phoenix people

[peggyfromwastate]

I was wondering about the education system there. I have a good friend with 4 little girls and there is a good chance that they'll be relocated there soon. Her oldest girl is in 2nd, and the youngest is 3. Her husband wants to move, badly, but she is hesitant b/c she has family out here, etc. The usaul reasons! Since they have so many kids, they wouldn't ba able to afford private school. Her husband is a computer guy- now he travels a lot to commute between Phoenix and DC, where the 2 offices are located (I know, it's pretty random).

Also, they are adopting a baby from Liberia. So there's that to consider. Is Pheonix an area where there are a lot of mixed families? Out here in the DC area, it's super common. But I know that it's not common everywhere, and that's a big concern for her.

[Momo]

I PMed you!

[diggitydot]

Depends on specifically where they end up. There are a TON of school districts between Phoenix proper and the various suburbs. Our kids attend public school in the Dysart district and have received a great education. We've been pleased with it during our almost-4 years here. Statistically speaking, AZ is on the bottom of the heap for education, but we've had no complaints with what we've experienced. (And we're pretty anal about education, too.)

[peggyfromwastate]

THANKS! In my experience easterners think they are "all that" with the education system. I think the testing is outrageous. The poor kids exhibit stress symptoms at 3rd grade. Actual stress. Besides that, the results of the education system don't show me that things are so much better here- but there are great "special programs" available. Magnets, special learning centers, and all source of resources for LD kids.

By the way, is there much diversity in Pheonix? I know there are a lot of hispanic, and probably native americans, but how about African? And African American?

[diggitydot]

By the way, is there much diversity in Pheonix? I know there are a lot of hispanic, and probably native americans, but how about African? And African American?

Diversity in Phoenix will differ from one school to another. Some of the schools in my kids' district are VERY monochromatic. Others are pretty varied. As for my kids' specific school, it's total mix between African-American, Hispanic, Native American and white.

[peggyfromwastate]

Thanks- this helps. She is sort of court-mandated to have him in a diverse school. It's terms of her international adoption- not that they could/would take him away from her, but...