Hudson, NH. I would like to hear views/experiences
    (good and bad) before we make our final decision. Our other choice is
    the Merrimack Public school system.
    
    Thanks
    
    Shaila

We are in the process of choosing a preschool for our two-year old.  A friend
of mine mentioned that most good pre-schools have a long wait time. 
Given that, We are looking for any suggestions on the following:

a) Good Pre-schools in and around Shrewsbury

b) I drive by a pre-school/day care facility called VISIONS.
   Any one have any recommendations.

c) Criteria for selecting a good pre-school.

- Ram

    We are in the process of buying a home in Pepperill, MA.
    
    Any information on Daycare Centers, Home Care, Nannies, etc.
    In the area would be appreciated.
    
    Thank you!
    
    Kim Francis
    stowa::Francis

Diane Pach
SALEM::PACH
285-2498

My son has just turned 4 and I am not happy with his present Daycare.  Before
I start looking for another place for him, I thought I should know more about
pre-school and kindergarten.  As a first time Mom, I have no clue what my
options are.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find out this information?  I live
in Nashua at Exit 4 and work in Salem, so I need someplace that would include
daycare as well as pre-school.  Please call or write.  I would like to find
something for him for this coming September.

Thanks for any help,
Diane

We have attended an open house so are familiar with the curriculum, but if
anybody has any direct experience with Touchtone Community School in Grafton,
please contact me.  Thanks.	Betty

    I am interested in experience/feedback regarding the first grade
    teachers at the CONANT SCHOOL in Acton, Mass....
    
    pls send mail : GRILLA::LALIBERTE
    
    thanks.

    I'm interested in recommendations/comments on Kids Inn in Merrimack,
    NH.  My 2 year old son is currently in a home environment, but is
    craving for something more challenging.  They have nursery school,
    preschool and kindergarten there as well, so my hopes would be for him
    to stay there until he starts 1st grade.
    
    Since my goal is for him to "start school" in September, I thought I
    would start my search now.  I have called them and plan to visit during
    my vacation in July (so that Andrew can see it too).
    
    If you have something to share, please send me mail.  I'm at:
    WMOIS::PINEAU_C
    
    Thanks!
    Chris
    
    p.s.  This is also posted in the daycare wanted note.

    I'm thinking of sending my son to Acorn daycare located in Westford,
    and would like to hear from anyone who has had both positive and
    negative experiences with them.
    
    My son is 3 and I'm switching because I want him to be in more of a
    preschool environment instead of just a babysitter.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Gail
    
    POWDML::GMURRAY 

It looks most likely that Noelle will be attending preschool at
Sunrise III in Brookline.  I'd be interested in hearing any
comments people have about any of the 3 Sunrise locations
(the original and Sunrise II are both in Amherst, NH, I believe).

Thanks!

- Deb B.

Hi,

We are seriously considering switching our son's preschool for 
next year.  He is 3 1/2 and has attended the Red Sneakers/Wellington
school in Stoneham, MA, three mornings a week this year.  The 
school administration and staff have been in turmoil for at least
the last six months, and we don't even know where the school will
be located next year.  So we need to keep our options open.

Please let me know of any high-caliber schools in the Reading area.


Thanks,
Merle

JARETH::ROESLER
DTN 381-1573
(h) 617-944-3827

    Does anyone know of a good preschool/pre-K in and around Hudson NH?
    
    Please send me mail at SEND::OBERTI.
    
    Thanks!

My son will be turning 4 in Oct. so I'd appreciate any info/recommendations 
on preschools in Nashua, NH. Thanks

jeff

ssgv01::strobel

    What is the typical age for preschool??  Three or four??  Do younger 
    children go as well??
    
    Nancy

    Preschool is typically 1-2 years before kindergarten;  kindergarten
    is one year (sometimes 2) before 1st grade; and first grade (around here,
    anyway - NH) is "6 years old by September" (with some variation by town,
    I think).

    So by starting with the first grade cutoff age and counting backwards, you
    can figure out what age preschool is - yep, about 3 or 4 years old.

    In a center that has both preschool and kindergarten, kids may move up
    at varying ages, depending on individual development stages and when
    spaces open up.

			cheryl

	My 3 year old's "best friend" is leaving her daycare at
	the end of the month.  I had planned to wait until January
	to put Emily into preschool, but am now thinking of September
	(yes, I *know* that's short notice!).

	I'm interested in Preschool information in Shrewsbury.  I am
	also considering moving her to a Daycare Center/ Preschool that
	would be all day care, as the logistics of half-day preschool might
	be too difficult to work out.

	Any input would be welcome!

	Karen

>    What is the typical age for preschool??  Three or four??  Do younger 
>    children go as well??

I live in central MA, and from my (admittedly limited) exposure to preschools
around here, it seems like there are two ages groups -- the three year olds
and the four year olds.  The sessions are half day, and the three year olds
go twice a week (usually Tuesday and Thursday) while the four year olds go
three times a week (usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday).

