Choosing the right school for a child is a major decision for any family. The quality of education, student-teacher ratios, extracurricular opportunities, and overall environment all play a role. Parents should consider before moving whether a small-town or city school is the best fit for their child. Each setting has advantages and challenges, so evaluating all aspects before committing to a move is essential.

Class Sizes and Individual Attention

One key difference between small-town and city schools is class size. Small-town schools
generally have fewer students so that teachers can offer more individual attention. That can
benefit children who need extra academic support or those who thrive in a close-knit learning
environment. City schools, however, often have larger class sizes, limiting the amount of one-on-one time a teacher can provide. Parents should consider this factor before moving, especially if their child needs more direct engagement from educators.

Extracurricular Activities and Special Programs

City schools tend to have more resources for extracurricular activities. Sports teams, music
programs, arts clubs, and specialized academic opportunities are often available in greater
variety. Small-town schools may have fewer options but usually foster strong school spirit and
close connections among students. Additionally, small-town schools may provide unique local
opportunities, such as agriculture clubs or community-driven initiatives, which can be highly
beneficial. Parents should assess what programs their child values most and whether those are
available in their new location.

Academic Performance and Curriculum Differences

The curriculum in city schools may be more diverse, offering advanced placement courses,
foreign languages, and specialized career tracks. Small-town schools may not have as many
academic pathways but often focus on fundamental education principles with personalized
learning approaches. Standardized test scores and graduation rates can offer insight into the
school’s performance. Researching these statistics is something parents should consider before
moving to ensure their child receives a quality education.

Impact of Migration Trends on School Choices

When relocating, parents should also consider migration trends. Cities often experience
population growth, which can lead to overcrowding in schools. On the other hand, small-town
schools may struggle with declining student numbers, affecting funding and resources.
Understanding these trends helps families make well-informed decisions about their children’s
education.

Teacher Qualifications and Retention

City schools often attract highly qualified teachers due to access to professional development
programs and career advancement opportunities. However, these schools also face higher
turnover rates, which can impact students’ learning experience. Small-town schools may have a more stable teaching staff but could struggle to attract specialized educators. Additionally, class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios can differ significantly between urban and rural schools, affecting the individual attention students receive. Investigating teacher retention rates and qualifications in prospective schools can provide valuable information for parents.

Diversity and Cultural Exposure

Cultural diversity is another factor to evaluate. City schools typically have students from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, exposing children to different perspectives. Small-town schools may lack this level of diversity, but they often create a strong sense of community. Additionally, the availability of language programs, cultural clubs, and international studies can enhance a child’s learning experience and social development. Understanding how diversity influences a child’s education and worldview is something parents should consider before moving to a new location.

School Safety and Community Involvement

Safety is a top priority for any parent. Small towns generally experience lower crime rates, and
the community often plays an active role in school affairs. Parents and teachers typically have
close relationships, creating a more secure learning environment. In contrast, city schools may
have stricter security protocols due to larger populations and higher crime rates in some areas.
Evaluating school safety records and speaking with local parents can help families make
informed decisions.

Commuting and Accessibility

School location impacts daily routines. City schools may be closer to public transportation,
making it easier for students to travel independently. Small-town schools often require longer busrides or parent-driven commutes. Transportation options should be carefully reviewed if a child is involved in after-school activities. Additionally, walkability and bike-friendly routes can affect a child’s independence and overall lifestyle. The availability of safe, reliable transportation is a critical aspect parents should consider before moving to a new area.

Cost of Living and Educational Expenses

Living expenses in cities are typically higher than in small towns. While public education is free, city schools may have additional costs related to extracurricular activities, technology fees, or private tutoring. Small-town schools may have fewer added expenses, but families should still evaluate the overall cost of living and potential educational costs before moving. Additionally, families should consider housing costs, property taxes, and general affordability to ensure financial stability in their new location. It’s also important to factor in the cost of groceries and dining out, as food expenses can vary significantly depending on the area.

