Question about Stamford Public Schools?

OnetwothreeGO

Hello CT Nesties!

My husband and I were married in CT 8 years ago this Fall, and it looks like we'll be moving to CT from Brooklyn early this Summer.  We're focusing in on North Stamford because it makes commuting into the city a little easier and we like the area.

My mother-in-law is fairly concerned about the local public schools' ratings on GreatSchools.  I am really much less concerned, but to appease her worries, I thought I'd ask around to see if any of you have any direct experience with the public schools in Stamford, specifically Northeast Elementary and Turn of River middle school.

I'd really appreciate your feedback on the schools, positive or negative.  I just feel like my MIL is talking to her friends who sent their kids to private schools over 20 years ago because the public schools weren't that good back then.  That said, the GreatSchools rating gives Northeast a 5 out of 10.  But, I really feel like a lot of this has to do with the fact that Stamford is a city and so you have a diverse population attending the school (something we want) and you may have non-native English speakers which might lower test scores. etc.

 What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 

nuttycoconut

Hi! The teachers and curriculum are fantastic at SPS.  The test scores are lower (like you suggested) because of the diverse population and ELL students. Many of them come to kindergarten and don't speak English, have never had preschool, can't write their name, don't know letters and sounds, etc. Then their parents either work 2 jobs and can't help them at home, and/or they don't speak English, and they don't attend school events and parent conferences so they don't support what is happening in the classroom at home. A kindergarten teacher can end up with 7-10 ELL students in the class and those students will almost always be below grade level. The kids who went to preschool and have supportive parents at home definitely thrive in the classroom and their test scores are great. I don't have direct experience with Northeast or Turn of River though. I hope you enjoy living there! I've been very happy in this area and wouldn't hesitate to send my kids to school in Stamford.