Schools in Knoxville

[JMT]

Originally Posted by hoosier07

Thanks for the link on the school system hiknapster and JMT....I checked Carter Schools and they're rated very well either.... I remember a comment from JMT that Knox Co. School System is the same, with the same textbooks and activities...and also...the students from a more rural area such as Carter were having a similar development at College when comparing to richer areas such as West Knox. I also believe that parent involvement in the school and the child daily activities are key for success....you should not rely your child's education solely on the school....some principles start at home and are solidified at school....this is my opinion.

Anyway, regarding my job....I should be receiving a counter offer until this Friday....let's see....that's why I've been quiet and mostly reading posts than writing them.

By the way, I had a special job assignment this Monday and Tuesday and it was in Etowah, TN....Isn't it funny ? Something or "Someone" is pushing me down to TN !!! I stayed in a hotel in Athens and drove both days after work to East Knox Co. It was a great experience, I ate at local restaurants, spoke with people, checked neighborhoods, drove a lot, visited the East Knox Mall (very nice)....and drove more....and checked other subdivisions....ate at a very original drive in the Carter Area (can't remember the name), saw the Carter Schools, drove from Carter to Morristown simulating the possible drive to work. Basically I've done my homework and right now I should finalize my job relocation discussion. I have to stop otherwise I will know more from East Knox Co. than my current home....:-)

Just for the record, I drove through a very nice town, charming and very well taken care of.....the name.....Sweetwater, TN. I really liked it. Too far for me but I believe it's an excellent choice for someone looking.

I love that drive from Etowah into Knoxville, avoiding the interstate completely.

That drive-in near Carter HS is called Cardin's. Isn't it good??? I mean not only is it a real, old-fashioned drive-in, they make REAL Cherry Coke. I can respect a place that makes real Cherry Coke!

And yes, you and hiknapster are sooo right about the schools. I can understand that an entire school district would be sub-par because of lack of funding, lack of facilities, etc. But I am sick and tired of hearing people from snooty West Knox insist that their schools are better only because their neighborhoods are full of wealthy white people who have more college degrees than blue-collar neighborhoods in north and east Knox County.

I've said it before, and I'll say it until I turn blue in the face: ALL of Knox County is the same school system, and ALL of the high schools in Knox County will prepare students for college. My students at U.T. who were educated at Carter or Gibbs or Halls and even Austin-East are just as well prepared as those who went to Snob Hill (Farragut).

If the standardized test scores in Farragut are higher than at Carter, it's only because more people in the Carter community won't be going to college and, therefore, don't see the need in studying as hard. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with the quality of education offered.

I, for one, would rather send my kids to a school like Carter where they will rub shoulders with kids who come from a variety of backgrounds, which is certainly not the case at Farragut.

[hoosier07]

Yes JMT .... Cardin's !!! That's it, a very original place....next time I will have their cherry coke and sit on those picnic style tables. I had a great time in the area and the more I spent time there, the more I appreciated it....which is a good sign. One very interesting thing happened, I asked for a street address in a subdivision for a man that was taking care of his lawn....he did not know it immediately, I was walking back to my car and he said...wait a minute....let's take a look....he stopped what he was doing...walked to his car on his driveway....checked on the GPS system and found it....you don't find that kind of attitude everywhere....agree ?

[Wut2do]

In my opinion West Knoxville is not all it is cracked up to be. There are alot of other great areas to live and attend school in Knoxville. Great communities and schools in Halls, Corryton, Powell, Karns, or if you like further out, there is Grainger county and it is starting to grow. Not much in the way of shopping yet, but the upside to that is not alot of traffic either.

[TedTAce]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

So far, it has remained untouched from the McMansion monsters.

That's Funny!!!

[Judyra]

Hello, this is my first time ever on this forum or any other, so I apologize if I'm incorrect. Not sure if I should be replying or starting fresh. I am thinking seriously of moving to Knoxville. Tired of central Florida. My daughter passed away in April and I need a change. Anyway, I am raising my granddaughter now and need to find out about the education also; however, I need information about special education. My granddaughter is nearly 7 and has autism. She is non-verbal. Does anyone have any information about special education schools in the Knoxville area. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

[tsimmu]

Hi Judyra,

Sorry to hear about your daughter -- bless you and that grandbaby. There are a few school systems in the area that have good Special Education systems - Sevier County being one of the best. I am not sure how much you've been involved so far in her education but navigating the maze of laws and being an advocate for a child with special needs can be a daunting task to say the least.

If you have any questions specifically, I'd be glad to help.

[pdq]

East TN schools vary greatly in quality of education, resources, etc etc. Knoxville's best ranked school, Farragut, only rates 1250th in the US. Simple means there are 1200+ better choices for schools. Oak Ridge is the best rated school system in East TN, but still only comes in around 500th in the nation. The Nashville area has the best schools in the state, and some of the best in the country. As far as teacher pay in East TN, benefits, etc. Oak Ridge is the place to be, but you'll have to be the best of the best to get in there. You'll struggle with most other school systems in East TN.

Best of luck!

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by Judyra

Hello, this is my first time ever on this forum or any other, so I apologize if I'm incorrect. Not sure if I should be replying or starting fresh. I am thinking seriously of moving to Knoxville. Tired of central Florida. My daughter passed away in April and I need a change. Anyway, I am raising my granddaughter now and need to find out about the education also; however, I need information about special education. My granddaughter is nearly 7 and has autism. She is non-verbal. Does anyone have any information about special education schools in the Knoxville area. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Judyra,
I too send my condolences for the loss of your daughter and commend you on your dedication to raising your granddaughter.
I would suggest that you give a call to the nurse line at the children's hospital in Knoxville. Ask where the Autistic children they treat (they have some great neurological specialist there) go to school who are getting the best special services and education. That would at least be a starting point. Good luck to you and your granddaughter. If you have other questions about TN ask here, there are a lot of good people with great info about their cities/towns.

[gemkeeper]

Originally Posted by Judyra

Hello, this is my first time ever on this forum or any other, so I apologize if I'm incorrect. Not sure if I should be replying or starting fresh. I am thinking seriously of moving to Knoxville. Tired of central Florida. My daughter passed away in April and I need a change. Anyway, I am raising my granddaughter now and need to find out about the education also; however, I need information about special education. My granddaughter is nearly 7 and has autism. She is non-verbal. Does anyone have any information about special education schools in the Knoxville area. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Judyra, I will not be much help to you on the educational recommendations as I am not a resident, but so many others can help. I just want to send out my condolences and prayers to you in the loss of your daughter.

May you have lots of happy years with your granddaughter and best of everything in your fresh start.

(Your post is just fine. Lots of folks will see it and respond right where it is.)