Richmond Area with Top School - not the city however (Mechanicsville: spring break, how much)

[Howe2]

Thanks you for correcting that! I forgot that these neighborhoods were recently zoned for the new Cosby HS due to Clover Hill HS closing in the next year or so.

[wanderlost]

My son is in an elementary school in Glen Allen and I personally don't like the school...for several reasons. When we left NY, my son was writing full page papers in 3rd grade....last year in 4th grade, if he had 5 writing assignments throughout the year it was alot. There is virtually no focus on writing. He is now in 5th grade and has yet to bring home a writing assignment.
There is a huge focus on learning the history of Virginia....do the other 49 states not matter? This is the second year now that they have focused solely on Virginia for their social studies work.
Besides academics some other complaints...the school day is from 7:40 am to 2 pm. No before or after school program offered by the school. So, while I never had to worry about after-school care in NY....now I do....and the private daycares here in the Short Pump area charge a FORTUNE!
And...while this may seem silly....the school has what I call a 'no fun' policy. No holiday parties, no birthday parties, no cupcakes, no sweets. Why take all the fun out of school? Is having a cupcake on someone's birthday really so bad? Meanwhile, at the teachers' annual luncheon, all the parents are asked to send in sweets for the teachers.

I guess this is more of a rant than advice....but these things, to me, affect my satisfaction with the school.

[pondjc]

I grew up in Chesterfield County and attended Thomas Dale High School. I currently have a degree in Chemical Engineering so I can attest that the education is very good. The best school in chesterfield is probably Clover Hill due to the math/science center. I have SEVERAL friends that attended that high school and are currently in medical school. There are MANY MANY nice neighborhoods throughout c-field. Take your pick!

[outofCT]

Originally Posted by pondjc

I grew up in Chesterfield County and attended Thomas Dale High School. I currently have a degree in Chemical Engineering so I can attest that the education is very good. The best school in chesterfield is probably Clover Hill due to the math/science center. I have SEVERAL friends that attended that high school and are currently in medical school. There are MANY MANY nice neighborhoods throughout c-field. Take your pick!

Thanks, that was my major for 2 years than I switched to accounting when I took a business class and fell in love with it. I know how tough that major is so your school must be good and you're bright.

[1yearhere]

Think twice about Clover Hill High School.
There are huge drug/gun problems in that school.
Check into how many of their kids died of a drug overdose.
THAT is the best kept secret!

[outofCT]

Thanks about the drugs. We only abuse steroids and herion up here. If you read Sports Ill. several years ago Madison made it being 15 students got busted for possession of roids. All the lacrosse players being even the bench makes full scholarships. Yet the town is one of top in CT. Heroin is only $40 a gm here

[niklex]

If you would like a small town feel and to avoid the big box commercialism, then you should seriously consider Hanover County. I live in Mechanicsville and we have precisely that kind of feel. Granted, there are SOME big box stores, and an AFF gym, but the development here is nowhere near some other areas around Richmond. Mechanicsville has a downtown area that is chock full of hometown businesses that have been going for 50+ years. There is even a pharmacy where they make great BBQ! Try to follow this link to read an excellent article about it: Mechanicsville - Stepping Out - inRich.com

Everything else - schools, safety, convenience to downtown are on the mark. I will note a caveat however - if you are looking for the absolute BEST Hanover public schools, such as the Atlee or Hanover High School district, then it will take you farther away from the downtown area I mentioned.

Good luck in your research.

[winchis23]

i just have to disagree a little with mondayem about the only nice places to live in richmond. i have lived in the city for the last 8 years and i there are MANY lovely areas of the city. i currently reside in richmond's northside, near the Bellevue and Ginter Park areas, which is beautiful, neighborly and extremely family-friendly. in my opinion you can find some of the most beautiful homes here. there are old, restored homes that have architecture that you cant find in new homes. my home was built in 1933 and has tons of charm and warmth. for your price range, you can definitely find the size house and yard you are looking for. i look forward to raising a family here.
also, as far as richmond city schools go, there are 3 elementary schools in the city that are quite popular and very well rated. the top school is fox (fan district) which is actually one of the top schools in all of the richmond and surrounding areas...also mary munford (near west end) and holton (northside). there are also programs in the city that are by application and are quite exemplary such as the governor's schools and the international baccalaureate program at Brown Middle. another interesting option is the alternative Open High. for henrico high schools, please look into the immersion programs located at several schools all over the district. my sister attended the foreign language immersion school at tucker high and is now fluent in french. there are options upon options all over richmond and the surrounding areas. just stay open-minded and curious and you will find the perfect place. good luck and welcome!

[mrstewart]

A bit opinionated about Windsor Farms? This is a great neighborhood with great neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. Definitely worth giving a try. I have also lived in Richmond all of my life.

[Hammerhead Fred]

Originally Posted by 1yearhere

Think twice about Clover Hill High School.
There are huge drug/gun problems in that school.
Check into how many of their kids died of a drug overdose.
THAT is the best kept secret!

Why don't you give us "the scoop"?
Just how many Clover Hill HS students have died from a drug overdose over what time period and what are your sources?
If you check the VA dept of education web site statistics for Clover Hill you'll find only 10 drug use incidents over the past 5 school years. Clover Hill is without a doubt one of the best schools in Chesterfield (not that any of them are bad).