Possible Relocation to Mount Pleasant, SC from NY

[LocalHero]

Originally Posted by PrairieGirl

Yes! Thank you, l couldn't recall the name. Do you know if the school is worth paying for private school? Their curriculum approach sounds very interesting, my son really likes outdoor science. And video games, lol. But, it sounds like JI costs more to live there, so you'd be paying either way?? We went to Folly TWICE in one week visit, really liked the people and good vibes. Required: hammock.

Originally Posted by PrairieGirl

Respectfully, in my experience, ratings can and do change. I would love to hear from students or parent's about the high schools in the Chas area. Thanks!

I'm not personally familiar with Charleston Collegiate but even if I were, as a Realtor I can't say I think one school is better than another due to the fair housing act. Hopefully someone with experience can chime in. I agree that ratings can change and sometimes dramatically but I think GreatSchools.org is a good launch point for your research. An example of change making the ratings inaccurate is Murray La Saine elementary on James Island. It is ranked a 5 on Great Schools but they are remaking the school as a full public Montessori School and while it will have the same name it will be an entirely different school. Most changes are not that dramatic though and the ratings only lag behind a slight amount.

One big difference other than public vs private is size. James Island High is a good size school while Charleston Collegiate is pretty small. My own daughter wanted to go to JIHS for the big school experience but she had gotten into the Charleston Academic Magnet High School and I wasn't going to let her turn that down. Turns out that was big enough and worked out best for her anyway.

I doubt that Johns Island would be enough cheaper than James to equal the tuition of Charleston Collegiate. Most of the rental listings out there are not found on the MLS so searching Craigslist and other online sources will give you a better idea of what's available. A rental on Johns Isl would have to be hundreds of $ per mo cheaper to equal private school tuition fees and that's not going to be the case.

Folly is a fun beach!

[PrairieGirl]

That does answer my question, so thanks again! We are in a similar situation here. We either pay for private school and stay where rent/mortgages are cheap or move to better school district and pay more. It probably wouldn't be as much more as private school tuition. High school only lasts four years, at least renting gives one flexibility and time to figure out a new area. Charleston Collegiate sounded perfect, my son is coming from a k-8 school of 215 students! It used to be ranked highly but has suffered from budget cuts. We will have to make a point to investigate on our next visit! I will also look into Chas. Academic Magnet. Are there buses or are the kids/parents responsible for transportation? That factors in as another expense.

[prdanib]

Hi, We bought a David Weekley on Harriman. We have 3 young children, a girl 12, 2 boys 9 and 11. HBU?