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Published: 14:05 EDT, 1 April 2024 | Updated: 14:06 EDT, 1 April 2024
The aspiration of enrolling their children in a prestigious public school is a common objective for many parents, as it can yield substantial savings and pave the way for a prosperous academic and professional future for the youngsters.
According to Niche, a prominent comparison website, one of the prime locations worth considering is Scarsdale, an affluent suburb situated in Westchester County, with a population of approximately 18,000 residents. Scarsdale boasts top-tier schools, earning an exceptional A+ rating and being acclaimed as the best in the country.
Numerous families opt to relocate to Westchester to avoid the hefty expenses associated with private schooling; however, they encounter a trade-off in the form of exorbitant housing prices averaging at $1.6 million, which is six times higher than the national average, coupled with relatively elevated taxes.
Following closely are two suburbs near Austin, Texas, namely West Lake Hills and Rollingwood, renowned for their outstanding public school systems. Similarly, Long Grove and Lincolnshire, suburbs of Chicago, secure positions in the top five for their exemplary schools.
The significance of providing children with a quality education is underscored by the alarming decline in reading and writing proficiency among students in recent times. The disruptions caused by the pandemic led to a substantial drop in math and reading test scores for 13-year-olds, with reading scores witnessing a four-point decrease and math scores plummeting by nine points, marking a regression to levels reminiscent of the 1970s.
In light of these challenges, Luke Skurman, the CEO and founder of Niche, emphasized the pivotal role school quality plays in parents’ settlement decisions. Skurman highlighted that factors beyond affordability, such as neighborhood diversity, climatic conditions, career prospects, and school excellence, influence individuals’ choices of where to establish roots.
Niche’s research revealed that the finest public schools are predominantly located in suburbs of seven major cities across the United States, including New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Austin, Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco. Apart from Scarsdale, residents of New York City can explore alternative options like Woodbury, Syosset, or Roosevelt, situated in New Jersey’s Monmouth County.
Niche relies on public data from reputable sources such as the Department of Education, the US Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, among others, to provide comprehensive insights into school rankings and educational quality.