Social Environment and Peer Relationships

Social dynamics in small-town and city schools vary significantly. In small towns, students often grow up with the same classmates, leading to strong, lifelong friendships. However, this can also make it challenging for new students to integrate. City schools provide opportunities to meet diverse groups of people but can sometimes feel less personal. Families should consider their child’s personality and adaptability when deciding between them.

Long-Term Educational Opportunities

Families planning for long-term education should assess future opportunities. City schools often partner with colleges, internships, and job training programs. Small-town schools may have strong community ties but could offer fewer direct career pathways. Planning for a child’s future education and career goals is something parents should consider before moving to ensure the best long-term opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right School

Every family has different priorities, and choosing between a small town and a city school is
highly personal. Evaluating class sizes, academic programs, teacher quality, diversity, safety,
commuting options, and long-term opportunities will help families make informed decisions.
Parents should consider before moving how their child’s needs align with the school
environment to ensure a positive and enriching educational experience.

Photo used: https://www.pexels.com/photo/teach-dice-ornament-on-table-301926/

I have known Debbie for so many years. We have shared our children’s birth years – in fact we were in the same hospital for our second child’s birth, and Debbie visited me at my bedside as she had given birth to her daughter Arielle 2 days earlier! When my husband and I first moved to our new home down the street from Debbie, we received a barbecue meal, with brownies as a welcome gift as we were moving in! We have walked our pooches together – great time to catch up!

Over the years, we have shared many occasions together. Our husbands (who were endodontists) gave a presentation at our local elementary school on dental awareness, Debbie and I took a computer code class together (it was lost on me!), we took the art of Japanese floral arrangement (Ikebana) together, and as the years evolved since we both had similar interests, it became a very fun competition with regards to our cooking interests. By that I mean we would say to each other what we had just purchased to see if the other person had it yet. We both made homemade wine years ago. My reasoning was to have everyday wine without sulfites such is imbibed daily in Italy and France but other than having lovely wine labels, my wine was awful but I did try for 3 years! I do make liqueurs which Debbie has not tried but we can always chat on what we have made (or not), and we have closed a restaurant on occasion as we always have something to discuss! We love to share recipes, and discuss what to make and how to make it!

I had bought a baking pan for Ebelskiver Danish style donuts that are not deep fried. Debbie had one! It made us laugh. I bought a Korean table top grill last year – Debbie had one (but not the cooking pan that fits on top – Ha!). During Covid, Debbie conquered Sour Dough bread and she really tried to help me do the same, but I gave up. Her breads were delicious, but not mine!

Debbie is a well known local Speech Pathologist and she is always correcting my British pronunciations (I refuse to change!), has created an app to aid young children with their speech, and has written a book (yet to be published). I do have a book that I have had published entitled “It’s Okay to Walk in the Rain” (  The book is a metaphor for children on how to help them overcome small anxieties), and I have created 5 children’s games which I never pursued but my issue! Debbie has now left me in the reeds as we say with her chocolate making skills. Why has she started making chocolate? Simply because she loves to learn, and it gives a sense of accomplishment and it is fun. However, not just any chocolate making but truffles , and not just truffle but beautifully colored truffles with exotic lush, yummy centers. I had come across a 2010 Raspberry Liqueur I had made and gave her a bottle, she promptly made a truffle using the raspberry liqueur!

Debbie being Debbie created an apron, a name for her chocolates – and who knows what else she will create! One thing is sure though, that her life is always interesting, exciting and fun!

Debbie loves to golf , read, and I was in awe when she recounted her New Year’s celebrations with long time college friends. She had created a menu and celebrations for few days, hosted the perfect get together with everlasting memories, and I loved the idea that she everyone cooking one meal together with different tasks. What fun! Who knows what Debbie will accomplish this year but I had to compliment her on her chocolate making skills and she will be the first one to say that the photo above was the first try, and will be perfected but that is Debbie! Pictured below are more creations including maple bourbon, espresso, walnut, lemon, raspberry and pomegranate truffles!

