[gigagirl]

Hi, My family may be moving to NWA in the near future. Nothing definate yet, but it is looking like my husband's job offer is going to come thru. We have two boys, rising 5th and 8th grade. I was so hoping to do any moving in between school years, but that doesn't look like it will happen. Our house here in Virginia would have to be sold first, possibly buy or rent in NWA next, etc., etc. There would be so much to do it boggles my mind and frankly gives me anxiety attacks, but I digress.

Looking at the schools, I've become partial to Bentonville or Fayetteville school districts. I see that there are elementary, middle, jr. high and high schools. I find conflicting info. as to what grade levels attend these different break downs. Can someone give me a definitive answer as to what grades attend what schools in each district?

Both my children do gifted and AP courses and are heavily involved in soccer. Any advice on which school district/school would be best would be greatly appreciated.

I tend to think, that when we look for real estate it will depend on the school/district that I want my kids in first. There are so many variables...we really need to make a trip to the area to get a feel for the different towns. I've never been to AR!

I'm sure as this relocation becomes more of a sure thing for us I will be on this board a lot more.

Thanks for any answers & insight!!


-Janet

[SwinerBock]

Can't help you with the grade breakdown, but I can tell you that NW Ark is the fasting growing part of the state, and that all the schools up there are going to be pretty darn decent. Soccer is huge in NW Ark (compared to the rest of the state), and I have no doubt that every school up there probably offers any and all AP courses ever devised.

If I absolutely had to pick between Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Springdale Harbour (sp?), I guess I would go with Bentonville. But you honestly could not go wrong with any of them, IMHO.

[nmnita]

Regardless of where you choose to re-locate you will be satisfied or should be with the schools as well as the soccer program. If it were me, I would stick with the Bentonville schools which also takes in the East side of Bella Vista.

Moving, especially with a family can be a very trying experience. We did it 4 or 5 times when the kids were young. In fact we re-located to NO Va when our son was about to start his senior year in high school. He adjusted pretty well. Just take it one step at a time, do try and visit NWA as soon as you can, get a good realtor and do some checking. YOu can get lots of information mailed to you by contacting a reputable realtor and there is no obligation. They understand not everything works out. We love the couple we dealt with. In fact it was mostly because of them we choose Bella Vista over a few other areas we considered.

One more thing: whether you decide on Fayetteville or Bentonville might depend on where your husbands new job will be located. The nice thing about living here, there really is no reason for a long commute because so many areas are so nice.
Nita

[gigagirl]

He'll be working for Northwest Medical Center and will be involved with all the hospitals/centers for them that are in NWA (there is one in Bentonville and one in Johnson), but I beleive his home base will be the one in Springdale.

What kind of commute would be involved from either Bentonville or Fayetteville to the hospital in Springdale?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by gigagirl

He'll be working for Northwest Medical Center and will be involved with all the hospitals/centers for them that are in NWA (there is one in Bentonville and one in Johnson), but I beleive his home base will be the one in Springdale.

What kind of commute would be involved from either Bentonville or Fayetteville to the hospital in Springdale?

Not far from either, maybe 20 minutes or so. I am sure someone will be able to give you a more acurate answer.

Nita

[MSN]

Breakdown of schools:
Bentonville:
Middle School - 5th & 6th
Jr. High - 7th & 8th
High School - 9th-12th

Fayetteville: (I'm not as sure about this one)
Middle School 6th & 7th
Jr. High - 8th & 9th
High School - 10th - 12th

Both schools have strong AP programs as do other districts in the area. I'm not as familiar with Fayetteville schools, but Bentonville has a number of families who are new to the area because of job relocation. I'm sure Fayetteville is similar. The good thing about that is that there will be many other families who are new to Arkansas (from all over the country) and looking to meet people.

[kristyh]

My boys go to T.G. smith elementary in Springdale and it is one of the best schools in northwest arkansas. The breakdown for schools in springdale:
Middle School 6th & 7th
Jr. High - 8th & 9th
High School - 10th - 12th

The soccer playing is picking up here, my kids play sports at the all star sports arena in springdale.

[rocknrock]

Janet, I just moved to NWA to start work at Wal-Mart. My wife and I have a bunch of school related questions. If you're still on this board, please give me a ping. Thanks, R