Anyone interested in my 2 years of work and research in finding the right school for my family? (Cary: to rent, crime)

[north_raleigh_spa_mom]

It would be a long post, so I want to see if there's interested first. I would not promote any specific school because no school is right for every family. My closest friends, parents I respect, all have their kids in different schools and they are all very happy. They found what works for their family.

I learned a lot about what to look for, questions to ask and not to ask. What to look for on school websites, what to look for on school visits..... a lot of stuff -literally 2 years of this.
One thing I really want everyone to know is that scholarships are available at private schools. Generally the higher the tuition the more financial aid opportunities there are. This was a surprise to me and I think to a lot of people. Parents, teachers and other students have NO IDEA which kids are receiving financial aid., so no worries about your kid being singled out as the kid on financial aid.

See how long this is allready and I just started!
I've learned a lot from the kindness and sharing of people on this board. Maybe I'll have my chance to help others.....

[NH2NCMom]

I'm interested if you'd please

[ceili723]

Are you thinking of posting this info on the site?

A lot of us are here to make sure we consider all the angles when making lifestyle decisions. I think some general info would be VERY well received. Then people can respond or PM you with specific questions.

For example, that private school info was perfect. I've so far been impressed by the Wake County schools, both from personal experience with my child and from talking to families who have seen their graduates go on to great success, good colleges, etc. But it's fantastic to have all options at your fingertips when making such big decisions. For example, I do live in the part of Cary where redistricting is a big issue. OK, fine... so let's figure into our plan whether or not we want the base school, the year-round school (and if so, which track?), a magnet school (which one out of 15 or so?), a charter school, a private school (religious or non-religious?), homeschool (lots of community resources for that in this area!), or put the decision off another year or so (unless things have changed in the past year, NC law doesn't require that your kid enroll in school til the age of 7.)

And once all that research is done, and the finances are in order, there's still that huge leap of faith that things will work out!

Back to basics, I have not seen the private school financing issue addressed until you, so I'm sure you'd find avid readers for any type of inside scoop on that.

[PDXmom]

nr spamom,
thats a great idea. I'm wondering if your kids are in school now? And if so have your impressions changed at all from your research?

I only ask because there were places/schools I ruled out for various reasons and now that I've been here and met others who have kids at these particular schools and in some cases now toured those schools, I feel that those places would have been great for my kids too. And of course, in other cases, I feel like my research impression for my family was 100% correct.

I think your info would be valuable to many relocators!

[piratelife]

In two words...hell yes. Hope that doesnt offend anyone. I have been researching in preparation for our move in late June. I have come to the conclusion that we are going to rent for a year and check out the area on foot. Just in reading this board you will find a wide variety of opinions. From traffic to crime everyone differs in their thoughts. Take the traffic for example, some say it is horrible but I currently live in Chicago where commuting is a sport that one has to train for. You might laugh but a well conditioned bladder is a must. While my perspective is based on a unique situation that not everyone experiences, the norm for traffic is different for everyone.

I was speaking with a friends and they asked what we were looking for and I jokingly said the same thing everyone else is trying to find. We want the best schools, nicest houses for our money, good shopping, easy commute, a great neighborhood without someone on top of you. Since this post is now a novel, I will close with saying that you research would be greatly appreciated.

[squeezed out]

That's my biggest concern -- schools! Would love to hear what you have to say.

[NCBoyMommy]

I'd love to hear as well! We just finished our own research on Private schools and have a child starting in the Fall so I'm anxious to hear how what we found compares to what you have found.

[jln69]

Yes, assistance is available. I know people who receive assistance to Ravenscroft and Cary Academy. It is out there.

[Family 5]

Is this research based on just private or public as well? Yes! I'm very interested! Bring it on!

[ReniHope]

I'm Waiting to hear!!!!! Have a ADHD child that needs a private school and I can't afford one!!! Loved the scholarship info...