Hendersonville vs. Beech High School: which is better? (Gallatin: to rent, buying a house)

[meowkellycat]

So my daughter and I will be moving to Hendersonville this summer, and I plan to rent before buying a house. It would be great to be close to the lake, but my main concern for now is that my daughter will be starting 9th grade, and I want her to have a good high school experience. She's not big on sports, but does enjoy photography and visual arts. She's in a couple of honors classes but struggles some with math. She's friendly and a good kid, but a little shy at first. (I don't know if any of that matters, but thought I'd put it out there.)

We're looking at places to live in the Beech High School and Hendersonville High School areas. What are the differences between these two schools? Is one any better than the other? Any impressions or personal experiences?

Thanks!!

[meowkellycat]

BTW, I have already checked out the schools' websites, test scores, etc.

[DonCorleone]

Let me first say that I have no first-hand experience either as a student or a parent...so take my opinion with a big grain of salt. First, both schools are very good, especially compared with Metro-Nashville public high schools. You will get a good education at either and probably both are equal in most every way. I have a nephew at HHS and another at BHS...their experiences are pretty much identical.

That said, I think the reputation (deservedly or not) is that Hendersonville High (HHS) is a) "snootier" and b) has more problems with drug use/parties, etc. Likewise, I've heard that Beech (BHS) is "redneck". Now, consider that both schools are pretty much pulling from the same demographic...with HHS probably pulling a few more higher income families from the Indian Lake area...and Beech pulling a few more rural families from the Long Hollow Pike vicinity.

HHS did receive a pretty big donation from alumnus Taylor Swift to revamp their music department or program...so I'm not sure how that might trickle down to arts and photography...but it's something to ask about when and if you visit the school.

So, I don't know that there's really a tangiable difference between the two. Culturally, they're similar but not identical. Far more similar than either is to Gallatin HS or one of the Metro schools.

Also consider looking at Station Camp High School, which is practically brand new. I've heard great things about it. Also, you mentioned your daughter is in honors classes now. Have you considered having her tested for Merrol Hyde Magnet? It is worth looking into as I imagine the arts program there is probably very good.

[vivelafrance]

DonC, as usual is pretty spot on. There is very little difference between the schools. Talk to administrators at both schools and try to arrange a tour if you can. Don't talk to students who, usually, make gross generalizations about each other, lol. Beech definitely looks rural due to its location but, in reality, most of its students live in upper middle class suburban neighborhoods and not on farms. Hendersonville, on the other hand, is located near some of the most exclusive Hville neighborhoods and lake front homes but also includes some of the most humble of Hendersonville homes.

I love the Veech part of Hendersonville with the rolling hills and horse farms. However, if you can find a location near HHS it's great to have the ability to walk to school or have a short drive. Beech's zone is much more spread out.

As Don said, Station Camp is good as well and has a very new campus.