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What school districts have the best reputation in or around Wilmington?
annahu December 3, 2009
As far as the first response, isn't that the case in every state? Seriously. Honestly, it's such a small state and the public schools vary widely. The forced busing of the 70s disappeared with the Neighborhood School Bill in 2000. This changed the feeder patterns dramatically. Now, decades later, we have school districts ridden with the same problem again: high income areas with better schools and low income areas with poorer schools. And I'm sure that the problem is compounded now by parents pulling their children out of private schools due to the poor economy. It has also caused dramatic racial differences as well. There is barely any diversity--suburban schools are mostly white, downtown Wilmington schools are predominantly black. I live in the suburbs and am saddened by the fact that my son will not have a diverse classroom. So, as far as the best school districts, I'd have to say Red Clay. Good bets are Brandywine Springs Elementary and North Star. You can choice into either of them, but because both are popular, it would be best to simply live in the areas that feed into them. If your child is special needs, I would recommend Christina as they have more money for their special ed. programs.21472
educatorsfirst August 5, 2010
Brandywine School District, by far, has a good balance of choices and great teachers in many of their elementary, middle and high schools. The best way to know is to visit, tour and have your child shadow. Do NOT go by what people tell you only. There are perceptions that schools are "bad" because they were when the parents went there 20 years ago! There are EXCELLENT public schools, vo-tech schools and public charter schools in DE. Do not be brainwashed into thinking you have to pay 10K + for a quality education. You will pay for elitism and entitled kids, parents and sometimes the parents who donate the most, dictate what goes on in the school. That is sad. I've had kids in parochial, public, charter and private. I have also taught in all. I suggest try public first, but you have to know your own child and in what environment they learn best. There are great teachers in lower performing schools and horrible teachers in $20K/yr schools. Do your homework, parents!!59116
lady4law February 1, 2011
It serves you best to do your homework because the Red Clay School District has definitely left a very bad taste in my mouth. I feel like I am back in ancient times with no support from the existing Administration. I am not beating around the bush but speaking directly about AI Dupont Middle School. I am an Administrator at another school district and I find it hard to believe that there is such little regard for parent involvement. Parents, if we don't stand up for our children then they will not have a voice to speak. 65709
delawaremom February 25, 2011
As far as middle schools go, I live in Hockessin and have had 2 kids that went through Linden Hill and North Star. I loved both of them. They are older now. One is graduating from HB Dupont and another is a junior at Charter School of Wilmington. I have loved living here and having my kids in the schools here.66814
