Hello MN's! I have some questions about Detriot Lakes and Pelican Rapids.... (Moorhead: rental, home)

[~Blue Sky~]

My dh is looking at rental property in these towns (as I speak) and I was hoping some of you may have some inside info for me.
Pelican Rapids...
I was reading the city data and it states that there's a good mix of people there. My only concern is the schools. My dc have been home educated and been just thriving. They took the CAT tests and were grade levels above.
So, my question is...Are the schools so full of foreign speaking children that the English speaking children will suffer? This is NOT about race, we love all people regardless of where they are from and what language they speak. I just don't want my dc to be held back when they are doing so well in their education.

So, if anyone has experience with the public school system in MN on this regard, I would love to hear how the state of MN handles this.

Detroit Lakes...
Is there a town close enough to do some decent shopping? Target etc. How about a grocery store? The data says it's approximately 58 miles to Fargo...is that a 50 MPH hwy to the town?
What do you think my chances are of finding a great piano instructor?

[golfgal]

There is a Target in Fergus Falls. I am sure there is a grocery store in Detroit Lakes--kind of surprised there isn't a Target there actually.

You won't find a lot of non-English speaking students in the classes there-rural MN is very white and Scandinavian.

The map I saw shows Fargo 45 miles from DL-Highway 10 is at least 60 MPH up in that area.

DL is a busy place in the summer. It is a resort/cabin area so there is a lot to do there. Pelican, not so much.

Public schools in MN are generally miles ahead of most parts of the country. I am not sure what the CAT test is or where you are coming from but testing above grade level is considered normal here-testing AT grade level pretty much means you are behind and need help.

[~Blue Sky~]

Thanks Golfgal....

The data on Pelican Rapids Public Education was somewhat confusing to me. It seems as though they test the Hispanic children at different levels?

Anyhow, I like what I've read so far about the public schools in general for MN.

The Pelican home for rent was a dump. The Detroit Lakes home was beautiful, and has a lot more to offer. It has a great community center with an incredible pool and fitness facility. Now I'm getting excited!

[moving123456]

Go with Detroit Lakes. Pelican Rapids has been goign downhill in recent years. I won't try to explain why on here. I will mention that it has a Turkey processing plant.

[judlee]

I agree about Detroit Lakes over Pelican Rapids. I lived in Detroit Lakes for years--graduated from high school there way back in ancient history. We go there often as our son and his family now live there as well as many other relatives.

While Fargo is the major destination for those who feel a need to shop somewhere other than in DL, the Detroit Lakes shopping scene has been improving rapidly. They have a K-Mart, a Wal-Mart, a huge new Menards and many other new businesses. The downtown area remains pretty much as it was when I was a kid--kind of quaint and touristy--but that is not all bad.

As for the school system; they have it all over the surrounding towns. Very education focused. You will love living there with all the lakes, summer events, etc. It's a beautiful area with much to offer.

Oh--there are several large grocery markets and I have no doubt you will have a choice of piano teachers.

[dutchinnd]

Another vote for DL over Pelican--additional shopping, better reputation of school district (and Pelican Rapids has had issues in the past outside of New Americans), easier drive into Fargo-Moorhead. I'd be really surprised if you couldn't find piano teachers--a number of individuals through the years have commuted into Fargo to participate in various vocal groups, so I'm pretty sure DL has a number of proficient musicians.

[slamont61]

DL is pretty good an area. I run over to DL for Menards. Grocery Stores are good too. Also the drive to FARGO is Highway 10 and is mostly 60mph... Unless it's blizzarding out.

[looking for warmth]

I hope to move to DL some day!
My dad has a cabin about 30 miles from DL and we love going into down town on our visits...

The stores are so cute and it really feels like a good Ol' home town there, they have this great little coffee shop inside the mall that we love to go to and get hot chocolate in the winter and get a DQ's in the summers.....4th of July, theres nothing greater then a fire works display over a lake.....it is AWESOME ...hhahah...And everyone is so nice and friendly there too!

I would pick DL for sure!!! Good Luck!

[JenLee]

DL has a wonderful grocery store right in the city center that I used to stop at on my way to my hometown (another 100 miles north of there). Wonderful fresh fruit that was on par with the higher class grocery stores here in the Cities. Sadly, I don't go back home much since my family is pretty much gone now.

[~Blue Sky~]

Thanks everyone for your input.
We have made a decision and feel good about it.
Cheers!
~Blue Sky~