Schools in the Daphne/Spanish Fort/Fairhope area (Mobile: relocating, property taxes)

[Briee07]

Hello !

Just wondering what the schools are like in the Daphne/Spanish Fort/Fairhope area? Sizes? Safety? Educations? etc... Also, any information on the private schools would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks

[bama mom]

Just a quick reply about schools in the areas you mentioned. Spanish Fort is probably the best in all of Baldwin County. The main attraction to Spanish Fort is the schools. If you move to Daphne or Fairhope don't even bother trying to get a variance to send your children to Spanish Fort- (it won't happen) There are 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school (a new one is currently under construction) 1 new high school. When you live in the Spanish Fort district you have the best. Daphne and Fairhope have a couple of private schools. Spanish Fort had one-and it closed its doors before school started this year. My guess is it's just not needed in that area. I'm not sure of the web address but you can find a rating on all of the public schools. The report gives lots of info: how many students, free lunches, # of student violations, teachers degree of education, etc. I personally know several families that have moved to Spanish Fort just for the schools. If you are relocating to that area and are House Hunting- be sure to ask if the house is North of I-10. I promise you is DOES make a difference. Housing is probably a little more expensive but homes south of I-10 seem to have a problem with higher insurance rates or sometimes can't get homeowners insurance at all. Last I heard was the governor was looking into this. Crime rate in Spanish Fort is very low. New homes are going up like crazy. If you find a decent house less than $200,000 you can bet it will not be "available" very long. There are lots of homes $300,000 and up but those seem to sell fast. I noticed a new development on Hwy 31 so I called to get a price- $79,000 just for a lot and to my surprise Phase 1 is almost sold out and Phase 2 is now selling. One more thing- Most people living in Spanish Fort actually work in Mobile. Even though it is only 15-20 minutes away it is still a seperate county. Hope this helps!

[leew]

I grew up in Fairhope and have also lived in Daphne. All the schools in the area are good, the high school buildings are all relatively new. Spanish Fort and Fairhope rank higher in my opinion. There is also a good private school, Bayside Academy on the bay in Daphne. The whole eastern shore is a great area to raise kids, good schools, lots to do and friendly people.

[bhalpin]

I live in Daphne and I know why that school is closed and it is not b/c it is not needed, my son went there. Also from what I have read, Daphne and Fairhope high schools have just been able to accept students to their Baaclarate program for the High school which I believe only 27 schools have it. WOW!!!! Gulf shores may already have this program. Spanish Fort is a nice area, a little pricey but nice and I think the property taxes are not high either. There is also a few private Christian schools on the Eastern Shore. Also the private school Bayside is on the pricey side it is as much as college, granted you get an excellent education however lots of famous people have graduated from lesser schools and gone on to do great things.