Isle of Wight/City of Suffolk/Southampton Cou./Franklin City (Virginia Beach: houses, neighborhood)

[renew]

I need info on schools and houses in Isle of Wight/City of Suffolk/Southampton Cou./Franklin City. I’m looking for public schools (or inexpensive private) for daughters in 2nd and 5th grades who are gifted/talented. Looking to buy 3-4 bedroom/2 bath or more in the low $300s. I may want to add an addition or cottage for “mother-in-law suite”, so don’t want subdivision with lots of building restrictions. I'm divorced with kids, so looking for a good area for kids, but also good for single women. For example, need good afterschool or drop-in childcare options. Are there any DROP-IN (as needed) evening/weekend childcare centers in the area?

Schools in that area don’t look good on Greatschools.com. I see that schools in YorkCounty look pretty good. Any thoughts on comparing the two areas re quality of life? I prefer to be on northern side of Hampton Roads, with shorter drive to D.C., but also trying not to be too far from Franklin, VA. (no more than 1.5 hour drive). Thanks in advance for any tips!

[smithfield2]

I would rethink moving to Isle of Wight county...esp. with 2 children that are gifted/talented..The schools are poor..York county schools rate well. Isle of Wight is isolated and about 10-15 yrs. behind the rest of Hampton Roads..Homes are cheaper, but for any entertainment, shopping, medical care, you will be travelling to Newport News, Suffolk, Cheasapeake, etc. Smithfield is bad enough, but Franklin is way out in the country..You mentioned, D.C..that's approx. a 4-5+ hour drive, if the traffic cooperates..Where are you moving from..Where will you be working..???

[shellytc]

I know you prefer the northern side of HR, but Virginia Beach has some of the most sought after schools for gifted/talented. Check out Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools. and see that the number one rated elementary is Old Donation (gifted school for elem) and the number one rated middle school is Kemps Landing (gifted school for middle) in all of Virginia. Plus all the neighborhood schools have gifted cluster classrooms.

You are still only about an hour from franklin and it didn't add too much to your trip to Washington D.C. But where will you be working?

Shelly