Richmond Area Schools (Chester, Highland Springs: house, luxury, best school) - Virginia (VA) - City-Data Forum

pphh · 03-05-2013, 05:24 PM

My husband had an interview with a company in Richmond and we are doing research to see if the move would be the right thing for us. Most important to us are the schools and location. We currently live in a semi-rural Connecticut town of approximately 10,000 people with one of the best school systems in the state (Blue Ribbon School, CT Middle School of the Year, CT Vanguard School and grades of 9 and 10 on GreatSchools.) We are looking for a similar location and schools. We have been doing research and looking mostly in the Chesterfield and Goochland school systems but willing to look at others. We also would like the area to have decent sporting opportunities for kids. The reports for the schools are a little convoluted as far as demographics are concerned. Also, is there any place to find SAT scores for the high schools? Any suggestions?

hgnmx · 03-05-2013, 09:20 PM

Why not henrico?

Henrico County Public Schools :: Research & Planning

ellieb128 · 03-05-2013, 11:37 PM

There are a lot of really strong schools around Richmond. You have a ton of choices. You really do have the luxury of finding an area you like, a house, a good commute, price point etc and find a school to fit it. There is no "this is THE school" thing here. Although I did find Goochland an interesting choice before Henrico or Hanover? But if you are looking for land?

If you have more info regarding what you are looking for in a house/price etc I think we could help more. We have plenty of "Blue Ribbon" schools etc. What sports are important?

hesitantnova · 03-06-2013, 05:40 AM

Hi there -- In which part of the Richmond area is the job and how important is your husband's commute? Are your kids already high-school age, or are you looking at SAT scores just for a sense?

pphh · 03-06-2013, 03:48 PM

The job would be based out of SW Richmond. He would probably tolerate a 20-30 minute commute. My kids are currently in Kindergarten and 3rd Grade so I am just looking into SAT scores to compare to our current school system. They are both into soccer and swimming, but as anyone with kids knows, that could change in minute. We would definitely prefer a house with land that is why I mentioned Goochland since I heard that the Henrico area is low on safety and has a lot of big box stores. Are there any smaller high schools? The school system we are in now graduates between 160-220 kids a year. We would be looking at an approximately a 2000+ sf house with preferably 1+ ac with a budget of about $250,000-300,000. I can't seem to find much info on the Powhatan School System, does anyone have anything on that, good or bad.

barakasauras · 03-25-2013, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pphh

The job would be based out of SW Richmond. He would probably tolerate a 20-30 minute commute. My kids are currently in Kindergarten and 3rd Grade so I am just looking into SAT scores to compare to our current school system. They are both into soccer and swimming, but as anyone with kids knows, that could change in minute. We would definitely prefer a house with land that is why I mentioned Goochland since I heard that the Henrico area is low on safety and has a lot of big box stores. Are there any smaller high schools? The school system we are in now graduates between 160-220 kids a year. We would be looking at an approximately a 2000+ sf house with preferably 1+ ac with a budget of about $250,000-300,000. I can't seem to find much info on the Powhatan School System, does anyone have anything on that, good or bad.

First of all, I'd like to address the misconception of Henrico's safety. The county is really split into the West End schools, the East End, and Hermitage High beingsomewhat in the middle. The West End area is by far safer than the East End and offers a much better academic setting. Deep Run, Godwin, Freeman, and Tucker High Schools all blow Highland Springs, Henrico, and Varina High Schools out of the water in my opinion.

In regards to your housing desires, the Midloathian and Chesterfield area sound like the area you want to go with. Goochland might not be big on bix box stores, but you have to drive to the areas that are filled with them in order to get your shopping done. That being said, I think Southside is the best choice for you. Though, bix box stores are scattered all throughout Richmond, there's no real avoiding that. Walmarts and Targets are scattered through the area.