Schools in Boston

i everyone,

We will be moving back to Boston for 1 year in 2010 for fellowship. DS is 4.5 and in his first year of 'big school'. We will need to enrol him into a school for a year. DOes anyone know how I can educate myself on the school system so I know what year he will fit into? How do I fins out about schools and what are good schools?
DD will also be at the age for starting pre-school.

Does every school have different ways of teaching to read? nation wide here theyb use a programme called Jolly Phonics.

Any tips gratefully appreciated

[HouseofWool]

Re: Schools in Boston

I can't speak for the schools in Boston, but my son is in kindergarden and they are teaching him with Jolly Phonics.

[Tenacious_D]

Re: Schools in Boston

I would recommend living outside of Boston in one of the local burbs Arlington, Brookline, Lexington etc. if you want a really good school system. Boston is not as good unless you are considering private education. If you know where you will live, you can contact the school district directly to get more information.

Re: Schools in Boston

Thanks for the replies. Food for thought!

I'm glad Jolly Phonics is a world wide thing. I wasn't sure, as its the first year his school is using it as they were using letterland before.

[Rapunzel]

Re: Schools in Boston

I would recommend living outside of Boston in one of the local burbs Arlington, Brookline, Lexington etc. if you want a really good school system. Boston is not as good unless you are considering private education.

Amen to all of this. Dedham also has a pretty good school system from what I understand (and, lower cost of living than the north burbs and not the insane commute of the far south burbs such as Quincy). You might also check out Needham, Newton, Wellesley, and Waltham. If you want to look north there's Revere and the towns along the "north shore".

Basically, live anywhere but Boston for decent public schools. Otherwise, plan on investing serious $$$ in a good Catholic private school inside of Boston (and, those are as competitive as all heck to get into).