ames area and high schools (Nevada, Gilbert: house, theater, school districts)

[mlnash]

relocating to ames to work at iowa state - willing to commute - what are good areas to live in with good high school public or private.

[pepe1]

All the area schools and communities are excellent. Ames is by far the largest. But neighboring districts are excellent as well - just much smaller. Nevada, Colo-Nesco, Gilbert, Balllard are all solid school districts and all quanit small towns

[mysterytrain326]

I grew up in and around Ames, and I'd recommend Ames High School, unless you're specifically seeking a smaller environment. It has consistently ranked high among public high schools, offers a variety of courses (including AP and honors courses, if that's an interest), sports and activities.

Gilbert is the closet small district to Ames, but I'm not sure if open enrollment is allowed, should you want to live in Ames and have students attend there.

By Iowa standards, housing in Ames is on the higher side, so you'd likely get more house for your money in a nearby small town. But it all depends on what you're looking for.

I'd probably just live in Ames. The Old Town district near downtown (Main Street) is a great area to live.

[RNhottie]

Having lived in Ames a long time, for a small town it has much to offer. With the university comes much diversity and lots of events to enjoy; sports, theater, music, and community events. I work in DSM, and wouldn't wish that communte on anyone. We rarely have the need to leave Ames for shopping or entertainment, because it is all right here!
As far as schools, we have 2 girls who have been in the Ames school system their whole school career. Our oldest graduated this last year and our younger is at the middle school (8). Both Middle and High schools are excellent and full of activities to keep them involved. For elementary schools, I would recommend Fellows.

Living near Fellows and the HS, you can catch a bike path to ISU with minimal commute time. Good Luck!

Check out Gilbert, too.