moving to clovis - schools? (Fresno, Madera: fit in, real estate, transfer)

[tomar]

My family is considering moving to Clovis/Fresno from Eugene, OR. My son has ADD and I am concerned about the acceptance he will have in the clovis school system. Any direct knowledge or resources would be appreciated.

[dusesean1986]

Clovis isn't bad, just stay away from parts of Fresno. The city is 67.5% white according to 2000, your son will fit in fine if you are caucasian. I believe the school system is pretty decent. Why are you moving from beautiful Eugene though?!

[relocated46]

Tomar
I just left Hanford, Ca 40 minutes from Clovis. What I know is that the Clovis school district if very saught after. When our little schools went their for Water Polo tournaments we were very jealous of the Fantastic facilities. Huge olympic pools with fantastic teams and great parental support. Their is alot of money their. The marching bands had full semi trucks and trailers completly trimmed out and painted, amazing. I have heard that the high school kids all have lap top com****rs, although I think the parents purchase them. I know their have been some problems in some of the Fresno school districts from a administration point of view. You might try checking the Fresno Bee archives on line to read up on this.

I don't know how their programs are for kids with extra needs, but I can't imagine that they don't have great programs, it's the area in Fresno that everyone want's to live from what I can tell.

I don't know what the percent caucasian population is, but I don't think you will find anyplace in California where there is't diverse population compared to Eugene. I used to live their too.

[Family in a Frenzy]

My family moved to Fresno/Clovis 3 years ago and after 2 years in Clovis schools have opted for private schools.

Our oldest son who is now in 8th grade has ADHD. Our personal experience was that the elementary school within the Clovis school district was moderately accepting, but the junior high and high school environments are overwhelming. He lasted 4 months at the junior high before we couldn't take anymore. We are in the Clovis West cluster. He had up to 47 kids in his class and was failing every class, where previously he had B's and C's. I begged, pleaded, and cried for some sort of help and I was repeatedly turned away. We are from the East Coast and were not used to such poor and hostile responses. We took all four of our children out of Clovis schools.

Yes, the facilities are fantastic. They are building a new high school that will be open next fall. To me personally, the Clovis West cluster is not a warm welcoming environment. Their academics are moderate at best. Generally speaking, people here in Fresno/Clovis think the Clovis schools are the best in the country, and they will tell you so. However, those of us, and there are many of us, who are able to compare our experiences to other parts of the country, there is no comparison. The schools here are not that great, especially if your child requires any "services". The funding gets funneled into sports and facilities, and not directly into areas where it is needed, like smaller more attentive class sizes.

I will however acknowledge that not All Clovis schools are bad AND compared to the schools in general in the Fresno area, there are some decent schools. BUT ONLY if you compare them among the Central Valley Schools. We have not found the high standard, enrichment based environment, and academic excellence that we had in our East Coast schools. I think the biggest issue is school/class size. Having said that, the clovis schools that are on the east side of Clovis have smaller sizes.

I would say, Why are you coming to Fresno? Read the Fresno Bad or Good thread before you make any major decisions!!

[familyrocks5]

My husband and I moved from the Bay Area two and a half years ago just so our three children could attend Clovis schools. Our son was diagnosed with ADD in 2nd grade and started in Clovis schools in 7th grade at Clark Intermediate. He started 9th grade this year at Clovis High and loves it! The staff has been wonderful to us. For the first time our son is excelling in school, he feels accepted and has teachers that really care. I have met alot of other parents with kids who have special needs and they feel the same way. We don't participate in the sports so much and that's just fine, but if your into that Clovis is great for that too. My friend's kids go to Buchanan and Alta Sierra and really love it. You also might want to check out the new school that's opening this year. I know my friends kids are transfering there because of boundary changes and seem to be really excited about it. I'm so glad we moved here, now if it just wasn't so hot! Good luck in your move.

[jpscheffey]

We, too, are considering moving to Clovis (job offer). We live in New England and have 2 kids with serious learning disabilities as well as ADHD. They currently have IEPs stating that they have their own aides in the classroom. In addition, they are pulled out for help with reading, speech and math (they are in 3rd and 4th grade). Would they receive comporable services in Clovis? It took lots of testing in Boston, etc. to get where we are today and I would hate to backslide.

Thanks in advance for your response.
jpscheffey@comcast.net

[raclovis]

Originally Posted by tomar

My family is considering moving to Clovis/Fresno from Eugene, OR. My son has ADD and I am concerned about the acceptance he will have in the clovis school system. Any direct knowledge or resources would be appreciated.

If you would like to find out more infor on schools in the area for your child please feel free to go to Clovis, Madera, and Fresno County, Real Estate – Rick Avila i hope this helps.

[snert912]

We live in the Clovis School District. My husband's two boys came to live with us 5 years ago. They are now 12 and 14. The Clovis school district has done a wonderful job with assistance particularly in the intermediate grades. The 14 year old did not fare well in the 8th grade. The staff at Alta Sierra was great at attempting to work with him to no avail. He still ended up getting expelled for behavior deficiencies. The 12 year old is doing great! He just started 7th grade at Alta Sierra. He doesn't exhibit the behavior problems that the older one does. The older boy has moved back to LA with his mother. Still not doing well. Anyway, we have nothing but good things to say about the Clovis Unified School District.

[rkb0305]

I would suggest asking the school districts directly what kind of help they would offer your child. Clovis is generally regarded as "better" than Fresno Unified, but someone with a learning disability might get left behind. I have an acquaintance who moved out of CUSD for that reason and her son is doing better at his new school, instead of being one of the lower performers in his class.

[isq226]

I have a 13 year old with Aspergers and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. What Fresno school has a good learning disabilities program?