Good Middle and High School in Dunwoody (apartments, renting)

[genius]

Austin and Vanderlyn are two good schools in Dunwoody. Does anybody know about the feeder schools -Peachtree middle and Dunwoody high- the reputation and activities they have?

[spacelord75]

They are both above average for the metro area, but definitely not the best. North Springs, just across the county line, is much better. It will be interesting, though, to see how both PMS and DHS change as there is a HUGE population of elementary school kids from good families currently enrolled in the system. Dunwoody went through this weird cycle in the late 90's and early 2000's where many of the families who had raised kids there became "empty nesters" and I think it drove down the quality of some of the test-scores, as it was mostly apartment kids (no knock on kids who grow up in apartments, just a fact that usually it is lower income and, thus, the kids typically have other things to worry about besides homework) filling the seats. That tide appears to be turning, and with the brand new construction of PMS and the proposed remodeling of DHS, I think that will help fuel a renaissance. The reason why you have always seen a big drop off in the ranking of the elementary schools vs. the middle school and high school is pure and simple - apartments. I do not know of hardly any apartments that feed into Austin or Vanderlyn, but the two poorer ranked schools, Chestnut and Kingsley do have a decent apartment sector in their district.

[lastminutemom]

Unfortunately, Austin is now about 25 percent apartment students and with no end in sight to the construction at perimeter center.. it wont' be getting better. Also, if you have elementary students, it is essential you visit schools before buying a home or renting one. Vanderlyn and Austin, like so many schools have distinct personalities and styles that may or may not fit your family.

Peachtree and Dunwoody are ok especially if you have very bright kids who can take the hardest courses. Riverwood and North Springs are better choices as of today. Dunwoody has a very strong athletic program, Peachtree offers the typical activities that you could expect to find at any middle school. I understand that Peachtree has a great drama program.

Spacelord may be right -- time will tell -- Peachtree and Dunwoody both had smaller than expected entering classes this year (6th and 9th) so the wave has yet to hit.

[spacelord75]

Just to follow up on this conversation - looks like the new school's proposed district lines will basically take most of the apartment/condo kids from Perimeter Center and Ashford D'woody away from Austin. No impact, obviously, on the MS and HS.

http://www.thecrier.net/articles/200...nt/aschool.txt