My husband and I are looking to buy a house in Delaware county, but neither of us are from the area. Does anyone know what the good school districts are? I appreciate your input!
We're in Upper Darby school district and plan on moving before DS is in school- they aren't very good. I've heard Haverford school district is good, as is Rose Tree/Media, like pp said.
I have to veto Ridley... I went there and not only are there sketchy neighborhoods that feed into the SD, but the middle and high schools have been dealing with drug problems recently. It wasn't what I experienced more than a decade ago, but I know they have had parent meetings and everything about it and I have friends and family who have experienced problems. When I did go there, the district was great with the top half of the class, but underacheivers and problem students were often just "pushed-through" the system and not paid much attention too.
My husband and I are also in the process of trying to move to Delco and Rose Tree/Media and Garnet Valley SDs are among our top choices in Delaware County.
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I also would not think Ridley would be in the top choices....Definitely Garnet Valley is like #1 but to live out there you need $$$$$$$$$$. Rose Tree Media is pretty good (that is where I went through).
BFP#1=1/17/08 Missed m/c: 3/19/08@ 12 w D&C 3/21/08
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Ridley is not a top choice? I did not know this! My experience there in the past 5 years in the elem. schools has been awesome and I know of many families that move into this area just for the schools. Is it the elementary schools or more the middle and high school?
I went to Strath Haven and loved it (Wallingford-Swarthmore SD). However that was years ago and I'm not sure what it's like now. I know there was an article last year "Best Places to Live in America" or something like that and Wallingford was in the top ten and the schools probably played a role in that.
I have a special needs 7th grader in Ridley, and from my own experience, here's what I can tell you. The district has a lot of resources at it's disposal, but if your child has special needs, you will have to fight tooth and nail for them. While I think Ridley is an excellent SD for the average child, I am not impressed with the way they handle their special needs students.
Wow... these answers seem to be across the board! I'm putting on my non-realtor hat to answer this question because when I'm on the job we're not allowed to say one district is better than the other. However, as a lifelong resident of Delaware Co, I'd like to answer...
I agree that Ridley, William Penn, and Upper Darby are a NO GO. Ridley isn't SO bad, but if you had to choose out of all the Delco school districts, I just wouldn't pick this one.
Garnet Valley, Wallingford-Swarthmore, and Rose Tree are great districts.
I would rate Haverford as a middle of the road district. I haven't heard of many people raving about it.
Did you know that Radnor is in Delaware County? IMO, Radnor is the best. I'm terribly biased, however, because I live here. But I have to say that I bought my house based on the fact that it is in Radnor Twp so we could be in this district.
Re: Best school districts in DelCo?
I would agree Rose Tree Media or Great Valley i grew up and now moved back in RTM!! I may be bias!!!
I have to veto Ridley... I went there and not only are there sketchy neighborhoods that feed into the SD, but the middle and high schools have been dealing with drug problems recently. It wasn't what I experienced more than a decade ago, but I know they have had parent meetings and everything about it and I have friends and family who have experienced problems. When I did go there, the district was great with the top half of the class, but underacheivers and problem students were often just "pushed-through" the system and not paid much attention too.
My husband and I are also in the process of trying to move to Delco and Rose Tree/Media and Garnet Valley SDs are among our top choices in Delaware County.
Wow... these answers seem to be across the board! I'm putting on my non-realtor hat to answer this question because when I'm on the job we're not allowed to say one district is better than the other. However, as a lifelong resident of Delaware Co, I'd like to answer...
I agree that Ridley, William Penn, and Upper Darby are a NO GO. Ridley isn't SO bad, but if you had to choose out of all the Delco school districts, I just wouldn't pick this one.
Garnet Valley, Wallingford-Swarthmore, and Rose Tree are great districts.
I would rate Haverford as a middle of the road district. I haven't heard of many people raving about it.
Did you know that Radnor is in Delaware County? IMO, Radnor is the best. I'm terribly biased, however, because I live here. But I have to say that I bought my house based on the fact that it is in Radnor Twp so we could be in this district.
Two good sites: www.greatschools.net and www.schoolmatters.com.
I'm going to PM my contact info to you as well...