Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill? Please help! (Atlanta, Wilmington Island: crime, job transfer, safe area)

[turtleonarock]

My DH has been offered a job transfer to the Savannah area. The office is in Pooler and we are wondering what area would be the best one to live in. We have 2 kids, one in K and the other in 8th this fall and need good schools and a safe area to live. Any suggestions would be really helpful!

[cpowers21]

In Pooler, the elementary school is pretty good. My children go there, I have not had any issues, and they are learning. I heard the middle school is good here but the high school isn't as good. From other posters on this board, it sounds as though the Richmond Hill school district has had poor planning and they aren't as good as they used to be. Savannah schools are not the greatest. The best are probably on the southside. I've heard the Isle of Hope and the Islands are a better place for schools. The only drawbacks to the islands are flooding and hurricane issues. Downtown Savannah has a crime issue. Pooler is growing by leaps and bounds. But right now, there isn't much to do out this way. There is the five star family fun park, but not alot of variety in the shopping area. Savannah is the best place for shopping. Richmond Hill is slightly more expensive than either Savannah or Pooler.

[turtleonarock]

Thanks for responding! How long does it take to drive from Pooler to Isle of Hope and the other island areas? DH will work in Pooler, but we'd really like to be closer to the water and don't mind some commuting time.

[cpowers21]

Hmmm....that's the variable part. It can take you 25 minutes to Thunderbolt, 35 minutes to the Isle of Hope or Wilmington Island, 45 minutes to Tybee Island or Skidaway (or more depending on traffic, accidents, and such). I forgot you'd be working in Pooler...LOL. Used to people working in Savannah and asking about Pooler.

[bgnzsavnh]

Middle schools in Savannah:

oglethorpecharter
http://oglethorpecharter.org/

DeRenne: Honors Program
Courses designed to engage and challenge students to their full potential
Enrichment classes offered in academics, the arts, and technology
Courses offered in French, Spanish, Advanced Math, & Advanced Science
Core Knowledge Curriculum (6-8)
Eligibility Requirements
2.5 or better in all core subjects on a 3.0 scale or 80% academic average
7th stanine in Reading or Math
"S" or "E" in conduct
Teacher recommendation
Standardized test scores required: contact school for details
Strong commitment to academic excellence and program theme
Please contact Ze Santa-Rita for complete details
Mercer: Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program
Emphasis on writing, mathematics, and Spanish
Teachers certified in Gifted and Advanced Learning
Differentiated Instruction designed to set and foster high academic standards
Enrichment Academies: Math/Science/Technology; Performing and Fine Arts; Athletics; and History
Advanced Learning strands: can be obtained in some subjects
Specialized after-school programs
Eligibility Requirements
Strong commitment to academic excellence and program theme
Adheres to Code of Conduct and school rules
Parent Contract
Please contact Linda Rocheleau for complete details.



http://www.thecreativecoast.org/news/view/341

The Sol C. Johnson High School robotics team participated and won the Peachtree Regional Vex Competition in Atlanta this past weekend. The Atomsmashers won every match in which they competed.
The Atomsmashers will compete in the World Championships in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome on April 12-14, 2007.

Savannah Arts Academy is one of only 2 blue ribbon high schools in the state http://savannahnow.com/node/171619

Mercer Middle School has recently been re-certified as a Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch, a distinction currently held by only eleven middle schools throughout the state.
http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Communications+and+Media+Relations/Media+Releases/February+2007/Mercer+Middle+School+RE-Certified+as+Georgia+Lighthouse+School+to+Watch.ht m (broken link)

http://old.savannahnow.com/stories/071904/2310877.shtml
The school's innovative approach brings it an award from the U.S. Department of Education, but some of the nation's other charters are failing

http://old.savannahnow.com/CURRENT/O...OLSindex.shtml
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's SAT math and reading average is up six points but only because of tremendous gains made at Windsor Forest, Savannah Arts and Jenkins high schools.

Georgia Tech is once again excited about the chance to host the next local LEGO League competition at its Savannah campus.
http://savannahnow.com/node/206069

SCCPSS Teachers Inducted Into National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers
http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Communications+and+Media+Relations/Media+Releases/February+2007/SCCPSS+Teachers+Inducted+into+NHRs+Outstanding+Ame rican+Teachers.htm (broken link)

Marshpoint and Savannah Arts Academy have been named Schools of Excellence by State Superintendent Kathy Cox for student achievement and improvement. They are 2 of 25 schools in the state to receive this honor.

http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.u...ts+Academy.htm


This certification makes Johnson High School the only school in the region to have a certified engineering and technology education program.
http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Communications+and+Media+Relations/Media+Releases/February+2007/Johnson+High+School+Earns+Engineering+and+Technolo gy+Program+Certification.htm (broken link)

[Stonington]

I would give Richmond Hill the nod, not far away from Savannah (just a few miles via I-95 or 17) and not too big of a city, be nice for kids.

[turtleonarock]

Is there any point in trying to find something closer to the water or will the traffic be ridiculous to and from DH's job? His job will actually be of the west side of Savannah going toward Pooler, but not actually quite in pooler. It says 18 miles from Isle of Hope to Pooler on the map, but if it anything like Atlanta traffic, 18 miles can take a long, long time! Thanks for all your help!

[ellie]

There's no direct way from Pooler to Isle of Hope. Lots of stop and go traffic. Parts of Georgetown on the southside of Savannah are near the water and it's an easier commute to Pooler. Maybe look there?

[cpowers21]

I agree with Ellie. I think it would be a best location to Pooler and the water.

[turtleonarock]

Thank you! I will check those areas out. It does seem to make a lot of sense when looking at the map of those areas.