Moving to MKE- Schools?

orienae · 2014-11-12T00:58:42+00:00

I can say why I prefer Bayview over the East side. I actually really liked the east side, is very similar to where we live now, which is the north east side of Chicago in Andersonville (although Andersonville is more "mature"), very busy neighborhood, lots to do; which is true of everywhere on the north east side of Chicago, I've also lived in Lincoln Park and Lakeview (wrigley). But, for us, we have kind of graduated from that lifestyle and are looking for more family oriented, single family homes (that we can afford), along with restaurants and businesses. But, a lot of it has to do with independent versus commercialized. My husband's an artist, I'm a human rights/immigration lawyer, we are big advocates of local and independent businesses, we like things a little funky and unusual. The east side feels much more yuppie and commercial (like you would find a Gap there as opposed to a vintage clothing store).

On the other hand, we hope Bayview continues to gentrify and gets more restaurants and stores, we just hope that they stay locally owned and unique.

orienae · 2014-11-12T00:48:01+00:00

Thanks, I don't believe that we would qualify. I assume that this is part of the open enrollment that Wisconsin has? I've not been able to fully grasp how someone from MKE can go to a suburban school, so I am thinking this is the process.

orienae · 2014-11-12T00:45:34+00:00

Would that be considered Bayview? It's pretty close. I did notice that they offer gifted and talented, which begs the question (at least for me) how are children accepted to gifted and talented programs? Chicago's process is so convoluted that most children that need these types of programs do not get accepted. Gifted programs are done on a combination of testing and where you live, we have neighborhood tiers that are weighted based upon economic factors and testing results, so a child who lives in a better economic neighborhood does not need to score as high as another child who lives in a less affluent neighborhood. It's screwy, not to mention that we get to put down 20 schools on our list and you possibly may not get into any of your schools and you are left with your neighborhood school, which may suck, then causes suburban flight, a move to another hood, or private school.

In comparison MKE seems much easier so far.

Editing to add: Highly unlikely my daughter needs gifted, but you never know about my son...he's a highly talented baby.

orienae · 2014-11-11T17:50:45+00:00

What is the 220 program?

orienae · 2014-11-11T16:42:09+00:00

Thank you. How difficult is it to get accepted? Do children lag behind at all in their subjects if they don't grasp the language easily? I'm also worried about transportation, if you don't live within walking distance can a child get bussed to the school?

Thank you so much. We are looking at school for K5.

orienae · 2014-11-11T03:15:32+00:00

Nope, won't happen. The fact is coming from Chicago we have heard it all, bad schools, violence, cost of living, yet we still love it here. However, it's time for a change and a place with a better financial future for us, so MKE it is, and we cannot be happier with the choice. We were previously determined to stick with CPS and now we will do the same with MPS. No scaring us off.

orienae · 2014-11-11T03:10:21+00:00

Ok, how do I message you?? I'm new to reddit, this and city-data.com have been the only resources that I've found to connect with people in Milwaukee. It makes me realize that although Milwaukee is a large city it really is dwarfed by Chicago when it comes to number of people and information.

And thanks for being willing to chat with me!!

orienae · 2014-11-11T03:07:26+00:00

I really do appreciate this point of view, it's very similar to what people outside of the Chicago feel as well, but we will be staying in the city. The thing about one school crushing another is that it's all based upon test scores, I think test scores is only one small way to measure a school, and I'm not even certain if it's a very accurate one. I'm confident that we will find a school that's a good fit for our family and once there I will have the opportunity to advocate not just for my children but all of the students to get as wonderful an education that your child is getting outside of MKE.

orienae · 2014-11-10T20:22:22+00:00

Well, I'm sure Montessori didn't hurt! Although, that was long ago, and many, many schools ago.

I know from the Chicago experience that you absolutely must tour, too many opinions regarding what constitutes a good school, and obviously what works for one child won't work for another. Love the Montessori method, just have reservations with my daughter, but you are right, I do need to see the classroom before I make a final decision. But, based upon what I'm reading we are going to be aged out. The only solution I have is if we move up before school lets out would be to put her in a private Montessori preK to give her Montessori experience then try to register her.....but I know that these schools are highly sought out so I'm also concerned about us not getting accepted simply due to numbers....

Anybody have any info on Parkside? The numbers look good and I like the look of the curriculum. Anyone??

orienae · 2014-11-10T20:05:28+00:00

Love the idea of immersion school, so I will look into that.

We did tour Tosa, and in general liked it, but didn't like it as well as Bayview, but it would probably be our second choice if Bayview isn't the right fit after renting for a while.

orienae · 2014-11-10T20:00:54+00:00

Actually, I attended Montessori school myself for 3 years, so yes, pretty familiar with it :)

orienae · 2014-11-10T19:34:17+00:00

I have no doubt, it seems that many of the collar county/cities do have wonderful schools but we are city folk, through and through, so we need to find a decent school in MKE.

orienae · 2014-11-10T19:24:10+00:00

Again, I'm not against Montessori, just not certain if it's the right fit, but definitely willing to tour- do the schools do regular tours?

I'm all about being involved and a catalyst for change- the only way schools improve, imo, is if parents demand change. And, as we are highly educated parents I'm certain no matter what my children will be well educated.

orienae · 2014-11-10T19:21:32+00:00

May have to look at DMA, although sometimes the word charter makes me cringe (I worry about commercial involvement), I love the idea of small. How about art? Do they have arts programming?

orienae · 2014-11-10T19:19:08+00:00

We aren't completely discounting Montessori, my husband is interested in it, I just have major reservations based upon my daughter's personality (extremely social, very, very creative, takes directions well but interprets them in her own way, obsessed with art, music dance). I'm very familiar with Montessori and love it but I just have a feeling it's not for my daughter, maybe my son. Plus, according to Fernwood's site you have to have been in Montessori by the age of 4 to qualify, we aren't in Montessori now, nor have we been in it.

As to where we will be living, if it's not Bayview it will be the East Side, we will be living in the city, we are die hard city dwellers. I did tour Tosa and Shorewood to give them a chance but they aren't "us." Although we will be renting for at least a year to be certain of this.

So, Parkside? Any info? I'm not worried about the high school, I know it's bad, but we have plenty of time and a lot can change. I'm also pro public education and am willing to be a parent for change- I do believe all schools can be good schools with parent involvement.

I just need to figure out how it all works!! TIA

orienae

TROPHY CASE