Calling all parents! What is the scoop about Floyds Knobbs and its schools? (Highland: for sale)

[K. Dunn]

I have already previously on this site asked a few questions about the difference in terrain regarding Oldham County in Kentucky compared to Floyds Knobs in Indiana. Now after more research on homes, schools, ect., I have a new question. I can't believe that the "people" would be any different, but on several school reviews from different sites, we have read that even though they LOVE their schools and their teachers, facilities, curriculum, the new people did say that there seemed to be an inner circle that did not make it easy for newbies to be excepted. So basically sounding like a bit of snobbyish attitudes may prevail? Several also said that there is a old school way of teaching, which we actually have no problem with a school being strict, teaching manors and respect, we actually prefer it. So anyone out there who lives in that area, or has children that go to those schools who can tell us the full scoop? We have a upcoming 1st grader and 6th grader. Thanks in advance!

[domergurl]

I don't live there, but Floyd's Knobs schools are among the best in the area, if not the state (according to the DOE's website data anyway). So, obviously someone is doing something right there and probably have been for decades, so this inner circle you are talking about probably exists. This inner circle probably feels that they have been doing right for so many years, that so called "outsiders" are probably not seen favorably as they may rock the boat. If you are coming from California, you will probably run into this mentality in southern Indiana on many fronts, not just schools. It's not that people will be outwardly hostile, it will just take you awhile to penetrate the borg (so to say). Persitence and a chin up attitude is key for you and your family. Your kids will be fine and they will receive a great education and make wonderful friends. As you start running into "folks" around town, you'll do great. Welcome to Indiana!

[Jrbhunter]

My wife teaches in the Floyd County School System: I'd be surprised if anyone from California could label our residents/teachers/students as snobby.

[ChickeyDuck]

Geezzz...I wish someone would have given some nice area's to see in Floyd's Knobs. We stopped there off the interstate to see what all the hype was about Floyd's Knobs. We even asked where there downtown was and we were told they didn't have one. So we were somewhat confused on this hyped up place????

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by ChickeyDuck

Geezzz...I wish someone would have given some nice area's to see in Floyd's Knobs. We stopped there off the interstate to see what all the hype was about Floyd's Knobs. We even asked where there downtown was and we were told they didn't have one. So we were somewhat confused on this hyped up place????

Well golly gee chickey ... we're sorry that all these so called overhyped southern Indiana towns aren't up to snuff for you ... sheesh!

[DerbyFever]

Originally Posted by K. Dunn

I have already previously on this site asked a few questions about the difference in terrain regarding Oldham County in Kentucky compared to Floyds Knobs in Indiana. Now after more research on homes, schools, ect., I have a new question. I can't believe that the "people" would be any different, but on several school reviews from different sites, we have read that even though they LOVE their schools and their teachers, facilities, curriculum, the new people did say that there seemed to be an inner circle that did not make it easy for newbies to be excepted. So basically sounding like a bit of snobbyish attitudes may prevail? Several also said that there is a old school way of teaching, which we actually have no problem with a school being strict, teaching manors and respect, we actually prefer it. So anyone out there who lives in that area, or has children that go to those schools who can tell us the full scoop? We have a upcoming 1st grader and 6th grader. Thanks in advance!

We have been living in Floyds Knobs for about 5 years and love it here. We feel that we have all the amenities of living near Louisville but without the crime and so many negatives that may go along with it. I have worked in 3 school systems in Southern IN for the past 13 years and am starting my 4th year in Floyd County. The Floyd County school corp. is an interesting "mix" of high achieving and low achieving schools. The Floyds Knobs schools are outstanding and the cream of the crop in the school corp. That's where my little boy will attend if we stay in the area (considering moving only due to his severe allergies). I, too, read on one website in particular that there seems to be the "inner" circle (must've been the same website you read?) and this surprised me as I haven't encountered that. On the other hand, my role in the schools thus far has been as an educator and not yet as a parent. But I find the people to be truly nice, considerate, and we have very good neighbors that watch out for one another. I love that kind of small town feel next to a city, it's why we moved here, as my husband and I both grew up in a nearby city. Yes, I would say that "old school" manners of respect are encouraged in the FK schools although the schools (especially FK Elementary) also keep up with new research on the most recent educational techniques. The elementary has nice classical music playing in the background when you enter and it's a very welcoming atmosphere with a high stress on education & achievement. I've been there several times to "benchmark" all 1st grade students and each time I've been amazed at how fluent nearly all of the students are (oral reading fluency). The middle school is only a few years old and the high school is undergoing a major multi-million $$ renovation. In addition to being known for an emphasis on high educational standards, the FK secondary schools are generally known for their great arts programs. Sorry I can't speak about Oldham County since I've never lived there but I'll be happy to answer any other questions I can about FK.

One other informal note about FK...Floyds Knobs itself rests on a series of bluffs overlooking the city of Louisville. It's a beautiful place that attracted me years ago when I used to visit my best friend, I loved the twisty, windy roads that go up & down the knobs and the long driveways bordered by lots & lots of trees. When we started looking for land about 7 years ago to build, we found (at that time) it hard to find people willing to sell b/c a lot of the land was "family land" that wasn't for sale. I've gotten the feeling that the folks who've been here for a long time like ot stay true to their roots, which is fine by me, and I can certainly appreciate their desire to keep Floyds Knobs Floyds Knobs and not see it overly developed like some other surrounding areas. It's quiet, serene, and yes--doesn't have a "downtown"! We can be in downtown Louisville in less than 10 minutes (faster than most of our friends who live across the river btw) so we love the quiet tranquility that exists here. It's very rare that we ever hear sirens. I've noticed that the districts with the best schools tend to fetch the highest home prices, and FK is no exception. Home prices are considerably higher than in some surrounding areas but then again, if we lived elsewhere the trade-off would be that we'd be probably be paying private school tuition to send our son elsewhere. (Personally I'd rather invest the $$ into my home & a good school district, at least that way the $$ is appreciating and I can rest assured he's also getting a great education.) The snobby attitude you hear about might stem from the fact that FK sits up at a higher elevation and within the school corp. the FK schools are simply known as the "hill" schools. I think the fact that it costs more $$ to live in FK may give the place a bad reputation for being snobbish--I'm sure some people live up to this label, though most everyone I've encountered has been incredibly nice, friendly, and helpful. Hope this helps for at least FK! Good luck to you & your family, tough decisions ahead I realize.

P.S. Should you decide you'd like to visit, let me know. I work with the administrators at FK Elementary as well as the middle school (Highland Hills) and I'd be happy to put you in contact with them to schedule a tour. I asked about a FKE tour for a friend of mine who's considering moving just for the schools and they actually have a FKE student give a tour and then you meet with the staff with any ?'s.