Denham Springs and schools question (Baton Rouge, Zachary: insurance, private schools, subdivisions)

[texasboundmom]

We are looking at the Denham Springs area for our relocation. I know everyone is complaining about the subdivisions but that's all we have lived in since we are from Phoenix and that's all that they have there. So, that is not an issue. We are looking for a safe, family oriented place to live with our kids. Any input on Denham Springs would be helpful. Do they have community pools there?

I have heard that the public schools there are pretty good? Our five year old son is special needs and isn't old enough to go to the Gables Academy yet and the only special education we can find is through the public schools so we are trying to find the best public schools we can.

We are also looking at the private schools, Montessori or Dunham for our 5 year old daughter. Any input on them would be helpful.

[Leadfingers]

Private schools are definitely the way to go around here. I'm not sure about community pools but I do believe there are a couple in D.S. Are you moving here because of a job opportunity?

[texasboundmom]

Yes we are. Does that quetion mean that we shouln't just be moving for quality of life? Or am I just reading too much into that question?

[Leadfingers]

You might want to familiarize yourself with the demographics of the area. This is a major reason the school system is in the shape it is. You will most definately want your children in private school as long as you can afford it. Before you make any decisions I would do my homework. If you have any other options you may want to weigh them carefully.

The people are friendly and the food is always good. There are plenty of trees and places to fish and hunt. Thats why they call it the Sportmans paradise. There are alot of historic sites you can visit and the culture is unique. Aside from these things there is alot left to be desired.

Do some checking into Insurance rates (all of them). Air quality, road conditions, educational system, political environment and economy are all things you should familiarize yourself with.

[Tigerbait]

Look into Central - Just established themselves as a city and the school system should develop into a first class public system. Friendly people and small town feel.

If you want to go farther - head to Zachary - Good public schools - you can access BR "the back way"

[champa]

I've heard St. Francisville has a good special-needs school, but don't know anything more about that. It is stretch of a commut though...

[panurple]

Denham Springs has great schools , parks,people and a lot more. There is a school across from North Park that is a special needs school only ( public )!!!! I grew up between Zachary and St. Francisville, and they both have good schools also BUT they both have pretty large "Bad" areas, that you will want to aviod!! I love Denham Springs you can find anything you need close by, and it still has a small town feel! good luck!

P.S. most public schools in La. are horrible excpet in Denham Springs, Zachary, and St. Francisville!

[MetroBTR]

Denham Springs is a suburban area that is 90%+ white. The school system is very good. It does not share the problems of the Baton Rouge public school system. I-12 is soon to be expanded to make the commute a little less painful. But since there's been alot of development out that way, it's getting to where you have to go to BR less and less. Mostly for work, the mall, etc.

If you are an outdoorsy type family, you will love Denham not only because of the Bass Pro Shop, but also because of the abundance of outdoor activities available in the area. They don't call Louisiana sportsman's paradise for nothing. Hunting, fishing and all this are very popular in Louisiana.

I really love to hear about families relocating to the area, especially from far off. I hope it all works out and that you all feel like you've made the right decision.

Just out of curiosity, what line of work will you guys be in?

[LSU Tiger Z71]

I really wouldn't suggest Denham Springs or Livingston Parish.. Try Prarieville, South BTR, Zachary, LSU area, Central(eh)...

Catholic/Episcopal is the best HS around and anywhere around LSU/South BTR around Santa Maria, etc. would be ideal.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by LSU Tiger Z71

I really wouldn't suggest Denham Springs or Livingston Parish.. Try Prarieville, South BTR, Zachary, LSU area, Central(eh)...

Catholic/Episcopal is the best HS around and anywhere around LSU/South BTR around Santa Maria, etc. would be ideal.

Let me say this about Denham, since you'll get varying opinions: Livingston Parish was historically populated by independent minded whites, and in the past, it had a strong Klan presence. In recent years, it has received massive (white) suburban migration from BR and parts of the NO metro area - the parish now easily has 125K people and is about 95% white. Its schools have a good reputation, but the further away you get from the Amite River, the less likely that the natives look favorably on "Baton Rouge trash" (this is a term I've heard Livingstonians use).

Central and, to some extent, Zachary, has a similar demographic as Denham Springs does.