						Tracy    

Hi,

We are looking for some input on the Infant Jesus Catholic School in Nashua
for Kindergarten and grade school.  We are looking for information such as 
why did you choose it, if you are satisfied with the school in areas such as
academics, parent involvement, fund raising, etc.  We need to make our decision
by tomorrow so we appreciate any comments as soon as possible.  Feel free to
call us or send mail if you prefer.  Thanks,


Cida Zeeb     or   Jeff Zeeb
381-0669           381-0742
CIDA::ZEEB         DECC::ZEEB

    I am looking for information about Oxford Academy in Northboro.
    General information like:
    	* What grade it starts at
    	* Class size
    	* Curriculum
    	* Are you happy with the education your child is getting there
    	* Are your kids happy there
    	* What does it offer over public school
    	* etc.
    
    Thanks.

	I'm looking for information on two preschools,
	Our Future Learning Center in Northboro, and
	Shrewsbury Children's Center.

	My daughter is wait-listed at both, and I have a feeling
	both will come through with an opening at about the same
	time.  I'd appreciate any information you could share
	with on either center.

	Thanks,
	Karen

I'm looking for information on preschools in the Hudson, Stow, Acton, Marlboro area for my 3 year old.
Postive and not so positive input appreciated.

MR2MI1::CARR

Looking for any specific input/comments on the Hudson Children's Center.

Thanks

    I am also looking for info on the Hudson Children's Center.
    When you send a message to the previous noter, please copy me.
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy

    Here are my questions (besides looking for information on overall 
    quality):
    
    * Do they have any provisions for gifted/talented kids?
    * How do they handle smart but immature kids?
    * Do they have afterschool programs?
    * How large are the classes?
    * Any specific educational philosophy? Are they "traditional" or
    "progressive"?
    * Are the towns nice/friendly/safe?
    
    Thanks!
    	=Susan
    

    Re .88
    
    You might want to call WorkLife Connections, or actually the
    Work/Family Directions part of it, at 1-800-635-0606. The brochure that
    was just sent out to employees seems to suggest they might be able to
    research some of your questions about town schools.
    

	Hi,

	I live in Billerica,MA and I'm interested in sending Kristen to
	pre-school a few days a week for a few hours starting next fall
	(Sept 1996).  It's seems so early to me to be doing this now for
	next fall, but a few people have mentioned to me that now is the 
	time.

	Kristen will be 3yrs 5months next September.

	I've just looked up some schools in the phone book as a start and
	I'm going to be calling them and going to visit.  But I thought
	I'd get some input from the parenting community first.  Please
	let me know your experience with any of these schools (good, bad,
	or indifferent).  Also if you know of a good school in the area
	that I don't have on my list, please let me know about that.
	I'm mostly looking for her to learn social skill and have fun 
	playing with music, arts & crafts, story time, etc...

	Green Meadow Country Day School of Billerica
	
	Arey Contry Day School

	Billerica Center Nursery School

	Billerica Discovery Center

	Bright Horizons Children's Centers
	
	Jumping Jack Kindergarten & Nursery

	ABC Nursery School Academy

	Tiny Tots
	
	Thanks,
	Karen T

    Hi-
    
    	We'll be moving to the Grafton/Northboro/Westboro/Shrewsbury MA
    area after the 1st of the year; Looking for recommendations on school
    systems; Our soon to be 5 yr. old starts kindergarten in the fall of
    '96.

    Karen,
    
    Re: preschools in Billerica area.  My son goes to daycare at The Children's
    Place in Carlisle (off of East Street in Carlisle, close to Billerica line)
    phone is 508-369-6640. Lillian DeBenedictis is the owner and Connie
    Metivier is the head teacher, and runs day to day operations.  There is 
    also a preschool which he will be moving to April 1 at 2.9 years old.  I 
    really like all the staff at the center but Connie, the teacher for the 
    older kids is really wonderful and beloved by parents and kids.  The 
    children who attend are also so nice. The center is small for a center and 
    is in the basement of the owner's home in a residential neighborhood. I 
    have no idea if they will have openings.  It is often full, on the little 
    ones side but varied for the preschool.  Most of the kids come from 
    Carlisle and Billerica.  Glad to have you contact me if you want more
    information.
    
    Kathy

We are looking to move because our son Michael who is 5 is will be start school 
next year.  Our research has lead us to Reading Massachusetts as a community 
with good schools.  This is given the limitation of what we can affort and 
reasonable communting times.

We would like to know more about the Reading schools and anything else about
the community.  Any information positive or negative will be appreciated.

Thanks.

                                                         Bob  

The following is being posted for a member of the PARENTING notesfile
community who prefers to remain anonymous at this time.  If you wish
to contact the author by mail, please send your message to me and I will
forward it to the anonymous noter.  Your message will be forwarded with
your name attached unless you request otherwise.

