Moving to Roanoke, VA (Chesapeake, Lynchburg: flat fee, transplants, rental)

[happygal0000]

Dear SeanPecor,

I had no idea North Cross has an abundance of liberal parents. I would have guessed they were more conservative there.

It seems I hit a nerve when I said what I did about North Cross. Please know that I am, in no way, comparing the two schools and I never meant to imply that North Cross was anything negative or bad.

I believe the community's impression of North Cross (because of the sizeable tuition for the Roanoke area, the location in SW Co, the uniforms, and the upper-middle class student body, and the number of BMWs in the parking lot) is that it is more... exclusive? People think that Community School is more relaxed and casual (they don't have grades or grading, no uniforms, no tests per se, lots of hands-on learning, student-driven curriculum), the general perception is that, because Community School is an alternative school, it's more, um, approachable...? Accepting?

It's not better or worse; just different. Some parents wouldn't choose Community School because they need a school with a more exclusive student body; something with a more impressive profile than Community School. They have a kick-ass music program there and science is a higher priority than at Community School. If that's important to you, then check out North Cross.

For 35 years, Community School taught out of an old mansion and several trailers. It's only in the past couple of years that they have a fancy new building and classrooms that weren't r"e-purposed" bedrooms and kitchens. And, up until the building, they were happy with that! They were fortunate to have a new student, whose father is part of Structures Design Build, Inc, who really spearheaded their new building and new campus...It's beautiful, but it hasn't lost its tie-dyed atmosphere. If you have a child that wants to (or has already) set their own course, you should check out Community School.

Both schools offer wonderful curriculum; their teaching styles differ, but I guess it boils down to whether you want to be a part of the country club set (North Cross) or Strawberry Festival in Elmwood Park (Community School). Both have their positives; it just depends on what you and your child are looking for in a school experience.

[SouthernMomto3]

Originally Posted by happygal0000

Yes, our children did attend elementary school in SW Co. They went to Cave Spring Elementary and loved it. The PTA there is a well-oiled machine! Amazing parent support (both financial and physical; lots of volunteers) and the teachers are great.

I have friends who had/have children at Oak Grove Elementary and Back Creek Elementary (up Bent Mountain, but still in SW Co) and they say the same things. Green Valley doesn't have the same parental support, it has more working moms than Cave Spring and Oak Grove.

We now have one child at Hidden Valley HS and one at Cave Spring HS (even though we live in Hidden Valley district, she's a transfer student at Cave Spring; an easy and free process if you live in the county and want to attend another county school. Just remember that it's very difficult to transfer into Hidden Valley HS because it's the "new school" and everyone wants their children to go there. Also, as a transfer student, you have to provide your own transportation to and from school).

We also had one child attend Community School (for elementary and middle school), across the street from Hollins University on Williamson Road. It's an alternative school (but don't let that scare you) -- I would highly recommend it! They are so loving and nuturing there. They really want all their students to love to learn. Science and math aren't their strong subjects (but both are wonderfully taught with lots of hands-on learning). They are really a more Humanities-based emphasis that allows the student to fully participate in their education.

Also, Community isn't a high-profile, monied school like North Cross in SW Co. It was started by the staff at Hollins Univ. and there are lots of Birkenstocks at there! But it's a great place, especially for those students who are already academically motivated but need an environment that allows them to explore and think "outside the box" academically-wise. It isn't as full of "rules" as public schools are. Children can really learn and grow without a lot of pressure on them.

Hope this helps...let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks for the info..I've heard lots of good things about Oak Grove and well, basically all the county elementary schools. I was looking at a development in Bent Mtn. today. The Bent Mtn Elem school is very small. Do you know anything about it? If it's small and good that doesn't bother me. I think it feeds into CSMS and HS.

As for the high schools, I have a while till then...my oldest is in kindegarten but we hope to be in Roanoke till all the kids get thru school so I'd love if we could start them out in an elementary school and stay in the same system for the duration. Sounds like CSHS or HVHS would be fine. Any thoughts on what is different about the two besides the fact that HV is newer? As for private schools, if we go that route we would probably go with Faith Christian so I won't even get into the debate on community vs. NC, ha ha.

Good night for now. My wireless keyboard has a battery that is going out and I can't type without annoyances!

[happygal0000]

Originally Posted by SouthernMomto3

Thanks for the info..I've heard lots of good things about Oak Grove and well, basically all the county elementary schools. I was looking at a development in Bent Mtn. today. The Bent Mtn Elem school is very small. Do you know anything about it? If it's small and good that doesn't bother me. I think it feeds into CSMS and HS.

