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We recently moved to Bedford, Ma., about 15 minutes from Waltham, and
the realtor gave us a handout that reviewed the school systems of many
towns. It showed the percentage of children that went to college and
the average SAT scores. I don't have the info but maybe you could ask
a realtor. Coldwell bankers gave us the info. Good luck.
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Jane:
My husband was a product of the Waltham school system (from grade 6'ish
up, I think?) and he went onto Columbia University for his BS/EE,
along with Boston University for his BS/CS, then onto WPI for his MS/EE
and just finished his PhD/EE research/thesis at WPI.
His brother was also a product of the Waltham school system (one year
younger) and he, too, went onto Columbia, got a MS/physics from NYU and
then his PhD/physics from NYU.
Their kid sister (7) just entered the 2nd grade (Waltham school system)
and she, too, is "too smart for her britches"!! While her parents are
empathizing with Catherine (re: teachers), Jim/I are DEFINATELY
empathizing with the TEACHERS!!!
I guess Waltham school system can't be all that bad!! I'm also a
strong advocate of children must be taught basics "very young", long
before they enter the school system ... and lots of mentoring from home
& interaction with the teachers DURING their schooling. In other words,
the school system does not own TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY for the kid(s)'
educational success, attitude and challenge towards learning, etc.
... my Mom spent many an evening tutoring us, reviewing our homework
assignments, attending the yearly "Play" or "Recital", paying rewards
for good grades, encouraging and praising our achievements, etc. ...
(And I was the product of what people labeled "one of the WORST school
systems"!!!)
Dottie
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| I recently (5years ago) moved from Waltham and their school system
because I did not feel my children were getting a quality education.
My husband and I grew up in Waltham, both graduated from Waltham High,
and went on to college, though neither one of us has finished
(someday).
My oldest, who graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1989,
spent four years trying to catch up with the rest of her class. She
is now struggling with UMASS. An average student.
My 14 yr. old spent a year catching up and is now at the top of her
class. She's an A student.
I could tell you horror stories about the Waltham school system. If
you have a child that is average, you're probably ok. If you have a
child that is exceptional, an over-achiever or with difficulties, you
should find another system.
I just read an article in Exceptional Parenting Magazine about the
Arlington schools. If I ever move back (heaven forbid!) that's where
I would look.
my 2 cents,
Lynne
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