      Carol duBois, PARENTING Co-moderator

**************************************************************

   Ok, Houstonians out there, I am in need for some information about SCHOOLS
   in Houston.  From what I've seen/read/heard so far, I know LOCATION makes a
   difference, so we're talking about the Cypress-Fairbanks district.  Info is
   needed for the following :
   - what do you think of the public schools in this district at the
     UPPER elementary grade (5th) ?
   - what do you think of the public schools for the middle-school ?
   - are there Catholic parochial schools in the same area and if so,
	can you tell me the cost, differences from the public ?

   Any help you can give me would be MOST appreciated !!!!!
   a potential houstonian

    If you have access to the WWW, take a look at citylink. It has
    information on cites in the US that have created a home page.
    
    Don't forget, this is case sensitive, so be sure to use all lowercase.
    
    http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink
    
    I provided this only as a source of information. I have no role in
    supporting this site, so please don't send me "How come I can't access"
    are "How do I" type questions as in most cases I won't be a useful
    source of information.
    
    Have fun!!

    r .93, Reading Ma
    
    Hi Bob,
    
    I grew up in Reading and after living there for 28 years, my parents
    just moved to a townhouse.  I loved living in Reading.  The school
    system was excellent and is still very good.  They do have over
    crowding in the elementary schools and have added protable classrooms
    to some of them.  Back in the late 70's when there were fewer students,
    Reading actually tore down 2 elementary schools, turned one into the
    library and the other was used as something for senior citizens. 
    Needless to say, this means that adding another elementary school will
    require building one from scratch (currently there are 3 elementary, 2
    middle and 1 high school).
    
    We recently were deciding where to move to and chose N. Reading over
    Reading because of the elementary school problem in Reading.  Guess
    what?  North Reading is going to be facing the same problem within the
    next 3 years.  Although N. Reading seems to be better prepared for it.
    We also liked the extra space that N. Reading has.  The biggest draw
    back is that it doesnt have a lot of extras (no YMCA, no town pool...).
    
    Reading just built a public indoor ice skating rink and has a Field
    house at the high school where they run different kinds of sports
    clinics.  Reading is also close to Wakefield/Woburn which both have
    full YMCA's with pools (Reading's YMCA does offer many classes but is
    smaller than the other 2 and doesnt have a pool...you can probably tell
    I'm big on swimming :)).
    
    I'd suggest that you subscribe to the town paper to get an idea of what
    the town is going thru.  Unfortunately, Reading went to a daily paper
    years ago, but if you live near by you could pick it up once a week.  
    N. Reading has a weekly paper and I wish I had gotten it before I moved
    there.  Not that we still wouldnt have bought in N. Reading (it's a
    great family town) but I'd have been better prepared with what is
    really going on in the town.  It took me about 6 months of reading the
    paper every week to understand how the town is run and what is
    important to the citizens (or at least the ones that vote).
    
    Well, this was very long winded.  If you have any specifc questions,
    send me mail.
    
    Rhonda

	Hi,

	We'll be sending Kristen to pre-school next year, 2 days a week.
	I've been calling schools in the area to get a general idea about
	the programs they offer, days, and cost.  So far there are only
	2 that I'm planning to go take a look at:

        Green Meadow Country Day School of Billerica
	Ecumenical Playgroup in Chelmsford (I may have spelled that wrong)

	If anyone has any information about these schools (good or bad) I'd
	love to hear about it.

	If you have information about another school in the area, please
	let me know that too.  I put a note in here a month or so back just
	asking for people to recommend schools in the area and I got a few
	responses, thank you.

	Oh, BTW, Kristen will be 3 in April so she'll be 3yrs 5months in
	Sept.

	Thanks!
	Karen T.

>	If you have information about another school in the area, please
>	let me know that too.  

Since you mentioned Chelmsford...  The Children's House at the Chelmsford
Public Library has a book they have put together on all the pre-schools, 
nursery schools and child care centers in Chelmsford.  Its on a bookcase, 
next to the check-out counter.  They used to have copies you could take,
but recently, I've only seen the one reference copy.

Mary

Hi,

A friend of mine is thinking of enrolling her two kids ( 5 and 3 1/2) in Small
World, Nashua this fall.  Any personal experiences about this place?  Would the
5 yr old be actually learning things in preparation for kindergarten?  My friend
currently has both these kids in a different preschool environment and she is
not happy with it.  Thanks for any input!

--Chaya

(CABOOM::CHAYA)

The time has come for us to start looking for pre-schools for our
daughter Rachel (now 2, will be close to 3 in the fall).

Any comments/information/recommendations regarding pre-schools in the
area are greatly appreciated.  Also, any hints/tips for evaluating pre-schools
will also be gratefully accepted.  :-)

Roland

"Any comments/information/recommendations regarding pre-schools in the
area are greatly appreciated."

What area?

Irene

>> What area?

See subject:

>>  <<< Note 8.100 by IMBETR::DUPREZ "The engineer formerly known as Roland" >>>
>>                      -< Pre-school, Brookline, NH area >-

  http://www.eoe.mass.edu/pic.www/pic.html

Hi,

We are planning on moving to Chelmsford, MA and need to switch Shruthi to a
daycare centre there.  I called Family Works and got the names of the following
centres that have openings.  I would love to hear from anyone who has had any
experience( positive or negative) in dealing with these centres.

