Zones for Schools, homes? A map? (Davidson: houses, transfer, neighborhood)

[ibeg4sushi]

Hi, I was hoping someone could help me find some really useful information. We have been looking for homes pretty hard, and we have a very small budget, but it's most important to us that our daughter go to a good school. So here's my question: How can I do a home search in a way that I can know what school she is going to attend (elementary)?

What I mean is, say I find a home I like, but I click on the realtor's weblink to find that even though it's close to a good school, the kids in that neighborhood are directed to a different school that isn't good at all. How can I search for homes by school area?

And, let's say we'd like to make an offer on the house mentioned above, suits all needs but the school, how easy is to to get our daughter into the other school? Is it allowed? Is the only option then just to go with private schools?

This is all new to us and we really need a clue! First time-homebuyers, getting to know the area, and only one, but very smart and creative, daughter. Heck! I'll live in a trailer home if it's in the best school district! I'm just having some trouble navigating the websites........so if anyone has any information at all, it would be a HUGE, ENORMOUS<<GIGANTIC>> HELP!

Thanks!
~ Angie

[roadpony]

Your best bet is to secure a buyer's agent (doesn't cost any extra) and let the realtor help you with this. Also, have you checked the web site of the school system in question? I would think a district map would be there.

[Krish Bala]

I am moving to the WS area. Can anybody give me a referral of a good experienced and patient RE agent from a reputable organisation, who can guide me through the Elementary school selection process.

Thank you.

[tippster]

I would not go by what a realtor says. I've seen them give more people the wrong information concerning the school districts.

I'm not sure what county you are looking at but here's a list:

1) Forsyth: Student Assignment - Student Assignment

2) Guilford: GCS Online (broken link)

3) Davidson: map

And if you are still unsure, call the school system that you are planning to live in.

[d_Random]

tippster-

That is very helpful information, I never knew those search engines existed. Good find.

[cocobabydoll]

Once u fiind out what street u will live on, you can go to gilford county schools and do a school locator and then u can check out the report card

[ibeg4sushi]

Thanks Coco! I just found that out from a realtor I've been speaking with! I have searching the GCS website and I also found out that there are going to be School "open houses!" I've never heard of that.

Here's a listing of some elementary schools: COOL BEANS!
http://www.gcsnc.com/pdfs/Open%20House%202008-09%20.pdf

[ibeg4sushi]

Originally Posted by tippster

I would not go by what a realtor says. I've seen them give more people the wrong information concerning the school districts.

I'm not sure what county you are looking at but here's a list:

1) Forsyth: Student Assignment - Student Assignment

2) Guilford: GCS Online (broken link)

3) Davidson: map

And if you are still unsure, call the school system that you are planning to live in.

Thanks so much! These are a great start.

[tippster]

Glad to help out!

[sunnyman]

This response applies to W-S/Forsyth County schools only.

I would rely more the mentioned web site to locate than anything a realtor says, unless they use the website while you are with them. WSFCS has a school choice program for student assignment. If you live in Zone X, you can choose to send your child to any of the 6-7 elementary schools in that zone. The same is true for middle schools but there are only 3 middle schools in each zone. For high school, there are "choice" transfers that can be requested. At Mt Tabor this year, there will be freshmen entering from all most every middle school in the county.

Bottom line...of course you want your child to attend a good school, but I would select a home based on what I like, what I can afford....where you feel at home. From that a good school will be available to you and your child.