NE to SE - advice on private and parochial schools in Raleigh, Cary, CH, etc (Durham: chapel)

[itchintochange]

We are considering moving to the area at the end of the school year. We live in an area with some of the best public schools in the country - but we have been told by my husband's work that he is probably moving to that general area in May - just up to us where exactly....so we have to apply to private/parochial schools NOW in case we are moved. We have gotten information for Ravenscroft, St. David's and St. Timothy's. Is there anyone who has particular opinions about these schools. We have one child who is incredibly talented artistically and very bright, another one who is in the gifted programs here and is taking 8th grade math in 6th grade, 7th grade English, etc. and another one who is advanced in reading, writing and spelling but is average in math so cannot be in a gifted program. We feel that the public schools, with the no child left behind program, do not necessarily reach each of our children where they want/need to be reached and we want schools that offer art, music, pe, etc on a more regular basis. Most of all we want schools that are excellent academically, but also nurturing and have fabulous student/parent environments - e.g. great communities within the school, supportive teachers/staff, creative teachers who may be able to challenge the ones who are gifted in their areas and work with the others to help them where they need it, etc. Are there other schools to consider besides the ones I have mentioned? We have considered Montessori but feel that we want the kids together and we feel the independence allotted in a Montessori environment only works really well for one of them as the others need to be encouraged to challenge themselves more.

Also, can you live in CH and commute to Raleigh for private school? Do people do it? One of our children might be very happy in public school in Chapel Hill....

Any and all advice would be most appreciated.

[leighbhe]

Although I do not have experience with the private schools you have mentioned, I have friends with kids at Cary Academy, and they love love love it. I went to private school in durham, and I was happy with it, but ended up going to public high school in chapel hill.

Carolina Parent magazine (carolinaparent.com) has a great directory for the private schools in the area, along with their websites, which may help you decide on different schools in the area.

I believe raleigh, durham and chapel hill have some fantastic private schools. that being said, I have my kids in public school here and fully support no child left behind. I have been quite impressed with the education my kids are receiving, but hey, not everyone is me.

Leigh

[WeLuvNC]

What ages are your kids?

If you search on private schools, you will see some entries on them.

Durham Academy, Cary Academy, Cardinal Gibbons are other names that come to mind as you go about your research.

[no kudzu]

The schools in Chapel Hill are supposed to be the best in the state. That is why our property taxes are sooooo high. It would be a shame to pay those taxes by living in Chapel Hill and not take advantage of the excellent schools.

I have a friend who has a child in private school in Raleigh and the commute from Chapel Hill is killing her. This child has learning disabilities and the school in Raleigh is helping her alot. They would move to Raleigh except their other 3 children are in Chapel Hill public schools. This poor woman is exhausted with the commute. The public schools in Wake County are in such a mess I would avoid that.