Kindercare
Greater Visions
Little Professionals
Chelmsford Discovery Centre

She also gave me the names of two other centres -
Little Angels in Tyngsboro  &
Little Sprouts in Lowell.

If anyone knows anything about these places, I'd like to hear from you.

Thanks.

--Chaya.

Hi,

I haven't heard from anyone yet about the centres I posted in the previous note.
I just called Little Sprouts in Lowell and it turns out that there is a Little
Sprouts in Methuen also.  Does anyone have any experience with this place?  The
reason I am asking is that the Lowell centre is very new ( just started in Sept)
and I am trying to get information from someone who might have attended the
Methuen Centre.

Thanks.

--Chaya.

    I'm looking for experiences in any Day Care in Sudbury, MA,
    including (but not limited to):
        First Friends
        Sudbury Small World
    Thanks,
    Deb Bernstein

    
    
    Hello,
    
    I am interested in getting information on Pre-school (some places
    call it Pre-Kindergarten because he will be 4 yrs. old when he
    attends) at Small World AND Winnie the Pooh both in Nashua, NH.
    
    All comments good/bad are much appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    Chris

    
    Hi
    
    I need information on daycare in Merrimack.  there is a preschooler
    and two grade school children in the family.  I guess the school age
    kids would need to be bussed to the daycare.  Is that a service that
    some of the daycare centers provide?
    
    thanks for any pointers.
    carol

    I think most of the daycares in Merrimack that have after/before school
    care provide bussing.  I know Kid's Inn does, which is where my kids
    are now.  They were at the YMCA for a while, which also provides
    bussing.  But I moved them back to Kid's Inn because the YMCA did not
    allow for part time attendance.

    I am looking for information on school systems in the Leominster area.
    My daughter is only 3 1/2 but I thought I would start looking now into
    the likes and dislikes of some of the public school offerings.  Does
    anyone know Southeast (which is in our school district) compared to
    Johnny Appleseed  (which I would probably have to drive her to).  My
    other alternative would be one of the catholic schools, probably St.
    Leo's which is where most of her neighborhood friends will be
    attending (only draw back is price/with daycare).  
    
    They go to daycare in Fitchburg so I could start her out at McKay which
    I heard had a great kindergarten program. 
    
    This is why I'm starting so early it seems like a lot of foot work to
    choosing the right school.
    
    Thanks for your thoughts.
    Lori
    
    

    
    Does anyone have any info on the Amherst Montessori School in Amherst
    N.H.?  The school is for ages 3 to 6 and is new (this is the first 
    year of operation).  The director is Linda Bliss.  I'm considering
    sending my daughter their next year.  Please send me mail if you
    have a child attending or have any info (good or bad) on this 
    school and/or directory.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Ellen Batbouta (EVMS::BATBOUTA)

    Does anyone have any information or opinions on Acorn Childcare
    in Westford.
    
    Thanks.
    

    Peggy Gill
    SHRCTR::PGILL
    
    Looking for private kindergarten anywhere between Hudson, MA and 
    Shrewsbury.  Kayla will be 5 on 9/18 and Hudson cut-off is 9/1.  
    I feel she is more than ready for Kindergarten (knows all letters, 
    numbers, left from right, spelling her name, etc).
    
    If anyone has any suggestions, please write.
    
    Thanks!

    
    My wife and I are thinking of buying a house in Worceter, MA. Our
    son is 4. My main concern is with the Worc. school system. I've done
    some checking with various agencies who are sending me info and we called
    the Worc school dept. I've heard good and bad about the school systems
    in Worc. My son would be attending the Herd school which is off of
    Stafford street. I'm wondering if anyone has any inputs on that
    particular school? My wife and I are going to take a ride over there
    and look around and see if we can get a tour of the school but I'd like
    some impartial inputs from folks whose kids may have gone there. thanks
    for any and all inputs.
    
    Walt Bing
    225-6359
    SCOMAN::BING

    
 Here is some info I got on the Worcester,MA school system. It's long
    but has some good info in it.
    
    
    Walt
    
     

Worcester

District: 348 


Contents

   Community Characteristics 
   School Choice 
   District Characteristics 
   Fiscal Investment in Schools 
   Mass. Education Assessment Program (MEAP) 
   College Bound 
   Other Student Issues 
   Teacher Profile 
   Notes from the District 
   For Further Information 

Related Topics 

   Index of School Districts 
   School District Profiles - What the Details Mean 
   Parent Information Center Home Page. 



Community Characteristics

   Kind of Community (KOC): Urban center 
   Population (1990): 169,759 
   Percent with bachelor's degree: 21.1% (27.2)* 
   Per capita income: $13,393 ($17,224)* 
   Percent of families below poverty level: 12.2% (6.7)* 
   Public library certified: Yes 
   Per capita public library materials budget (FY 94): $2.45 
   Name of local education foundation (if one): Alliance for Education 

* Figures in parentheses are 1990 state averages. 


