fruit_cats t1_ixmj3ex wrote on November 24, 2022 at 4:06 PM

East providence is probably your best bet, it’s pretty cheap and would fit your distance requirements.

Downside is that the school system is at best mediocre, but you have a few years before you need to worry about that!

Mountain_Bill5743 t1_ixmlai5 wrote on November 24, 2022 at 4:22 PM

Just curious about why you'd consider the EP schools at best mediocre? I've never lived in the area, so I'm curious since most parents I know there/prospective parents tend to find the schools a huge selling point (especially with the new high school).

Like not as well regarded as say Barrington, but not one of the districts that gets mentioned negatively in any way.

Throwaway1231200001 t1_ixmnfsw wrote on November 24, 2022 at 4:37 PM

Was about to say, the new Highschool is a plus

fruit_cats t1_ixmsjpg wrote on November 24, 2022 at 5:14 PM

I admit I’m a harsh judge of schools.

As for EP specifically, their academics and student progress are really not great, especially their middle schools, some elementary schools are decent but others not so much.

I also have a lot of close friends in school/city management and the ones that work in EP describe such ineptitude and uncaring management it’s amazing.

When we were looking for houses, EP was quickly ruled out because of the schools. We spent a lot of time visiting, researching and it just kept landing near the bottom.

Other than that it’s a nice community though!

Maybe the new high school will help, because the sorely need it!

Mountain_Bill5743 t1_ixn0dae wrote on November 24, 2022 at 6:07 PM

Thanks for your honesty!

I will admit that the school complex out here confuses me. I grew up in a part of the country where you just went where your family happened to live, with no charter or private options offered. My home school has a similar ranking to this niche page, but in addition to the daycare we had we also had a steady stream of ivy league admissions and ranked one of the most diverse schools in state. I will say that our district was very supportive of staff and admin and my teachers spent their entire careers there-- so it does seem like it's good you heeded that managerial warning.

I guess I'm just always trying to share that kids are pretty adaptable. I will admit we lacked some AP classes, but my friends just got credit by getting books and self studying.

Not trying to change your mind-- I sincerely hope you are happy with your district! Just trying to soothe some nerves of people my age who might not know some of the more successful graduates of lesser ranked public schools.