As for the high schools, I have a while till then...my oldest is in kindegarten but we hope to be in Roanoke till all the kids get thru school so I'd love if we could start them out in an elementary school and stay in the same system for the duration. Sounds like CSHS or HVHS would be fine. Any thoughts on what is different about the two besides the fact that HV is newer? As for private schools, if we go that route we would probably go with Faith Christian so I won't even get into the debate on community vs. NC, ha ha.

Good night for now. My wireless keyboard has a battery that is going out and I can't type without annoyances!

Hi there,

Back Creek Elementary feeds into Cave Spring Middle and Cave Spring HS. I don't know much about Bent Mtn Elementary except that it's small and waaaaay up the mountain.

But remember, if you are going to be up the mountain more than 3-5 miles (I'd say anything past Forest Edge subdivision), it's a schlep everywhere. Even for gas and groceries. While that may not seem like a problem now, in a few years, when your children get involved with extracurricular activities and friends (Cave Spring Middle encompasses Penn Forest and Hunting Hills), it can be a real burden...especially in the winter. And it's really far away from all the teenager things: Valley View Mall, Valley View movie theatre, even going to Tanglewood is about a 20-30 minute drive). My friends who live up Bent Mountain, call it, "driving to town." However, if you like rural areas, Bent Mountain is great! Quiet and peaceful with beautiful views. Oh! And cell phone reception is sketchy on Bent Mtn...anything past Cotton Hill Rd, good luck getting consistant service.

One other thing about Bent Mtn Elementary: it is a VERY small school. Which means a small "social pool." That's not a problem when they are little, but later, if they have a falling out with another child, it can seriously impact their social life (think: mean girls and other bullies).

I think, if I was going to choose between Bent Mtn Elem. and Back Creek Elem, I would choose Back Creek. You can still live up the mountain (and all that it has to offer) but you have more options and a larger PTA, etc.

As for high schools...I think Cave Spring HS and Hidden Valley HS are neck-in-neck. Cave Spring just had their long-time principal retire and the new principal seems like a really great guy! The facilities are a bit older at CSHS but that doesn't matter to me as much as the quality of education. HVHS has an incredibly active marching band (over 200 members!) and CSHS has a girls volleyball team that takes state every year (although, to give credit its due, CS lost to HV for the first time this year...so who knows??).

As I've said before, sports are really important at both high schools (for both boys and girls) so, if at all possible, get your children involved in something. Dance, Parks & Rec baseball/softball/basketball (it's much more fun and not as stressful for the "non-athletic" types), volleyball (although the girls volleyball standards at CSHS are incredibly high so don't have them try out unless they are really good), soccer, track, swim team (we have some year-round swim teams here). Remember: the people here socialize with the people they see regularly, so getting involved will significantly increase your child's social life.

I completely agree with not wanting to get into the whole private school thing. The SW Co schools are so good, you really don't need to consider private unless you have special needs or want a religious school. I have some friends who took their kids from North Cross and enrolled them at Cave Spring Elem and they said the education at Cave Spring was just as good.

So, what are you looking for? Do you want the peacefulness of a rural area? Or do you want the illusion of rural but still be down off the mountain? Do you need to have neighbors close by? Do you mind the drive "into town"? Do you need sidewalks? Do you want an active subdivision whose homeowners assn plans activities for the youth? Do you have any special needs/wants? Do you garden? Hike? Do you want to live in a Jr Executive neighborhood (do you know what I mean by that)? Do you want a house to impress or are you looking for a simpler lifestyle? Do you want an area where the kids can trick-or-treat safely?

All these things will determine where you should settle.

Hope this helps!
happygal

[seanpecor]

Ugh, I think the generalizations of both Community School and North Cross do a disservice. I think both are great schools and I agree that they are different. And Faith Christian is yet another great option (as is Roanoke Catholic, for those so inclined). Choice is a great thing. But that lots of expensive cars parked in the North Cross school parking lot would motivate an individual to assume a conservative country club crowd is not justifiable. Yes, the typical North Cross family has above average household income. But let's not forget that in the Roanoke Valley, many of the affluent are physicians and lawyers and most from these professions, last I checked, tend to be more progressive and liberal minded. That may or not be a selling point, depending on your own inclination For example, the Lemons are a well respected extended family who have given much time and man hours to many cultural and environmental initiatives (Western Virginia Land Trust, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, etc).

And as for the uniforms. Gone are the days of mandatory school uniforms through 12th grade. Lower school kids do have uniforms, but as they enter middle school, each year brings with it an increasing amount of freedom of self expression. Hang out at the upper school parking lot at North Cross and that will be abundantly clear. Whether or not a public school or a private school is better or worse than the other is really a personal decision based on each family's unique needs and desires. If the end-all-be-all of school performance is the average SAT score (not my personal opinion) and to hell with everything else.... well then, North Cross is pretty consistently #1 in the entire Roanoke Valley. Coming from Montessori schools in Blacksburg and Roanoke, that really wasn't our top priority.