School Choice

   Choice district: No 
   Grades open to choice 1994/1995: 
   Intra-district choice: Yes 
   Magnet schools: Yes 
   METCO: No 



District Characteristics

General Characteristics

   Grades: K-12 
   Present grade configuration: K-6; 7-8; 9-12 
   Vocational school district: Worcester Trade Complex 
   High school program: 

Diversity in the District 1994

                    District          State
Hispanic             24.9%             9.0%
African American      9.2%             8.0%
Asian American        6.7%             3.7%
Native American       0.4%             0.2%
White                58.9%            79.1%
Special Education    18.8%            16.8%

Resident Students Attending Local Public Schools

   District: 83.6% 
   State Average: 87.5% 

Number of Schools in District

   Elementary: 41 
   Middle: 4 
   High school: 4 

Five Year Student Population Trends

         1994     1993     1989  

 K       2447     2319     2176
 1       2231    2,197     2196
 2       2057    2,021     1958
 3       1955    1,967     1820
 4       1937    1,911     1807
 5       1898    1,905     1700
 
 6       1857    1,802     1633
 7       1744    1,611     1580
 8       1458    1,531     1618
 
 9       1357    1,257     1210
10       1169    1,116     1157
11       1037      944     1122
12        852      895      919

Totals: 21,99   21,476   20,896

5 year change:
  K-5:  8.2%
  6-8:  4.7%
  9-12: 0.2%

Early Childhood

No-cost early childhood programs for pre-school children in district: Yes 

Age of child in order to start kindergarten: Five, as of December 31. 


Fiscal Investment in Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures

Elementary             
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $4,151   $3,376   $2,915
State Average     $4,054   $3,878   $3,541

Middle/Jr.High
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $4,762   $5,576   $4,298
State Average     $4,548   $4,499   $4,236

High School
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $4,906   $5,034   $4,907
State Average     $5,465   $5,354   $4,737

Regular Day
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $4,168   $3,976   $3,518
State Average     $4,368   $4,258   $3,899

Special Ed
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $7,662   $6,863   $6,554
State Average     $7,665   $7,140   $6,249

Total
                    1994     1993     1989
District          $5,108   $4,764   $4,257
State Average     $5,234   $5,023   $4,532

Selected District Allocations

Reported on a per-pupil basis 

                    1994     1993
Administration      $112      $95
Athletics            $19      $14
Maintenance         $435     $421
Textbooks            $26      $36
Transportation      $247     $227
Teachers          $2,206   $2,085

School tax range 1994 (per $1,000 valuation): $11.05 


Mass. Education Assessment Program (MEAP)

Aggregate Scores

Fourth Grade
               1988      1990      1992      1994       1994          1994
              District  District  District  District  State Avg.  Highest Score
Reading        1230      1260      1280      1300       1350          1530
Math           1230      1260      1280      1300       1330          1540
Science        1230      1250      1270      1330       1350          1530
Social Studies 1240      1260      1280      1310       1340          1480

Eighth Grade
               1988      1990      1992      1994       1994          1994   
              District  District  District  District  State Avg.  Highest Score
Reading        1200      1220      1220      1260       1370          1600
Math           1200      1230      1220      1220       1320          1600
Science        1210      1240      1230      1220       1310          1550
Social Studies 1200      1230      1210      1240       1320          1600

Twelfth Grade *Tenth Grade
               1988      1990      1992      1994*      1994*         1994*  
              District  District  District  District  State Avg.  Highest Score
Reading        1270      1240      1250      1220       1300          1480
Math           1270      1240      1230      1210       1300          1500
Science        1250      1230      1240      1220       1300          1520
Social Studies 1270      1240      1220      1210       1300          1490


Subject Proficiencies - 1994

Shows percentage of students performing at grade level goals for performance, MEAP Levels III & IV. 

Fourth Grade
               District   State Average   Highest Score
Reading           15%            22%             41%
Math              13%            17%             45%
Science           17%            19%             47%
Social Studies    15%            18%             38%
Writing           19%            16%             58%

Eighth Grade
               District   State Average   Highest Score
Reading           17%            27%             57%
Math              11%            20%             56%
Science           14%            20%             58%
Social Studies    14%            22%             53%
Writing            8%            15%             63%

Tenth Grade
               District   State Average   Highest Score
Reading           17%            22%             41%
Math              16%            20%             44%
Science           15%            21%             50%
Social Studies    17%            21%             43%
Writing            9%            17%             65%



College Bound

SAT - Verbal
        District   State Average   Highest Score
1994       377          426            508
1993       379          427            507
1989       404          432            501

SAT - Math
        District   State Average   Highest Score
1994                    475            570
1993       431          476            561
1989       438          473            547

SAT - Total
        District   State Average
1994       377          901
1993       810          903
1989       842          905

Percent of students taking SATs
        District   State Average
1994       53%          79%
1993       44%          81%
1989       57%          72%

