Cristina Wager-Weisman, Music and Performing Arts Teacher
Jersey City is a transient town. Many people move here from Manhattan for larger apartments once they decide to start a family. But after some time, many people choose to move to the suburbs. Many of my friends have, and my husband and I considered it several times. But now that our children are in high school and beyond, we are so glad that we chose to stay in Jersey City and kept our children at WFM until the eighth grade.
At an event I attended, I ran into many friends who had moved to the suburbs. Some moved for larger homes, others for public schools or very expensive suburban private schools. After several conversations during the event, my decision to stay in Jersey City was validated. Almost everyone wished they had stayed in Jersey City, and the first reason they stated was that the schools, public or private, were not the same in the suburbs. They only realized after going through the traditional system that Montessori was different; it was special. As one parent told me, "You were right. The light in my child's eye faded after traditional schooling destroyed my child's love of learning." Another friend told me that she moved because she dreaded the high school admissions process we go through in Jersey City. Now, she regrets her decision. Oddly enough, she accepted a position at a nearby private high school and regrets not being able to send each of her three children to the most suitable high school for them, instead of attempting to fit them all into the same sprawling suburban high school near their home. Another parent told me that the suburbs were not diverse enough and the culture was not the same. Everyone missed having access to the city and the beautifully famous views Jersey City offers.
It is a tough decision, but I have no regrets about choosing Jersey City and Waterfront Montessori. My three children had a world-class education through eighth grade and got to choose the right high school for their individual needs. One chose Leman Manhattan as it was the closest fit to WFM's IB program. He recently graduated with an IB Diploma. My second child chose Saint Peter's Prep because of their esteemed athletic program. He is excelling on their track team and is on the Honor Roll. My third child chose High Tech High School for their Musical Theater Program. He had the chance to sing on a Broadway stage and at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting with other members of his high school. All three of my children were beyond prepared for high school; they were prepared for life.
I am the lucky parent who beams with pride and is so thankful to Waterfront Montessori for teaching independence to my children, helping them succeed in their passions, and giving them the confidence to excel in life. I have no regrets.
My answer is not to suburb!