[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

The two elementary schools, Westside and AL Burruss are highly regarded. Marietta Middle is in the heart of the community in the old Marietta High building and the newer Marietta High is a state of the art facility built on the edge of the western side. The demographics of the whole of the city of Marietta will rate it below some of the higher regarded schools in nearby East Cobb, but I would have no problem whatsover if my kids went thru this system.

Calling on Aries to add his/her two cents. Aries is the school knowledge guru for the Atlanta forum.

To the OP:

1. The Marietta City Schools are an excellent choice.

2. You can get a fabulous traditional public education in the Marietta City Schools, K-12. Burruss Elementary and West Side Elementary are the best options for the traditional public elementary route. There are seven traditional elementary schools and one advanced academics elementary school (Grades 3-5). All students attend Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Marietta Middle School (Grades 7-8), and Marietta High School (Grades 9-12).

3. The Marietta Square area is a fantastic place to live and raise a family!

4. The reason that the Marietta City School System's scores may seem only "OK" when compared to East Cobb, is because Marietta City serves a diverse socioeconomic population consisting of upper, upper-middle, middle, lower-middle, and working class families--with a fair distribution of White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino students. An ideal environment to raise a family in my opinion.

5. Moreover, for such a small system, Marietta City has a plethora of educational options and educational programs:

a. Elementary Choice Academies--
Marietta City Schools: Programs: Choice Academies
*My top recommendations would be the programs at Sawyer Road, Hickory Hills, and West Side.

b. STEM Magnet Program--
Marietta City Schools: Programs: Magnet Programs
*For Grades 3-8

c. Marietta Center for Advanced Academics
Marietta Center for Advanced Academics - Index
*For Grades 3-5

d. International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)
http://sawyerroad.marietta-city.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=68
http://sawyerroad.marietta-city.org/Page/817
http://sawyerroad.marietta-city.org/Page/1224
*At Sawyer Road Elementary

d. Internatonal Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)
Marietta City Schools: Programs: IB Middle Years Program
*At Marietta 6th Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School

d. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
http://mhs.marietta-city.org/Page/815
*At Marietta High School

6. You can live anywhere in the Marietta City School District and still take part in any of the options listed in #5 above.

7. Again, the City of Marietta is a great place to live and raise a family long-term. The school system is excellent. The neighborhoods are beautiful and pedestrian-friendly. Definitely give it a serious look.

8. Here is some other helpful information:

~Community/Relocation Information
Marietta City Schools: Community: A Great Place To Live

~Gifted Education
Marietta City Schools - Programs - Gifted Student Services

~Attendance Zone Map
http://www.marietta-city.org/files/d...nceZoneMap.pdf

~West Side Elementary
West Side Elementary - Index

~Burruss Elementary
A. L. Burruss Elementary - Index

~Marietta Sixth Grade Academy
Marietta Sixth Grade Academy - Index

~Marietta Middle School
Marietta Middle School - Index

~Marietta High School
Marietta High School - Index

~Interactive School "Roadmap" (pretty cool!)
Marietta City Schools Road Map

~Fact Sheet
Marietta City Schools: About Us: Fact Sheet

~General Information
Marietta City Schools: About Us: Our Mission



I hope this helps. Good Luck!