McLendon Elementary School (Decatur, Druid Hills, Clayton: crime, homes, school district)

[Mazokunomiko]

My husband and I are looking for a home off Valley Brook Road on the outskirts of Decatur (mainly in the 30033 ZIP). Most of the homes we're looking at feed into Laurel Ridge, Medlock and McLendon elementary schools. I've checked at greatschools.net, and Laurel Ridge and Medlock seem to have pretty solid test scores. McLendon, however, is rated 1/10 on the site. Ouch!

I've seen a few threads on this board where people have said McLendon is a good school. Just curious: Is this a case where the test scores are wrong? Why do you think it's a good school? Or is it actually as bad as the scores indicate?

Also, in your opinion, does an elementary school's scores matter that much when the middle and high schools in the area are solid (we're talking Shamrock Middle, Druid Hills High School)?

Granted, my husband and I don't have kids yet, but we'd like to live in an area with a good school district so we'll feel comfortable starting a family there. Also, we'd like it for resale value, just in case we do end up moving. (Though we'd rather not -- we're hoping to find a place we'll want to stay in for a looong time.)

Thanks in advance for any help you're able to provide!

[AnitaHale]

Mclendon has always been a very good school regardless what of the greatschool.net states. I knew a teacher that worked there and parents that enjoyed it. My father was the director of WRFG 89.3(radio station) near the school. We considered placing my son there when he was younger. The only problem was the commute for me.

Schools are very important for resale value or value in general, when the schools are not performing well it can have a negative effect on property value and the community (research Clayton County Georgia and their school system for a perfect example.)

These sites should help you make your decision
[url=http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/instruction/testing/testscores.html]Test Scores for DeKalb County Schools[/url]

[url=http://www.gaosa.org/FindASchool.aspx?PageReq=106&FromSection=score&Sta teId=ALL&SY=2007]The Governor's Office of Student Achievement[/url]

Also check the crime rate.. let me know if you need it

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