School Ratings Thread - READ FIRST for school inquiries. (Atlanta: houses, to buy)

[plessthanpointohfive]

I just wanted to give you some hope. My older brother, now 37, was a student much like how your boys sound. He was more interested in sports and socializing than in scholarship. He made a 13 on the ACT.

However, he'd decided that he wanted to be a veterinarian. When he got to college he got serious and he was accepted to veterinarian school after 3 years. And today he owns his own clinic in Florida.

For him, it was maturity and having some idea of what he might want to do for a living.

I can't speak to NAHS or any of the northern schools but someone here will probably be able to answer your question.

[lastminutemom]

Here goes, first and foremost, how concerned are you about school climate?

Here is a recent discipline report for all city of ATlanta schools, but keep in mind, that these reports, with the exception of DeKalb, terribly underestimate the number of discipline incidences across the board.

School discipline reports | ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/0708disciplinechart.html?appSession=47366672971742 - broken link)

One thing to note, is that while the Buckhead public school community of parents have begun to better embrace Sutton Middle, they are not showing the same love for North Atlanta. Here is their most recent report card--
2006-2007 State of Georgia K-12 Report Card

I think it will make a huge difference. Here goes, what you need is a school that has kids that have parents who value education and understand its' importance even though their kids may not be in the highest level courses. At North ATlanta, those students are clustered in the IB programme, one that is really designed for high achievers. I do see that as a current options for your children.

If you want close in, consider Dunwoody High School or Druid Hills or maybe Lakeside. At all these schools, brighter kids certainly get a better education but there is some diversity at all educational levels. You don't have to be on the top team to get a decent education.

PS -- I believe you had also mentioned that your husband's job might be in Norcross, I know kids just like yours who have done very well at Norcross High School. While it is a large school, it is highly regarded.

[aeh]

Thanks Lastminutemom and Plessthanpointohfive--Thanks for giving me hope and also honest answers. Lastminutemom, we thought for awhile that ATL was not going to be an option anymore but looks like it is back on the table so....should know finally in two weeks and yes, would be in Norcross. I guess all those private schools near NAHS would be approx $20K a year??? I have found a house that I really like there but we have to have a good education, too. Yuck on those private school expenses....

[lastminutemom]

Given how you have described your boys, they aren't getting into the private schools in Buckhead. Private high school is a very competive market here and the less competitive ones, and there are some, are in the 'burbs for the most part.

Tell me what it was that appealed to you about the house in Buckhead and perhaps we can go from there.

[plessthanpointohfive]

And, I just have to say...encourage your boys to think about where they want to be when they're 35. It might be that they don't know it now and therefore don't magically start applying themselves like my brother did. Perhaps they're more like me where they need to explore. But they will eventually will find something they like.

I don't know what the high schools offer but some of the colleges have career counseling for young people like your son.

[aeh]

I love a lot of the homes in Buckhead--large, older homes (built in the 30s, 40s) with character and big trees....especially Tudors! Unfortunately, the school situation sounds like it will have to be a deal breaker....I'm crushed!

[lastminutemom]

Have you looked in Druid Hills? Similar homes -- better school situation, I think.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Yes, Druid Hills mostly go to Fernbank. There may be some that are in APS and go to Mary Lin or Morningside. But all three schools and their middle and high schools are good.

[aeh]

Thanks. I'll check out Druid Hills. Is this Fulton County as well? How far from Norcross for my hubby? Thanks for pointing me in this direction, I'll check that out

[look_in]

Originally Posted by aeh

Thanks Lastminutemom and Plessthanpointohfive--Thanks for giving me hope and also honest answers. Lastminutemom, we thought for awhile that ATL was not going to be an option anymore but looks like it is back on the table so....should know finally in two weeks and yes, would be in Norcross. I guess all those private schools near NAHS would be approx $20K a year??? I have found a house that I really like there but we have to have a good education, too. Yuck on those private school expenses....

you actually wish there was a way parents could get tax credit for taking their kids to private school. there are those middle class parents sacrificing a lot to send their kids to private school...............