Top 10 cities to live and learn 2011
From an island retreat to mid-western hamlet, our top 10 cities may not resemble one another at first glance. But each offers residents a priceless amenity: extraordinary public schools.
By GreatSchools Staff
Bedford, NH
Education quality score: 97.96
Median home value: $293,730
Population: 21,504
As Bedford has expanded to be considered commutable to Boston, this small town’s population has exploded from about 2,000 in the 1950s to more than 21,000 today. But don’t fret that it’s just a rest stop for disengaged commuters. Civic pride is high; Segway inventor Dean Kamen’s marvelous house is here; and Bedford School District is one of the town’s biggest employers.
Already a high-performing district (last year, 91 percent of students tested proficient or higher in reading; 86 percent tested at similar levels in math), Bedford recently got a major educational boost: its very own public high school. In 2010, the first senior class graduated from brand-new Bedford High School. For such a young school, the Bulldogs are already pulling down impressive numbers. In the 2009-2010 school year, they boasted 11 commended scholars, one presidential scholar, and two students recognized under the National Hispanic Recognition program of PSAT/NMSQT. In addition, Bedford High recently launched a partnership with a sister school in Denmark and began offering exchange opportunities to its students.
Learn more about schools in Bedford, NH.
Photo credit: NNECAPA
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