What can you tell me about... (Huntsville, Madison: houses, neighborhoods, middle school)

[MelanieP]

the Oak Park, Belle Meade Heights, or Hinge Gate subdivisions located in northeast Huntsville?

We've found a couple of houses in this area that we really like, and the location seems convenient to both Huntsville and Madison since it's right by 565.

We have a 3 1/2 year old and 2 year old so the elementary school (Chapman) is a consideration. Good school? So-so? Not so good? Also, what's nearby in the way of shopping and the day-to-day necessities?

Thanks in advance for any input, positive or negative!

Melanie

[BKOTH97]

Chapman is rated 3/10 by Greatschools.net. Lee High School is a 6/10. I don't know much about the area, but I do know that Northeast Huntsville is normally considered an area to stay away from. However, that is a generalization and I know there are some people / families that really like living in NE Huntsville. Best of luck to you!

[Reactionary]

MelanieP - IIRC the Belle Meade area is zoned for MLK Elementary School. Chapman 3rd grade reading = 44, 3rd grade math = 48. MLK = 28 / 29. Both feed into Chapman Middle School, which is IIRC ranked around Davis Hills for school violence (tied for worst). The school situation is bad and appears to be getting worse.

Most people (seriously, much more than 50%) who live in those neighborhoods send their kids to private schools or magnets or home school. It didn't use to be like that, but it is now.

Note that the neighborhoods are still safe, people take care of their yards and houses, and know their neighbors.

The schools are hurting NE badly, especially Chapman Middle. I know families who've moved out so their kids wouldn't go (continue to go) to Chapman.

The area is very convenient to I565, downtown, Monte Sano, etc. Harris Hill (Target) will be a huge benefit. Star Market in Five Points is a treasure.

[bbfan]

I have young children also, I would completely avoid those schools...sorry.

[MelanieP]

Gotcha... thank you!

[ashleigh2006]

I've been told that Riverton Elemetary, Mt Carmel and Buckhorn are all good schools. Why all the talk about avoiding Northeast Huntsville.

[Reactionary]

ashleigh2006 - I live in Northeast Huntsville, love the convenience and neighbors and view of Monte Sano, but wouldn't send a child to the city schools (Chapman / Lee).

The schools you mention are County Schools; and I agree that those schools are good.

[bbfan]

Originally Posted by ashleigh2006

I've been told that Riverton Elemetary, Mt Carmel and Buckhorn are all good schools. Why all the talk about avoiding Northeast Huntsville.

These are NE Madison County schools, not Hsv, and yes they are good.

[FlourChild]

We used to live in that area/school zone, and being in the Chapman school zone actually hurt us when it came time to sell our house. YMMV, but that was our experience.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by FlourChild

We used to live in that area/school zone, and being in the Chapman school zone actually hurt us when it came time to sell our house. YMMV, but that was our experience.

Chapman is a HSV City school, great schools of 3, math 67%, reading 80%, free lunch 51%.

Math average for the public elementary schools below (includes HSV City, Mad City and Mad CO) is 75%, avg reading 84%, free lunch 43%.

The data are from these schools:

Hampton Cove Elementary School
Jones Valley Elementary School
Blossomwood Elementary School
Mountain Gap Elementary School
Monte Sano Elementary School
Weatherly Heights Elementary School
New Market School
Walnut Grove School
Challenger Elementary School
Columbia Elementary School
Monrovia Elementary School
West Madison Elementary School
Heritage Elementary School
Academy for Academics & Arts
Central School
Lynn Fanning Elementary School
Riverton Elementary School
Endeavor Elementary School
Rainbow Elementary School
Mount Carmel Elementary School
Horizon Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Hazel Green Elementary School
Owens Cross Roads School
Madison Elementary School
Academy for Science & Foreign Language
New Hope Elementary School
Madison County Elementary School
Roger B Chaffee Elementary School
Madison Cross Roads Elementary School
Harvest School
James E Williams School
Farley Elementary School
Louis J Morris Elementary School
Chapman Elementary School
Whitesburg Elementary School
Ridgecrest Elementary School
University Place Elementary School
Rolling Hills Elementary School
The Seldon Center
East Clinton Elementary School
West Huntsville Elementary School
Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School
Highlands Elementary School
McDonnell Elementary School
Terry Heights Elementary School
Lakewood Elementary School
Montview Elementary School
West Mastin Lake Elementary School