Percent of grades going to a 4-year college
        District   State Average
1994       51%          52%
1993       44%          51%
1989       44%          44%

Percent of grades going to a 2-year college
        District   State Average
1994       23%          19%
1993       26%          19%
1989       21%          20%




Other Student Issues

Dropout Rate
        District   State Average
1994     10.0%          4.6%
1993      8.7%          4.3%
1989     12.8%          4.9%

Sports in District 1995-96

Number of sports in district:
   Boys:       31
   Girls:      30
   Coed:        4

Sports activity fee:

   District   State Average            
     $0           $36

1994 MEAP Student Survey
                                4th Grade   8th Grade  10th Grade
Percent of students with less      41%         35%         28%
  than one hour of homework

Percent of students who watch      38%         38%         16%
  four or more hours of TV
  
Percent of students who who talk   17%         27%
  to a family member about school
  work once or less a month

Violence, Drug, & Alcohol Use Prevention Programs:

Michigan Model for Comprehensive Health Education, Parents as Substance Abuse Prevention Educators,
DARE, Educators for Social Responsibility, Life Skills Taring Program, Persuasion, Smoking Cessation
Programs, Sexual Assault Prevention Ed. and others. 


Teacher Profile

Starting Teacher Salary
      Lowest in State     District*    State Average    Highest in State 
1994     $19,562          $23,430        $23,940           $28,178
1989     $14,753          $20,034        $19,902           $26,179

  * Five-year change in district's starting teacher salary: 17%

Maximum Salary for Teacher
      Lowest in State     District*    State Average    Highest in State 
1994     $35,494          $45,726        $46,150           $60,594
1989     $24,432          $35,904        $37,582           $48,891

  * Five-year change in district's maximum teacher salary: 27%

Average Teacher Compensation
                          District*    State Average    Highest in State 
1994                      $40,699        $39,023           $56,326
1989                      $30,893        $32,219           $46,862

  * Five-year change in district's average teacher compensation: 31.7%
  * Five-year change in state's average teacher compensation: 21.1%

Pupil-Staff ratio (1992) for district: 15.9-1 (state average 15.6-1)




Notes from the District

In order to prepare for the curricular changes brought about by the Education Reform Act of 1003, the Worcester
Public Schools has established its own Common Core of Learning Committee as well as Steering and
Curriculum Committees in the Arts, English/Language Arts, Health, Mat, Science and Technology, Social
Studies and World Languages. In September 1995, the State Curriculum Frameworks, which are the second
step in a three phase education reform initiative, will be in place in the Worcester Public Schools in the above
mentioned curricular areas. These frameworks are guides to help schools develop curricula grounded in an
understanding of how students learn most effectively. They focus on improving what happens in the classrooms
by linking curriculum development to all facets of the educational system. In addition to the adoption of the
curriculum frameworks, the school system will have implemented by September 1995 the first phase of the Time
and Learning Report, the Staff Development and recertification requirements, the expansion of the Early
Childhood Program and may other components of the State Education Reform mandate. During the course of the
1994-95 academic year, the system made giant strikes by: offering more than 600 Staff Development courses,
improving on the MEAP achievement tests in grade 4 by 70 t0 100 points in all fours areas, lowering the
dropout rate by over 2 points, increasing daily student attendance by over 1% at the secondary level, enhancing
programs for the gifted and talented and, approving a five year Technology Plan. Collaborative relationships
between the Worcester Public Schools and the member institutions of the colleges of the Worcester Consortium
have increased in breadth and depth. Area colleges and universities have provided professional development
opportunities for our experienced teachers, training for future teachers and course offerings for all students.
Importantly, educators at all levels are coming to see that the traditional demarcation between K-12 and higher
education serves students and teachers less well than a reconceptualization of education as a PreK-16
continuum. The partnerships involving local businesses have also continued to grow and prosper. Excellent
opportunities have been provided to our students through collaborative projects involving various businesses
which are linked in partnerships with our schools. The Administration of the Worcester Public Schools will
strive to continue to challenge the students in the Worcester Public Schools by providing them with excellent
educational opportunities at all levels. They system will continue to seek the positive support of staff, parents
and the community at large as the school administration and city departments work cooperatively to provide the
best possible education for all of our students. 


For Further Information

Superintendent Dr. James L. Garvey 
20 Irving Street 
Worcester, MA 01609 
Phone: 508-799-3115 
Fax: 508-799-3119 

Parent Information Center 
768 Main Street 
Worcester, MA 01610 
Phone: 508-799-3450 



Where you can go from here (just click on the topic you want): 

   Index of School Districts 
   School District Profiles - What the Details Mean 
   Parent Information Center Home Page. 


 

School District Profiles
What the Details Mean



Each School District Profile contains a variety of details and statistics about the community and the school
district, along with other information such as student performance, teacher profiles, and school choice.

