How do you feel about WBL (schools specifically)

smurfetteinred

We're new to the area (well dh hasn't lived here in forever) and found a house that would be great for us with only a few compromises but it's in White Bear Lake. Dh's family lived here growing up so they're all of the opinion that they're sure it's not so bad since it was great when they were there. Well it's been 12 years since even the youngest has gone there and the general consensus from everyone else seems to be that it's not so great anymore. I've looked into the school system and on paper it doesn't seem so bad but I know how hard it is to really tell from test scores and stats sometimes so I'm hoping to get an unofficial consensus on the subject.

Soooooo . . .

[Poll]

Janell's Nest

WBL as a whole is a great area to be in very nice area, lots of lakes, nice "small town" charm in the Downtown area.  Its an "older" upper middle class area (as opposed to places like Maple Grove that have just recently popped in popularity and housing).  The schools are give and take but there are other areas that are worse I guess.  WBL borders up to Mahtomedi so you always have that option for school because Mahtomedi is a great district to be in.

ariel06

I think it used to be better than it is now.  They have in the past had difficulties passing bond referendums which has led to some programs being very limited or cut.  My cousins who live in WBL go to the Mahtomedi schools.  They are even able to pay a little extra to get busing there.

chickpea03

I definitely echo trying to get into Mahtomedi schools. I grew up in the area and taught pre-Kindergarten in the area and Mahtomedi just had much better schools all around. I know they have been doing open-enrollment the past few years (which was unheard of!) so if you can get into that, do it