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I have a few questions regarding Waxhaw Schools. We found a house that we like which is zoned for Kensington Elementary. The development is literally across the street. What is all this redistricting that I hear about? I know it happened a few years ago, but is it scheduled to happen again? From what I'm reading, it makes me reluctant to purchase in Union County. I dont want to move there to have my children switched around. Also, those that made the move from out of state, are you happy with the area and the schools?
Re-districting concerns are more on a middle/high school level. If you're right across the street from an elementary school, you'll be fine. In that area, you'll most likely be zoned into Marvin Ridge or Cuthbertson, but always have the chance to get pushed into Parkwood, which is a bit further away. A lot depends on how long you plan on staying in the home. Mecklenburg county is also talking about possible redistricting, so I wouldn't pick/not pick union based on that. If you are looking for a home to last through high school, I'd recommend finding a neighborhood close to that high school.
In general, the area you're looking at is nice. A lot depends on where your job(s) are and what activities you see yourself doing. From there, it's a bit of a hike to get into the city without traffic (45+ minutes) and an hour plus at rush hour. If that's not a concern, then you'll get a lot more house/yard for your money down there and there is mass suburbia around it. You'll have your choice of 3 Targets within a 15-20 minute drive. Lowes and mini-Wal Mart are right down the street...Harris Teeter the local supermarket is even closer. Waxhaw is a cute little town with a micro-brewery, restaurants and a few little shops. You have 3-4 fairly large shopping centers within 15-20 minutes' drive (Waverly, Blakeney, Stonecrest, Providence Crossing).
Parkwood has lower ratings than Kensington. There is a study going on for redistricting ( at least for Marvin/Weddington area) through a well known consultant.
If you are right across, the chances are that you will be with Kensington.
Kensington Elem is "across the street" to several communities depending on your perspective. If you're referring to Millbridge, it's more complicated. Millbridge is extremely big and has an entrance pretty far South on Waxhaw Marvin Rd. The back half was actually redistricted several years ago to Parkwood, but got an amendment before the BOE vote to remain in Cuthbertson.
I think you're right to be concerned, there will be another redistricting in Fall of 2018. That said, there are some safe assumptions about "neighborhood schools" when choosing where to buy. Transportation efficiency is a factor, but will not be the only consideration. There are options like charters if you're not satisfied with your cluster assignment. You won't get trapped. UCPS in general is good. Don't get too wrapped up in the hype around the "big 3" and find a place that suits your needs.
Also...Parkwood is not "bad" per se. Just lower test scores and less AP options (though there still are AP options)...but there are other benefits to being in a school with more socio-economic & other diversity. If you scan through here, you'll see a lot of people that say they love Parkwood...my post was more just around the point that unless you're across the street from a high school, there's a chance you'll be re-districted before your kids are ready for high school...which isn't necessarily bad...just different.
Also...Parkwood is not "bad" per se. Just lower test scores and less AP options (though there still are AP options)...but there are other benefits to being in a school with more socio-economic & other diversity. If you scan through here, you'll see a lot of people that say they love Parkwood...my post was more just around the point that unless you're across the street from a high school, there's a chance you'll be re-districted before your kids are ready for high school...which isn't necessarily bad...just different.
Identical AP options to all other UCPS schools.
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