To help you compare school districts, each School District Profile provides comparable information under the
following general topics:

   Community Characteristics 
   School Choice 
   District Characteristics 
   Per Pupil Expenditures 
   Selected District Allocations 
   Student Performance 
   Violence, Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention Programs 
   Teacher Profile 
   Notes on the District 


A Brief Reminder:

Statististical information, such as that presented in the School District Profiles, is important. However, in the
end, the best information about a school is gained first hand. We encourage any parent who is interested in
learning more about a particular school to visit the school and talk to its principal, the teachers, and the parents
of its students.



Community Characteristics

This section of the School District Profile includes basic background information about the community.

   Population, income, and poverty figures are taken from the latest U.S. Census in 1990. 

   Kind of Community (KOC) is a designation developed by the Massachusetts Department of Education
   (D.O.E.) which is designed to categorize communities by using a number of social and economic
   variables. KOC designations include:

      Urban Center 
      Economically Developed Suburb 
      Growth Community 
      Residential Suburb 
      Rural Economic Center 
      Small Rural Community 
      Resort/Retirement/Artistic Community 

   Local Education Foundations are organizations created at the local level, often through the cooperation
   of parents, civic leaders, and business leaders. These foundations provide important finacial support for
   school districts and are an indicator of a community's commitment to public education. Foundation
   information was supplied by school superintendents in response to a School District Profile Survey.

   Public library funding and certification are also indicators of public support for education. Library
   material budget figures and certification status come from the Massachusetts Board of Library
   Commissioners.



School Choice

This section of the School District Profile indicates if a district receives out-of-district students under the
Massachusetts School Choice Program and indicates which grades may be open to Choice students.



District Characteristics

This section of the School District Profile lists background informtion about the school district including the
number of schools, the grade levels offered in a district, the configuration of grades, and the vocational school
district in which the district is a member.

Type of High School Program refers to whether the high school offers an Academic or Comprehensive course
program. Comprehensive high schools offer both a full range of secondary courses and a vocational program. 

Some school districts offer pre-school or early childhood education programs for three and/or four year-olds.
The starting age for school districts is an especially important issue for parents who are concerned whether
their child is developmentally ready for school. 

The data about district characteristics comes from information on file with the Massachusetts Department of
Education (D.O.E.) and information supplied by school superintendents in response to a School District Profile
Survey. 

   Cultural diversity information for the school year 1992-93 comes from the D.O.E. 

   Student population trends generally reflect rates of population growth or decline. Rapid increases in the
   number of students in a school district affect such issues as space limitation and class size. This data
   comes from the annual October reports filed by each district with the D.O.E. 



Per Pupil Expenditures

Per pupil expenditure information provides another basis for judging a community's support of K-12 education.
Per pupil expenditures are based on the End-of-Year report that each school district files with the D.O.E. To
derive the per pupil expenditure, a district's operating costs are divided by the number of students attending
school in the district. 

Each School District Profile presents per pupil expenditures:

   At each school level 
      Elementary 
      Middle/Jr. High 
      High School 

   By program 
      Regular Day, in which most children are concentrated 
      Special Education 

Because operating costs are different for different types of districts (elementary and secondary), state averages
listed in this section represent averages for the type of district being presented. 



Selected District Allocations

The way a district allocates its education funds is an important indicator in determining where the district's
education priorities lie. Each School District Profile presents the district's allocation of funds on a per pupil
basis in seven different budget areas (teachers, transportation, maintenance, administration, athletics, and
textbooks). 

While the allocation of educational funds does not give the whole funding picture, it does provide a view of a
district's funding priorities in key areas. For example, text books are an obvious crucial component in the
education of students. The quality of text books in a district can be a reflection of the quality of its educational
environment. It is more difficult to prepare students for a new century if their science or history books are more
than a decade old. 

This information is derived from the End-of-Year report that each school district files with the D.O.E. This
section also includes the community's implicit School Tax Rate. 



Student Performance

The most significant indicator in assessing the quality of a school district is the actual academic performance of
its students.

   The Massachusetts Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) has been assessing student
   performance in grades 4, 8, and 12 since 1988. MEAP scores reflect an assessment of performance of
   students. For each district, MEAP scores are presented alongside state average scores and the highest
   district average scores in the state. 

   MEAP statewide proficiency scores are reported in five levels. Levels III and IV (Three and Four)
   demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Each School District Profile includes the percentage of assessed
   students who have attained Level III or IV proficiency in various categories (math, science, and so
   forth). 

   Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) have long been the standard yardstick used to measure performance
   of high school seniors. Each School District Profile includes the average Verbal and Math SAT scores for
   reporting districts along with the percentage of students taking the SAT in the district. This information
   was supplied by superintendents. 

   In addition, each School District Profile includes D.O.E. and superintendent reports on the percentage of
   students who went on to attend college after high school graduation in 1988, 1992, and 1993. 

   Other Student Issues include a record of the school district's dropout rate, pupil-staff ratio, and
   availability of sports programs. 

   Time Spent on Homework and Television is derived from the MEAP student survey. Each School
   District Profile compares the percentage of students who report less than one hour of homework per day
   and those who report watching four or more hours of television per day. Generally, good schools require
   more homework, which should allow for less television viewing. However, the amount of television
   viewing may be a better indicator of how involved the district's parents are with their children's lives
   and educational program. 




