Possible move to BR (Baton Rouge, Baker: maintenance, job, houses)

[muzzy1]

I may have the opportunity to move to BR, I am a single mom with two chidlren in elementary school...I have heard wonderful things about the area, but hear the schools are terrible. I am not sure I could afford private school for two children...are the schools really terrible? What are some possible alternatives?
Thanks

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by muzzy1

I may have the opportunity to move to BR, I am a single mom with two chidlren in elementary school...I have heard wonderful things about the area, but hear the schools are terrible. I am not sure I could afford private school for two children...are the schools really terrible? What are some possible alternatives?
Thanks

Alternatives assuming you want to live in East Baton Rouge Parish (1) Central schools (an area between the Comite and Amite that is middle class and partically rural), (2) Zachary schools (the northwest corner of the parish).

EBR's schools faced a two decade long busing order by a federal judge who (IMO) wanted to bring the school board to its knees rather than bring both sides to the table. And he succeeded: the EBR schools (what's left of it, anyway) are one race schools that are about 15% white. Plus, EBR did a terrible job of maintenance of its school facilities, despite a sales tax increase they guilt tripped us into passing in 1998. So you have a situation where in the past decade, Baker, Zachary, and Central have split away from the EBR schools. And at some point, I could see the southeastern portion of the parish forming their own school system.

Anyway, not trying to ramble here, but I wanted to give you some historical perspective.

[holloway1010]

The Baton Rouge public school system is pretty bad. Might I suggest a Western or a Northern suburb like Port Allen, St. Francisville, New Roads, Zachary, Brusly, etc. (the suburbs on the eastern side of the city are overcrowded and the houses are practically on top of one another in the affordable neighborhoods). Most of the surrounding parishes have decent school systems, but still, they are nothing special by any means, but you can find affordable private education in the suburbs.