The local public schools are - for the most part - just fine in the Valley. I'm of the opinion that even a school with "bad statistics" can produce a great student. All you need to be is a great parent.

Sean

[Hatcher]

Hey folks,

Just wanted to throw my two cents in. My wife and I lived outside of Washington DC for a few years after college. I was from that area and she was from Roanoke. We both did the big salary thing, sitting in traffic all morning and evening driving nice cars and eating at expensive places.

We would go to visit her parents at Smith Mountain Lake every couple of months and everytime we went we found it harder and harder to go back.. Then one day we didn't. I sold the townhouse in Fairfax county and put 50% down on a house at the lake (not on the water).. that was 3 times bigger then my townhouse.

I have ZERO regrets! We have now been here a bit over two years and love it. I love the downtown area of Roanoke. Good food, good people and safe. Good bars (we are in our 30's) and on the weekends during the summer the lake is a great place to play!

I now drive 45 minutes through the mountains and pastures to Roanoke for work everyday. I make AS MUCH as I did in NOVA and now the wife doesn't even have to work.

In my opinion moving to this area was the best thing I've ever done. NO REGRETS at all. As for you folks getting ready to retire, you can't lose. It's a great place to retire. As for you younger couples.. if you think you will like it you WILL like it! The wife and I love it.

Just my two cents..

Hatcher

[slave2six]

We are considering moving to Roakoke but the one question in my mind is regarding inter-racial marriage. I am white and my wife is black. We have five daughters (hence my "slave2six), four of whom will be moving with us.

What kind of a welcome could we expect?

[roanoker 4]

I think you'll be o.k. here. Don't move too far out of Roanoke, though.

[seanpecor]

Interracial marriages would be no problem in generally anywhere in the Roanoke metro area. We live in Franklin County, a semi-rural county just south of the city, where I'm guessing interracial marriages are nearly as common as they are in Roanoke. Franklin County is the home of Booker T. Washington national monument, Rocky Mount and Ferrum College where there is a rich history of black culture and mixing bloodlines.

Cheers,

Sean

[SouthernMomto3]

[quote=dscans;2037245.
Southernmomto3, I've seen you posting on the PA forum and my wife and I actually plan on moving to the LeHigh Valley area. What is your impression of it? Why are you leaving?[/quote]

dscans...First, I should say we came to the LV knowing it was only temporary so I haven't tried very hard to plant myself here. Also, I moved here with two preschoolers and was pregnant so I haven't explored the area as much as I would have liked to. I think it is overall a very good area. There are many choices as to what type of setting to live in...city, suburb or rural. Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton just kind of all run into each other. I saw your post on the LV forum and noticed your wife was a teacher. I'd definitely want to live close to where she'll teach. Traffic on 22 and 78 can be pretty bad at rush hour. I don't work so I try to avoid them except from 9 to 3. Traffic is all relative though. It is nice to be so close to Philly and NYC. You can catch the bus for about 40 roundtrip and spend the day in NYC. I live in the Western part of Allentown in Parkland school district. It's a nice safe area but really more of a suburb. There are other areas that have more of community/town square feel. Allentown's downtown is not a place most will frequent like they do Bethlehem's. I only go there for the Baum art school. I would check out the Coopersburg area between Bethlehem and Allentown or Emmaus. It just depends on what you want. There, as you know are many discussions about this on the LV forum. I also notice on there you asked about Catholic Churches. There are a lot in the LV area and several Catholic Schools. As to why we are leaving...my H is a medical doctor and will complete his training at LV Hospital. We had offers to stay here but prefer the Southern lifestyle. I am counting the days to get to Roanoke like you are counting the days to come here! We rent a condo here that will be available in JUNE 2008!!! Housing is a little higher than in Roanoke. There are similarities between the two since they are both valley areas...the wind, the allergies but you'll know you are definitely in the North by the winter weather and the milder summer. The pace is probably faster than Roanoke and the drivers a bit less kind. My southern accent and manners seem to stick out like a sore thumb here in that they are always noticed. People here are pretty friendly...more so than I thought having never lived up north. They can be much more gruff. I actually cried after my first trip to Wal-Mart just because I could so tell I was in a cultural climate that was different from what I was used to. I've adjusted and found that people here will chat with you but not as readily or easily initially. Feel free to ask any more questions!

[SouthernMomto3]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like Bent Mtn might be to far out. I think we will just have to start looking in a broad area at first and see what is the best fit. We kind of go back and forth on suburban vs rural and private vs public school. You misunderstood my comment on staying out of the private school thing. I meant the debate re:Community vs NC. I know if I go private it would be Faith Christian. See Southerners can say what they mean...Ha, Ha! I do truly appreciate your insight!