School District Opinions (Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant: insurance, house, transfer)

[Barbara]

Hi everyone, great posts! My husband, my daughter (age 7), and myself would like to move from Long Island to Summerville. I would like some opinions on the Dorchester II school district from parents who have children in those schools. I've looked up all the internet information, Great Schools.com etc., but would welcome the input of more parents. We visited the area back in Febuary and plan to return again soon. I've heard good things about the schools there, but it's really important to me to be really sure. Long distance moves are kind of scary.

How about the new Ashley Ridge High School as compared to the original Summerville High School?

Sorry this is so long and thanks for any information.

[OleTomCat]

At Seven High school is a long way off, but if you are a sports fanatic Summerville High is one of the states power house schools.

The new school has no history since this is the first year it will be open.

There are a few private and christian schools as well that are very good for accademics.

My wife is a school teacher in one of the better schools in Charleston Dist 4, but I would not recommend any of the schools in North Charleston.

The elementary and middle schools in Summerville are top notch.

[Barbara]

Thanks for the reply. I like Summerville and Mt Pleasant, but I think you get a little more house for your money in Summerville. The location is good too because it is still close to the beaches I would feel a little safer (my opinion) than Mt Pleasant in the event of a major hurricane. Any more replies would be welcome.

Thank you.

[beachme]

If your considering Mt Pleasant, Wando HS is a great school. I have a 16 year old at Wando. But after reading your post you have a 7 year old. Schools can change alot in the next few years. And there will most likely be more schools by the time your daughter goes to HS. Mt. Pleasant is a great place to raise a child and I love being so close to historic down town and the beaches. You shold give Moutn Pleasant a chance if your in the over $250K price range if not Summerville is nice also, it's getting crowded and home prices are reasonable .

[Barbara]

I loved Mt Pleasant and it would be my 1st choice if it just wasn't so close to the water. Wando looks amazing! We stayed at the Shem Creek Inn when we were there (wanted to go to Reds but ran out of time). Being from Long Island my family and I love the water, but I would feel more comfortable a little further inland. Summerville seems like a good fit for us. I still would like more input from people who have had some direct experience with the Dorchester II school district.

Thanks for all the great information!

[RJ17015]

We just moved here from MI, and it was a culture shock to start at Summerville High in Dorchester II school district. It's suppose to be the "best" district, but it's been a terrible experience.

They ran us through the ringer trying to get the kids registered for school, we even drove back to MI to get all the "necessary" info, and was still refused days prior to school starting, because we didn't have a utility bill yet -- we'd just moved into our house, and had yet to get a utility bill. We finally worked it out that the Electric company could fax over proof of the utilities were in our name -- I think it was easier to enter and exit the country than to register my kids for school!

They had NOTHING to offer my son academically, he had to go to the college, as he'd had more academically than they offer, but needed P.E. in order to graduate -- so he takes almost nothing his senior year, and leaves by noon daily.

First day of school my daughter was bullied on the bus, and got off crying. We addressed this with the administration, and was told "what do you want me to do about it" and the administration was so rude -- didn't even ask any details -- just didn't want to be bothered. After talking to other parents, we're not the only one that has run into bullying problems on the bus -- the only solution is to drive your child, which is what we do.

My daughter's schedule was full of "fluff" nothing academically, we had to go in and change that.

I personally hate Summerville High, and wished we'd never moved here. I don't know about Mt. Pleasant, but it would have to be better than Summerville, Dorchester II.

Sorry for the rant -- but it's been a very bad experience for us. But our previous School District was not only top in MI, but of the top 1500 in US. Also the schools are WAY overcrowded -- almost 4000 kids in the High School. One of my daughter's classes had 41 kids in it -- and they find this acceptable -- not even enough desks for the kids to sit. We've lived in a few places in our life, but this is by far the worst!

[SvilleBarbara]

Hello - I also relocated from the north more than 15 yrs ago. I was told to stay in DD2 schools I am glad I did. My son attends the new Ashley Ridge High school and we LOVE it. They collected the cream of the crop from administrators to teachers, and you can tell. My son has been in DD2 since 1st grade, and now he is a freshman. We can answer any questions you have, feel free to email us!

[Barbara]

Thank you for the replies. I would like to know more about Ashley Ridge. I can't find much information on it since it is so new. Their website had some good pics for a while but they took them off. We like the Ashborough subdivision which I believe would have Beech Hill (elem), Greg ( middle), and Ashley Ridge (high). Even though my daughter is only in 2nd grade, the schools are one of the most important part of our decision making. Thanks again for all the great info!

[beachme]

Barbara,
The way summerville is growing I truly believe there will be new schools by the time your daughter hits HS. I think you'll be fine with your DOR.2 Choice anyway. By the way.. Mount Pleasant is close to the water but my family has lived here for over 15 years and besides HUGO in 89....This area has been fine. I lived in Charlotte(4 hours inland) during Hugo and we lost power for a week and the place was a mess so I am certain if a big Hurricane comes this way Summerville will not be a fun place to be either!
I love Ashborough neighborhood also. Very nice established neighborhood.

[scjj]

Wise decision Barbara, as most of the neighborhoods in Mt. Pleasant were not even there when Hurricane Hugo came through, so it's a crap shoot as to how they will make out. They also just expanded the wind pool line there and insurance premiums have doubled or more and some have even been dropped. Charleston, SC Latest Local News: Cost of wind, hail coverage soaring As more and more of these storms keep coming in it is just going to get worse. As you can see In bad hurricane, we get SLOSHed Mt. Pleasant is not predicted to fare too well.

I've had 2 kids in DD2 now for over 5 years and have been more than happy with the school system. My son went to Gregg and is currently at SHS and my daughter graduated from there in 2006. Registration has never been a problem, just provide the necessary documentation and it is a breeze. Proof of utility bills was implemented to keep outsiders from enrolling their kids in the district which they were having a big problem with at one time. Summerville High School has never had 4,000 kids. Last year I think at max it was 3,200 and with Ashley Ridge opening this year something like 800 of them were transferred over there in the freshman and sophomore classes. As they add a grade each year it will increase. I think in total it should be around 1,500 kids. I've seen the school myself, it's big, it's beautiful and it's in a nice location.