Moving to Charlotte Area with kids 13, 11,9 (Waxhaw, Marvin: how much, home, neighborhoods)

[need to know]

This is the first time I have been on one of these forums. My husband might get a job in the area, and I would like to hear from some moms with middle school age kids about the schools and neighborhoods.

My kids are in a private school in FL right now. I'm hoping the public schools up there are good. I do not trust the "report cards" for the different schools.
I moved to an area just for the school based on the "A" rated public school, and found out the way they test is so easy they do it to just get funds for being an "A" school.

I really need to talk with someone who has an honest opinion and first hand knowledge of the schools, and kids friendly neighborhoods.

For instance, if someone was moving here I could tell them where I would go based on other parents opinions, the length the teachers stay at a school and sports, and how they do on college enterance exams.

PLEASE HELP!

[jeffoo]

[I stumbled upon this forum searching for something different...]

For this area (Mecklenburg County) you've asked a question about a very hot topic. This is my 3rd attempt to answer the question, but I will instead suggest you do some research.

I would suggest you visit:

Charlotte Meck School Website ( Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools )
Wikipedia ( Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ).

Our family decided the best option for us was the private school route (as have other families on our street).

[Note: I've never read this website before... you might try reading this thread: http://www.city-data.com/forum/charl...elocating.html which also discusses the school topic]

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by need to know

This is the first time I have been on one of these forums. My husband might get a job in the area, and I would like to hear from some moms with middle school age kids about the schools and neighborhoods.

My kids are in a private school in FL right now. I'm hoping the public schools up there are good. I do not trust the "report cards" for the different schools.
I moved to an area just for the school based on the "A" rated public school, and found out the way they test is so easy they do it to just get funds for being an "A" school.

I really need to talk with someone who has an honest opinion and first hand knowledge of the schools, and kids friendly neighborhoods.

For instance, if someone was moving here I could tell them where I would go based on other parents opinions, the length the teachers stay at a school and sports, and how they do on college enterance exams.

PLEASE HELP!

There are some great schools in Charlotte, though not all schools in Charlotte are good. There are also great schools in the surrounding areas like Union county and just over the state line in Fort Mill, SC.

Much depends on where your hubbys new job is located and how much you can spend on a home. If you tell us that we can make specific suggestions.

[need to know]

Thanks for the quick reply. I know some people live in S.C., that work at the company.

We are looking for a home around $500,000., with 4 beds 3 bath, on a larger lot.

My fear of public school is the teacher/student ratio, and the peers. Especially at these ages. We have worked very hard to steer our kids toward the right way ( we are Christians) they are in a small Christian school now. But I was hoping to save money with public up there if they are good.

I would like to be in a neighborhood with other families that have similar values. Like I said, I would know right where to send someone if they asked me these same questions.

We do not want a snobby area, but someplace people are willing to talk and be social.

I will research all the different website for school info, but I need the "inside scoop" for people that actually have lived there.

Thanks.

[Jeanette Pearson]

Hi,
I think the best thing to do is go to the school website jeffoo posted for you to get the facts and figures, but of course when you get here talk to other parents with kids your age and see how happy they are with the schools that there children are in. You can even visit the schools. Charlotte has some really great neighborhoods. I live in the Lake Norman area close to Birkdale Village and I love it! I'm a mom too except my daughter is only three, but this is an area where we mom's might be perfect strangers one minute but will strike up coversations/friendships/playdates in the grocery store the next. After spending two years in France I came home and had to readjust to just how friendly people are around here. I appreciate it alot more after comming back too. I think most families love the area. You can certiantly find a really beautiful home in your price range here with a sizable yard. Hope this helps. Jeanette

[need to know]

Thank You! I have heard many people that like the Lake Norman area. I wish I had the time to come and tour the different schools. But if we move there they will have to enroll right away.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by need to know

Thanks for the quick reply. I know some people live in S.C., that work at the company.

We are looking for a home around $500,000., with 4 beds 3 bath, on a larger lot.

My fear of public school is the teacher/student ratio, and the peers. Especially at these ages. We have worked very hard to steer our kids toward the right way ( we are Christians) they are in a small Christian school now. But I was hoping to save money with public up there if they are good.

I would like to be in a neighborhood with other families that have similar values. Like I said, I would know right where to send someone if they asked me these same questions.

We do not want a snobby area, but someplace people are willing to talk and be social.

I will research all the different website for school info, but I need the "inside scoop" for people that actually have lived there.

Thanks.

Should you decide to look over on the South Carolina side....I have children around the same age as yours..that attend the Fort Mill School District. I would be more than happy to help you thru a DM or if you would like to post on the SC side of this site (York County/Lancaster County subforum) there will be other families (including myself) that can provide you with information on the area and schools.

Best of luck with your search!

[south.charlotte&union]

Originally Posted by need to know

This is the first time I have been on one of these forums. My husband might get a job in the area, and I would like to hear from some moms with middle school age kids about the schools and neighborhoods.

My kids are in a private school in FL right now. I'm hoping the public schools up there are good. I do not trust the "report cards" for the different schools.
I moved to an area just for the school based on the "A" rated public school, and found out the way they test is so easy they do it to just get funds for being an "A" school.

I really need to talk with someone who has an honest opinion and first hand knowledge of the schools, and kids friendly neighborhoods.

For instance, if someone was moving here I could tell them where I would go based on other parents opinions, the length the teachers stay at a school and sports, and how they do on college enterance exams.

PLEASE HELP!

Here are the state report card websites:

For NC: NC School Report Cards

For SC: School Report Cards - South Carolina Department of Education

Also check GreatSchools.net if you want to see some parent reviews...

Sometimes the sites can be difficult to navigate -- let me know if you need help with this. Best of luck to you

PS My kids are 12, 10 and 7 (boy boy girl...)

[berryjuice4life]

We bought in Union County..Waxhaw/Marvin Area and my children are 12.5 and 8.5 and we are more than happy with the schools, as well as Ive researched NC for almost a year before making the move..

good luck

[need to know]

I really appreciate the help. I will keep all these threads and visit each.

If any one else has any other comments about what they like about the schools I would love to hear!