Newton is one of the larger cities in Massachusetts with as of October '08 over 11,000 students enrolled; 15 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 2 high schools. The Town of Brookline had approximately 6,000 students enrolled as of October with 8 school for K-8 and one central high schools. Both districts serve to maintain high standards. Newton is in the process of spending billions on a new high school on the north side. Brookline extensively rennovated their high school a few years back. Both communities serve a diverse population although Brookline is much more cosmopolitan.

This is the perfect question for http://www.greatschools.org

They have forum area where you can submit questions like yours to other families with children in the same schools.