Mauldin Schools, Greenville... (Simpsonville: real estate, houses, neighborhoods)

[skyegirl]

Hey Everyone! My hubby and I have finally decided on the Mauldin area outside of Greenville, after months (and months) of discussion. Can anyone give me info, pros/cons on the Mauldin schools? (my kids are 14, 10 and 9, so High, Middle and Elementary) I have already gone to greatschools.net (awesome site) so I know of those facts/figures, I would just like info from someone with personal experiences...Thanks so much!

[mel1966]

I, too, would like some info on the schools in Simpsonville/Greenville. The houses that we like are slated for Bryson Middle (great school rating 5) or Beck Academy (great school rating 2). The high schools that they feed into, Hillcrest and JL Mann, got great ratings but it is concerning that the middle schools did not. Can anyone attest to their quality of teaching and atmosphere for students? No parents have posted any insight on those particular middle schools on greatschools.net. It seems that the best schools that are closer in are Riverside and Mauldin. Can anyone talk those schools from an academic and social atmosphere for students? I know that Wren is a great school, but it is futher out then we want to be because our kids play travel soccer and the commute would be too far for practice and games.

We actively looking in the neighborhoods of Stonehaven and River Walk based on the Mauldin school area. Can anyone talk about those neighborhoods from a social viewpoint?:

[Upstate Yankee]

My son went to Bryson Middle for one year and then we moved to Mauldin. At Bryson, the gym teacher, a hefty woman, tried to stop a fight between some boys and got thrown on the floor. That's when we decided to get out of there. Both my children, then went to Mauldin Middle School. It is wonderful school, it is run very well. The principal, a very sophisticated woman, makes sure that the students are well taught and follow the rules. We did have some issues with teachers but I think it mostly had to do with personality conflicts. If your tween likes music, the chorus teacher at Middle is one of the best in the district. She directs full blown musicals with these kids and it is very impressive!! The Band is also very good. Mauldin High Band is growing and getting better and better every year, adding more colorguard and a great drumline. The chorus teacher at Mauldin High School is awesome too. She is fun and delightful and the 3 choruses put on great performances.

It is my understanding and this may get updated, but Hillcrest Middle and Mauldin Middle get split up for high school. Some going to Mauldin High (where my kids go) and to J.L. Mann which I hear is one of the top schools. Bryson goes to Hillcrest and Woodmont. The county was redistricted a few years ago, but if you live in mauldin, your child will most likely go to Mauldin Middle and Mauldin High and I believe Beck Academy for elementary.

hope this helps

[Upstate Yankee]

Riverwalk and Stonehaven are great neighborhoods. Both have associations that regulate your surroundings, clubhouse and pools. Believe Riverwalk to be a little higher real estate than stonehaven. I do know that Riverwalk has social events, end of school and back to school parties, halloween parties, etc. They are very socially active.

[bonnemaman]

Thank you for the information regarding Greenville schools. I know of greatschools.net; however, first hand information is also valuable in making a crucial decision for the children's schools.

My husband will be working in Spartenburg soon and we were very interested in Greenville for living with our 3 children (10,8, and 6). I am currently living in France and my children attend a small, private French school. I am very pleased with the academic level...we were in mid/northern NH before and the academic level was not great - very disappointing.

I woulo like to make the right decision regarding schools as I don't want to keep moving them around. I have read that Wren is very good. And Mauldin schools....they seem large to me...especially the middle school. And what is Freshman academy? Many students call it a joke and says it doesn't prepare them for High school.

I have many questions...from rural New England back to France (I have lived here many years) I am concerned about going to a part of the country that I do not know at all.

Thank you for any input especially concerning schools, housing and mentality - and are children's activities expensive? It is very 'democratised' over here and I am worried that our children's activities will be shockingly expensive.

Thank you d'avance.