Johnson City, Gray or Jonesborough Schools & Neighborhoods...Which Ones to Choose? (real estate)

[TNforME]

My husband is being transferred to Johnson City, and we should be there by the first of August. We have 2 children, ages 7 and 2 1/2. While we are familiar with visiting Johnson City for day trips, we don't know anyone that lives there and need information on the best schools in the area. I did some research looking at the TN report cards and found Lake Ridge Elem. and Towne Acres Elem. to have great scores. Does anyone know anything about these 2 schools or neighborhoods we would have to live in to attend these schools? Also, it looks like Gray Elementary scored very high as well. Does anyone have any info. on the Jonesborough schools? Their scores weren't as high as the others but we really like the town and think we would like living there, but education for our kids is a top priority and we wouldn't want to live there is the schools are struggling.

Also, we are looking to rent for the first year. If anyone knows of a nice 3/4 br house in an area zoned for one of the above schools, please let me know. Suggestions for neighborhoods to explore or avoid would also be greatly appreciated!

[Plain Jane]

TNforME,

I have some opinions on JC schools. Funding for TN schools is determined by city and county taxes, so the ratings for city schools is usually higher. Bottom line is city schools get more $. One positive to JC is that all public schools are very good. Some have more diverse populations, but all have their strong points. ( The real estate people will try to get you to buy in north JC.)
My suggestion is to remember that ALL children in Johnson City public schools go to the same middle school and high school, so the location issue for education may just relate to elementary-aged children. They will be in school with all types by sixth grade. But again, there is not a city elementary school in JC that I would avoid. The JC School Board does a great job of hiring and placing excellent teachers.

One other thought, both of the schools you mentioned probably do not get Title I (?) funds. (Whatever that Title number is for schools with some low-income children...? ) My children went to a school that never received these funds until there was a redistricting. Suddenly, these children were in our little "elite" school. It was one of the most positive changes in my childrens' education. Their library tripled in size, computers were everywhere, new equipment flooded in and there were teachers aides in every room! My children made great friends from all socio-economic levels. We did not know what we were missing.

[TNforME]

Plain Jane,

Thank you very much for your quick reply. We just got back from the JC area after spending the day home searching (for a rental). Your information on the city schools is very helpful and reassuring. However, of the 5 homes we looked at today, all were in the Washington County zone. Do you have any suggestions for neighborhoods to explore inside the city limits?

The one home we were interested in today is very, very close to Jonesborough Elementary just off of Hwy 11E. Does anyone have an opinion on this area? There seem to be some new developments and growth starting there. We're going back in a few days to view the home. I'll try to find more to take a look at within the city, but so far the ones I've found have been $1600+ per month and that's a little over our range for rent.

[Plain Jane]

Try to PM mbmouse. She lives in Washington County and can probably give you some insight.

Not sure of the neighborhoods in JC that would fall into that rental range. Try the Southside, Woodland or Fairmont school districts. Those areas seem to be older and more established.....?