Living in New Rochelle is great. We have a wonderful neighborhood, lovely neighbors , so many people from all over the globe, and so many pet lovers.

New Rochelle is great!

I think that when we initiate pastimes that are of great interest to us, then they can lead to so much more! For both the body, mind and soul (and pocket!).

I had recently been cleaning out a closet of treasures (ha!! – only to me!), and came across a newsletter I had produced back in 2000 on behalf of the Adirondack Luge Club “On the Fast Track”. I had both suggested it, was the Editor, and became engrossed in the writing and production (and cost) of same. I loved creating topics, reaching out to the luge club members, and endeavoring to get as many involved by highlighting their accomplishments, their knowledge and expertise. I wanted them all to feel loved by the club, and I hope I succeeded!

I obtained advertising, created articles, posted recipes (always loved cooking!) and simply had fun!

Upon getting my ‘feet wet’, I wrote to the then Governor (George E. Pataki), and thanked him for everything he had been doing for the Adirondack community and for the sport of luge “you have been a driving force in getting the new track, and in securing the money sorely needed to build it…” I offered him an honorary membership and the following was an excerpt of Governor Pataki’s response:

“It is certainly an honor for me to be a member of the Adirondack Luge Club, and thank you for your kind words of support regarding New York’s commitment in rebuilding the legendary Mount Van Hoevenberg facility. I am so pleased to hear that your club is working hard to increase membership. Every young person that we can keep busy and enthused about sport is a young person headed in the right direction. By keeping kids active, no matter what the sport, the arts, music or other after school activities, we are ensuring that they will carry on the benefits of the hard work and dedication as they grow older. Your organization should feel proud that they are having such a positive influence on the young people of our State. The facility improvements in Lake Placid have long been a goal of our Administration. Lake Placid is a global community and needs to maintain its reputation to lure international competition to the region, while at the same time strengthening the region’s economic well-being.

New Yorker’s were thrilled to see the Goodwill Games come off so well and there s more in store. Every time large televised events and activities take place, the word is getting out about how great Lake Placid is. That is good news for the entire State.

The New York Olympic Regional Development (ORDA) will continue to provide excellent training and competitive events for your club members, as well as all those who train through the doors of the Olympic Training Center. Coupled with ORDA’s efforts to give tourist the thrill of riding down the new track, training opportunities for our youth will be further enhanced by the utilization of the world’s newest luge/bobsled track.

Thank you once again for the membership card, and of course your kind words of encouragement. George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York.”

Well, after that, I impishly then wrote to the White House and President Clinton who had visited Lake Placid celebrating the President’s Birthday, inviting both the President and Mrs. Clinton to luge “as a way to forget the pressures of work and to reaaally let your (their) hair down”. I did receive a response sending their best wishes for the club!

I designed and created luge club merchandise to better aid the advancement of the club, and when I left, I donated all of the merchandise remaining to the club for their monetary benefit. My son had joined the Great Britain Luge team and so it was time for me to move on.

I am writing this as little did I know that in initiating this venture (between being a mom, and office manager!), when I started in real estate 2 years later, I diverted all of my creativity into real estate. I started this blog site in 2008, later became the New York State Certified Residential Specialist Public Relations Chairperson, Communications Chairperson (yes another newsletter!!), and then The New York State CRS of the year in 2015, and simply dived into everything real estate. I would create area slideshows (yes back in 2008!), created web sites for my listings, and gave my all to marketing my listed properties on behalf of my clients.

My company now creates web sites for our listings, we have area videos already produced, fantastic company and worldwide marketing (4th largest affiliate of Sotheby’s worldwide), but I still have my blog site ! Over the years, I have been a consistent top agent in the area ( one of the Top 100 agents in my company for the past 3 years since they initiated congratulating same).

My point is this – when you do something you truly like – the sky is the limit! You can start off with a hobby, an interest but it can lead to doing what you really wish to do – in my case Real Estate!

Gay Rosen

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GREEN, GRI, SRES (ha!)