Summerville? (Charleston, Ladson: crime rates, new house, neighborhoods)

[Barbara]

Does anyone have any opinions or information about Summerville? I have the usual concerns as everyone else, schools, crime rates, raising a family there etc. Thanks in advance for any information anyone might give.

[scjj]

Hi Barbara,

Summerville has been discussed on here several times. If you go to the search function at the top and put in Summerville, several discussions should pop up for you. If you have anything specific you need to ask after, feel free.

[AmznGrace]

I have commented several times here about Summerville -- all positive and we have been here 3+ weeks now. Two additional comments, one very positive and one odd observation .

1. Dorchester 2 School District - WOW, have I been impressed thus far! I have one middle schooler (Gregg) and one elementary (Beech Hill) and I have been extremely impressed with what seems to be ALL of the classrooms being equipped with 21st century technology. Apparently new this year, but all the teachers have new laptops, each classroom has an LCD suspended from the ceiling and they have what they call "smart boards" which replaces the traditional chalk board. The computer lab in Beech Hill had at least 20 new desk tops and all of the teachers I've observed and interacted with struck me as being on top of things.

Compared to the VA public school system I came from, which was suppose to be "excellent" is seriously lacking in terms of upgrading the classrooms, etc. Teachers are constantly battling the board of supervisors and they get increases every year, but I swear you couldn't see the money being put back in to the classrooms for the students, and makes me wonder what my tax dollars were going towards!

It seems to me that Dor 2 DOES put money back into the schools, which is the way it should be.

2. Ok, for my observation which I find frustrating and kinda scary.

What is with all the people running yellow and red lights in this area? Everyone seems to be in such a rush and twice now, I have nearly been hit because of idiots racing through the lights.

I was told that I would have to get use to the driving here in that everyone drives at a slower pace. I was totally prepared to curb my "assertive" driving habits here as I'm accustom to driving in Wash, DC and battling cabbies and others who just don't know how to drive in the city. BBWWAAAHHHH!!

Can anyone who lives in this area comment on what I've observed/experienced in terms of racing through the yellow lights -- even when they have turned red? It really is so dangerous.

Cheers, Grace

[scjj]

Hi Grace,

Glad to hear that you like the schools so far. I have one in the 8th grade at Gregg too. He's been there all 3 years and has done very well there. No complaints at all.

As far as the lights, I wish I had an answer. We had the same problem when I lived in Wilmington and they had to install the red light cameras that would take your picture when you ran the light and they mailed you a $50 fine. Living there made me leary of immediately proceeding into an intersection and I always check to make sure all cars have stopped before I proceed.

[AmznGrace]

Originally Posted by scjj

I always check to make sure all cars have stopped before I proceed.

SCJJ, yes to that! I have been doing the same now and taking nothing for granted.

Also, I'm glad to hear that you are pleased with Gregg. My daughter is in the 7th grade and was placed in the GATE classes. There is one science teacher there, in particular, that REALLY impressed my husband and me, and my daughter is so excited about her class.

I just can't wait until we actually move into our home so I don't have to shuttle the kids in the morning and the afternoon. I start driving at 6:45am to drop off the younger one at Beech Hill; get back to pick-up my daughter at 7:35am only to turn around and drive her to Gregg. I finally get back to our temporary digs at 8:20am.

But after reading about the incredible over-crowding at Fort Dorchester Elementary, which my son would have gone to temporarily, I don't mind the driving.

[jsmikesell]

Surprised to read the positive remarks about Gregg. From the research I've done, Greatschools.net, they have the lowest test scores of the middle schools and based on the 'parent's reviews' the school isn't the safest.

[scjj]

I just read the reviews. It seems to be split. I can tell you that my son has gone there for 2 years and has never had a problem or even mentioned being afraid. Oh sure, there have been the usual troublemakers in the classroom, but all schools have those. I have found the teachers at Gregg to be concerned and caring. In fact, my son had such a good relationship with one of his teachers that they plan on going hunting together this year. I think that really helps when the teachers can relate to the students and not make them feel like they are the enemy. It has a lot to do with the attitudes.

Grace, sounds like you got your hands full. When's that new house supposed to be ready? Not soon enough!!!

[jsmikesell]

I try not to read too much into the reviews and focus more on the test scores.

The ones that tend to complain the most are the ones that expect the school system to raise their kids.

[scjj]

Originally Posted by jsmikesell

I try not to read too much into the reviews and focus more on the test scores.

The ones that tend to complain the most are the ones that expect the school system to raise their kids.

That is true................

[JJ29483]

I love Summerville. But I don't love the traffic. There are really a few main roads that all 35,000 cars are on Dorchester 17 Ladson etc. .... It seems all the major subdivisions empty to these roads alone and since they are all subdivisions there is no cutting through neighborhoods for short local trips to the grocery store etc. The Dorchester 2 schools are the best in the state. If you want to move to the Charleston area and want something affordable I would choose Summerville.
Any way I did want to ask out there what time would you have to leave your house in the morning to escape the parking lot at I-26 near Ashley Phospate?
Is it already backed up by 6:30 or 6:45 a.m. I am thinking of leaving at a new time