Violence, Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention Programs

Parents, educators, and students are all concerned about violence and drug abuse in our society and our schools.
This section identifies any programs the school district has instituted to help students confront and resolve
these difficult issues. 



Teacher Profile

Each School District Profile provides teacher profile information for the district and compares them with
statewide averages. 

   Average length of service among a school district's corps of teachers can indicate the academic
   environment in a district. Though a high rate of turnover might indicate teacher dissatisfaction, a medium
   rate of turnover in the district might contribute to keeping the teaching corps fresh and involved. 

   The amount of funding teachers receive for professional development can indicate a district's
   commitment to providing its teachers with the essential pedagogical tools to educate students well. 

   Teacher salaries indicate whether the district is competitive when recruiting for the best teachers.
   Minimum and maximum teacher salaries for districts are based on responses by superintendents.
   Average teacher salary for each district is calculated annually by the D.O.E. from information reported by
   superintendents. (The average teacher compensation figure may include non-salary compensation, such
   as tuition reimbursement, professional development funds, and substitute teacher pay.)




Notes on the District

In this section, each district superintendent briefly introduces the special programs, projects, philosophy, or
achievements of the district. 



   Return to the Parent Information Center 
   Go to the Index of School Districts 

    I am looking for information on school systems in Littleton,
    Chelmsford, Westford, Tewksbury & Andover.  I want to move to the area,
    but haven't decided where yet & would like some info. on these school
    districts to help make the decision.
    
    Thanks,
    
    cslall::Perla

    
    Andover elementary schools and middle schools are very good.
    The high school is not that good - class size is too big,
    too many people from the neighboring towns trying to use a
    relative's or a friend's address to get in, as a result a lot
    of the Andover residents send their children to private high
    schools.
    
    Eva

    need info on pre-K ans K schools in the Windham/Salem NH area. Need to
    make a decision fast, if I'm not too late already. Please email with any
    information/names/recommendations for the Windham/Salem towns.
    
    
    			thanks..   Steve

I think Littleton and Chelmsford are supposed to be pretty good, but don't
have any firsthand experience.  Littleton has only 1 elementary school, I
believe, so if you don't like something about the way they do things, 
you are stuck.

      Carol

    Lisa Lipson
    225-4352
    chipbz::lipson -- please use
    
    We're considering a move to Southboro and were wondering about the
    schools.  I've heard and read that the elementary and middle schools
    are quite good -- but I've heard mixed reviews about the regional high
    school.  Any feedback, positive or negative would be great.
    
    I have contacted work/family directions and received their information
    package.  Unfortunately school is out for summer -- so I can't make a 
    personal visit.
    
    Thanks!
    

    Hi
    
    Anyone have any experiences with Endless Opportunities and/or Quality
    Time Learning  in the Salem NH area?   All input appreciated, good or
    bad.
    
    		thanks   Steve

    
    My husband and I are starting the process of looking for a
    private high school for our daughter. We live in North Andover
    and we think we'll consider any school within 30 minutes drive.
    Our main concern is academic excellence. I would appreciate any 
    experiences with private high schools in the area, especially 
    Philips Academy and Brooks School. Any info on student selection 
    and admission process would be very helpful.  
    
    
    Thanks,
    Eva
    
    

    
    Looking for feedback on the Kids Inn daycare/pre-school in
    Merrimack/Amherst (?). I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old.
          
    Please send any information to:
    
    MKOTS3::FREGEAU
    Fregeau@mail.dec.com
    DTN 227-3169

    
    I'd like to receive information on pre-schools in or near Hudson, MA.
    I'm especially interested in pre-schools that are Christian.  
    
    For instance, does anyone know if St. Michael's has a pre-school?
    
    Please send replies to blufsh::barndt or abarndt@ultranet.com
    
    Thanks,
    Ann

    
    I am looking for information on the Bonjour Pre-school in Lunenburg,
    MA...comments, experiences, etc. all welcome!
    
    Thanks!
    
    Maureen Havey
    USOPS::HAVEY

    Hello,
    
    We're looking for information on preschools in Lunenburg and the
    surrounding area (Fitchburg, Leominster, Shirley, Townsend).  We
    recently moved from Gardner to Lunenburg.  Please send all
    recommendations and comments to linda johnson - MRO (Exchange mail) or
    usops::johnson.
    
    Yesterday we met with Lunenburg's superintendent of schools and our son
    who won't be 5 until 9/14, does not meet Lunenburg's kindergarten cutoff 
    of 9/1. So, it's preschool for another year.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Linda

    I need to find full-day Kindergarten plus extended day care for my
    daughter for this fall.  I am looking for recommendations for
    Kindergartens in Shrewsbury, MA or Hudson, MA.  
    
    If you have any information, please send email to me on
    CHIPBZ::CAISSIE or call me on DTN 225-6878.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Sheryl