Moving to Oregon... (Medford, Corvallis, Grants Pass: relocate, budget, salary)

[UK*Tracy]

Hello everyone

I've just come across this site and it looks great, very helpful information.
I guess I should introduce myself.
I am Tracy, married to Dave (who's American) and we have 3 children. We are living in the UK at the moment but we're moving to Oregon later this year (If me Visa comes through!!!).

Anyway, we're hoping to move to the Meford area, as my husband has family there. But I wonder if anyone can help with Good schools?
Our eldest is very bright and need a good academic school to keep him going in the right direction. My husbands family have mostly home schooled but I really want our children to go to school. Any tips would be great. Thanks

[LarryMorris]

UK*Tracy, Welcome and good luck with your Visa. I grew up in Southern Oregon and you should find it agreeable.

[UK*Tracy]

Hi LarryMorris, thanks for taking the time to answer.
Do you know much about the schools in the area? WHat they're like and which are the best.

[Alexious]

Originally Posted by UK*Tracy

Hi LarryMorris, thanks for taking the time to answer.
Do you know much about the schools in the area? WHat they're like and which are the best.

Ashland, just south of Medford, generally has a reputation for some of the best schools in the state. Of course, the cost of living there is very high.

As far as Medford itself goes, you might try Central Point:
"I don't live in Medford but I have family there and have been researching the area for awhile as a possible place to relocate to. The best schools (in my opinion) are in Central Point, which is just a few miles from Medford. Central point is a great community for families. Two of my cousins live there and they are extremely happy with the overall quality of life. They said that parents really get involved with the schools and the community in general."
- quoted from this thread: Moving to Medford

[UK*Tracy]

Thank you. I've just read the thread and it's all very helpful. I really appricate your help. thanks

[freedom]

25 miles north is Grants Pass. District 7 schools have advanced curriculums for qualified students. There is a lot of parental participation. Great sports programs, theatre, and music programs.

Medford can be a little congested and somewhat socially challenged, depending on the neighborhood, but I guess that goes with most places.

Best wishes, on your move.
Love England, lived there for a summer in the 80's. Great people.

freedom

[UK*Tracy]

Thanks Freedom.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by UK*Tracy

Anyway, we're hoping to move to the Meford area, as my husband has family there. But I wonder if anyone can help with Good schools?
Our eldest is very bright and need a good academic school to keep him going in the right direction. My husbands family have mostly home schooled but I really want our children to go to school. Any tips would be great. Thanks

Public schools in Oregon are in sad shape, and higher education has become a joke. Oregon has perhaps the worst public school system in the USA. Not too long ago, Oregon schools became the laughing stock of the nation and were lampooned in the Doonsebury comic strip for shortening their school year below national standards because of lack of funding. Teachers often pay for instructional materials out of their own salary, because there is nothing in the budget. It is normal for college students to take an extra year or two to graduate because required classes for their degree are not available.

You would do best to continue home schooling, and plan to send your children out of state for higher education. Alternatively, you might move across the border to California. Medford is very close to the border, so you could commute to visit family, while taking advantage of a better school system.

[UK*Tracy]

You've got me worried now Larry.
I don't want to home school. I want my kids in good schools!!
California is more expensive for housing, we did look into moving there for a while, as my husband has family in Ca too.

Thanks for your comments, Larry.

Has Larry hit the nail on the head about schools in Oregon?
Should I be worried? My children are doing SO well at school here.
Should I at least consider Home schooling?

[tiffela74]

depends on where you go, how involved you will be, and your childs teacher. We have experienced some terrific schools, with outstanding programs, and then also the other end of the spectrum. I have two in the public schools, and both are in gifted programs for their various talents. We are happy with how well they are doing, that they are being challenged, and some of the different things they are offered. Like my daughter, she is gifted in reading and science. For the science program, the marine biology department has a unit right there at the school and they incorporate the kids in many different things they do. All kids get this program here, then the ones in TAG get even more. They have a great SMART program here too w/many people from the community coming in to read w/the kids. My son is part of an after school program where they do extra elective classes (hes in 2nd grade) that vary from music programs, art, gardening, sign language, science, math, etc. They also go to the Boys and Girls club, where one is huge into the computer labs there, and the other in the advanced art.
We did have a problem one year w/a teacher who didnt challenge my son, who seemed burnt out on teaching, and we were quite unhappy. So, we got very very involved, did a lot extra w/our son at home, and got him transfered to a better teacher.
Corvallis has an outstanding school system. People from out of state move their kids there for even the grade schools, and ive heard of many people trying to get into OSUs teaching program from other out of state universities.
Id highly suggest going to various schools where you are looking at moving to, and observing some class time. Also, go as school is getting out and talk to some of the parents that are picking their kids up. Ask their opinion. The more involved you are in your childs education, the better it will be.
Best of luck to you!!!
Tiffany