Verona, West Essex Regional, Montville, or West caldwell schools?? (Bloomfield: buying a house, safe neighborhoods)

[bloomfieldmom]

Hello! We have a 3 year-old son and are moving out of Bloomfield because of the high taxes and poor school system. We are looking at a few different areas, and school quality is our first priority. Second, we need a home below $425K with taxes below $10K. We're looking at Montville, the Caldwells, Verona, Pequannock, and Glen Ridge.

We really want a school system that encourages kids who excel, offers AP classes and prepares kids well for private 4 year colleges. Also, a neighborhood where a kid can ride a bike without doing it on the side of a busy country road (e.g. good parks, friendly and safe neighborhoods where people talk to each other). We're thinking far ahead here with the college part, but we really don't want to discover negative things after buying a house and be forced to sell again! Thanks in advance!!

[nybbler]

How do you know your kid is that bright? Or maybe he'll much rather become a tradesman? Anyway, AP classes and worries about 4-year colleges are 10 years in your child's future. School systems can change (both for better and for worse) in that time, and you could have to move for other reasons. There's something to be said for planning ahead, but detailed planning ahead that far is futile.

I don't think you'll find much in your price and tax range in Verona or Glen Ridge; not sure abut the others.

[bloomfieldmom]

Any helpful members out there with some advice? It's about providing opportunities for your child, and yes, based solely on what you've seen a school do historically. Especially if it can help that child grow up to be something other than a person who combs message boards looking to stir up some stuff.