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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Can anyone comment on the progressive educational philosophy at the Winnetka public elementary schools? 
I find the concept attractive and like that the district is small enough that they can have a distinct educational style. 
Do you know if in reality the Wilmette and Winnetka elementary schools teach in a similar way?
Obviously the outcomes for both are good. 
Thanks in advance![/quote]Hi - Not sure you're going to get much help here. I grew up mostly in Wilmette, now live in Glenview with two small kids, and am considering moving - and perhaps to a New Trier school.

What I can say is that even within Wilmette, the elementary schools aren't the same. An acquaintance who teaches at the Kenilworth elementary (so she knows something about education) moved her family from east Wilmette to west Wilmette so the kids could go to Romona - just a different environment that the east Wilmette school. And I just met a Glenview mom who is a special ed teacher at Romona and thinks it's the best school in the area (and way better than Glenview schools). Sure, these are just anecdotes, I know. But it's tough to learn more.

I'm considering Romona. You get a great school and more diversity, both racially and socioeconomically, than in the other Wilmette schools - or in Winnetka. I'm also intrigued by Avoca, which is super-small, and the Northfield schools.

But I think the big question is whether you're okay with New Trier. It was ridiculously competitive when I attended and I understand it's so much worse now. And it's so much more materialistic than when I attended. My friends bought their 16 year old a used SUV, and apparently all of her friends got new cars! One of her kids attended a summer camp near Yellowstone and the other went to some academic specialty camp in Texas. And you'd bet these parents are getting tutors for even the strongest students. I've heard parents discussing Ivys when their kids are still in junior high - even though only a small number will make it.

I'd like the elementary schools in the New Trier district, but would like to bail for high school. From what I can tell, other high schools are also excellent, but not quite the same level of pressure cooker. (Glenbrooks, Deerfield, Maine South)

Okay, so I definitely didn't answer your question, but hopefully am a bit helpful? Maybe you can find some Facebook groups to chat with other parents? But it'll be hard to find someone who has relevant experience in both districts.

If you figure out how to tell the amazing schools from the simply good schools, please, please let me know.[/quote]

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