S.O.S.!!! Planned move to Cary, Now Wilmington! (Raleigh: neighborhood, school districts)

[cjsmom2000]

Hello,
We've been planning a move to the Raleigh Area from Florida for about a year now, specifically Cary/Apex & Wake County for the great school system. Even picked out a neighborhood and school we like. Now, my husband may be working in Wilmington instead, and I have to start all over again. I'm mainly concerned about the schools in Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties (my 6 year old son is special needs and we want to begin with the public school system, as school personnel were so helpful and accommodating in Wake County) Your thoughts about the school system & life in the above counties would be greatly appreciated!

[Niki]

I just read online that Pender County schools are ranked in the top 5 of NC's school districts. New Hanover and Brunswick County schools are ranked below Pender County schools, but I don't know what their rankings are.

[Bethanytedder]

Originally Posted by Niki

I just read online that Pender County schools are ranked in the top 5 of NC's school districts. New Hanover and Brunswick County schools are ranked below Pender County schools, but I don't know what their rankings are.

Wow, that is good to know. I was told the exact opposite by my SIL. But she is kinda curious about her kids and it could have been a case of actually disliking the teacher and the school had nothing to do with it. I don't know a lot about Brunswick County. But I would love to live in Pender or New Hanover County. I have a BIL in Pender County. He is single now but if he marries the girl he is dating now, he will be back in New Hanover County and Wilmington really soon.

[NChomes]

Rankings are good, but as we all know, one bad teacher can poison a child/family against a school system. This is especially true with Special Pops classrooms.
I was a teacher and school administrator in Raleigh, Cary, and Emerald Isle but now live in Wilmington (as a Realtor).
Good resource:
www.ncpublicschools.org
Many factors go into a school system's 'rank'. Dig deep to get the big picture.
Personally, I'd chose Wilmington over Cary in a heartbeat.
I hope this helps.