Looking for advice about elementary schools

[mykkel]

So let's pretend that I am going to be able to move my family into Ann Arbor. Which elementary school district should we be trying to move into? Which district should we avoid?

Is it more important to be angling for the right middle school or high school?

Comments

[qrssama]

1) There are basically two ways that people find out that their kids are gifted and talented (G&T). The most common is that the pre-k or preschool teacher tells the parent that something is unusual relative to the other kids she sees. The second is through testing. Pam should be able to talk to you about local testing services, but it is also true that you can request your kid get into a program and then see if she does well or not. But if you do that, be very aware of how things are really going, not how you would *like* them to be. A child who isn't happy in a G&T program is worse off than a talented child who isn't.

2) No real differences in art programs, AA has the most resources and largest field, so it tends to be better at drama offerings every year. Ypsi doesn't spend much on the estracurriculars. Saline and Dexter both have strong drama components as part of their music program.

3) AA's better sports program comes from two factors - Money and Numbers. It is a large district and as such they can be more selective about who plays on their varsity teams. And, they spend more on their coaches. Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester are all at about the same level with kids, so there it comes down to the coaches. I think Chelsea's coaches have the edge currently, but it is hard to tell.

4) The charter schools in Michigan in general are not getting the same kind of results as the public schools. In Washtenaw county in particular, they are doing better at training religious history than academics. The main problem with charters is that they do not necessarily hire teachers who have been trained to teach, and that actually makes a difference. And, typically teachers from charter schools leave for public school jobs once they learn what they are doing (more money). But, if you have a particular set of issues that you want taught (especially if you really want your child to learn biblical history or really don't want your child to learn science), the charter option works better because parents have a stronger say in the curriculum.

[mykkel]

That was what I was afraid of about the charter schools. Thanks for all of the advice.