Private School Waitlist (Atlanta, Jackson, Buckhead: to rent, home, neighbourhood)

[cobbguy]

Anybody else on one this year? Heard anything? On the waitlist at Pace Academy and beginning to lose hope if don't get a call soon, since decision deadline was April 14.

[Madeleine Faye]

Hi, my son is also on three wait lists at private schools, but we have not heard anything yet. I'm starting to think that there are just not enough school places in Atlanta for all of the families who are moving to the city.

I am moving to Atlanta from overseas, and now feel the need to form a back-up plan. I'm anxious about finding a home to rent near Emory University, in the hope of registering my son (who will be 6 in June) at Fernbank Elementary or Morningside Elementary, as these seem to have good reputations. Any advice from other Atlanta parents about what to do now would be much appreciated!

[Madeleine Faye]

By the way, CobbGuy, are you hoping for a phone call, email, or letter? What is your back-up plan? I'm needing to remind myself that everything happens for a reason (though the reason may not seem clear yet).

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by Madeleine Faye

Hi, my son is also on three wait lists at private schools, but we have not heard anything yet. I'm starting to think that there are just not enough school places in Atlanta for all of the families who are moving to the city.

I am moving to Atlanta from overseas, and now feel the need to form a back-up plan. I'm anxious about finding a home to rent near Emory University, in the hope of registering my son (who will be 6 in June) at Fernbank Elementary or Morningside Elementary, as these seem to have good reputations. Any advice from other Atlanta parents about what to do now would be much appreciated!

I have a third grader at Morningside and two others at Westminster. Having a basis for comparison, I can say we are pleased with Morningside. It's a good alternative to private elementary.

[Madeleine Faye]

Thank you, AnsleyPark. That's wonderful to hear. I've enjoyed reading some of your other posts on other threads - thank you.

The whole school application process has been very dispiriting, and I now look forward to moving into a good family neighbourhood that supports its local school (though we are still hopeful to get off a private school wait list someday). It will be wonderful to tell our kindergartener - who has gamely, bravely, and patiently submitted to more than 14 hours of tests, interviews, assessments, tours and classroom observations - that his hard work has paid off in some way, and he has a welcoming school to attend. I hope that searching for a property to rent (while we look to buy) won't prove as difficult ...

Do you know where I could find definite maps for the school catchment areas? Would it be best to contact the school directly for a map? I've searched on the Atlanta Public Schools website without success. (I understand that some school catchment boundaries have changed this year?)

Many thanks!

[pinetreelover]

Originally Posted by Madeleine Faye

Do you know where I could find definite maps for the school catchment areas? Would it be best to contact the school directly for a map? I've searched on the Atlanta Public Schools website without success. (I understand that some school catchment boundaries have changed this year?)

Many thanks!

Here is a link to the Atlanta Public Schools school locator that allows you to look at catchment areas. They also have a feature where you can type in the address and see what schools are in district.

Atlanta Public Schools | School Zones (http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/186110108171837253/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=56091 - broken link)

[Madeleine Faye]

Excellent - thank you, pinetreelover!

[cobbguy]

Madeleine Fay, Though not quite as close to Emory, Warren T. Jackson, Sarah Smith and Morris Brandon are also frequently cited as good public elementary schools within the Atlanta city limits--all are in the Buckhead area. We will send our child to Warren T. Jackson if he does not get off the waitlist.

[Madeleine Faye]

Thank you, Cobbguy. I'll look into those schools and neighbourhoods as well. I hope that Pace will come through for you, but if not it's great that you're already living in a good public elementary school catchment area.

Catherine Middleton was on the waitlist, too, for a long time, and look at her now!

[magny13]

"in the hope of registering my son (who will be 6 in June)"
Madeleine,
The information above might be a clue as to why your son was waitlisted. The private schools do not like to admit boys with summer birthdays. If you're willing to have him repeat Kindergarten, your chances will be better.