Want to move from Renton to Issaquah schools- do it now or wait?

[seamama]

texastrigirl- I feel the same way, that being in an environment where more kids are doing well is going to help improve the chances of success. Not that it's the only factor (certainly parent involvement at home plays a huge role as well) but it's something...

Heiwos- I would consider this but my hubby never wants to move again (after this time and in fact, he really doesn't even want to move this time). I agree that the Lake Kathleen area is quite nice and appreciate your thoughts on older homes as this is one of the issues we've been struggling with. We're in a new home now and there's a lot to be said for it but I'm also drawn to the idea of a larger home in a nicer school district even if that means it's older and will need a remodel. At least w/ a remodel, we can do it over time, thereby saving us from a huge cost upfront right now...

Thanks, folks!

[newcastle12]

Sea-

Well obviously moving into a district that has high standards will make people a bit more snobby, but I was just saying to look for a neighborhood where that is not the case. It really depends on where you live. I grew up in Issaquah and loved it, though I saw the change in wealth as I grew up. The district has always had its problems with naming off schools which are "backburner" schools. There is a couple, I'd say, in each region of the school district. For the Liberty attendance area, Newcastle obviously is one of the wealthiest areas in the district. So there are some issues there, as well as in the Issaquah area. If I were you, Id look into Sunset Valley Farms or the may valley area and four creeks neighborhoods. That’s a nice area and the families have solid foundations. Also, your kids would go to maple hills (very community oriented school, with pretty new facilities) or you could pick a school that is brand new or will be brand new (Newcastle, briarwood). Now I’m not saying everyone in the school district is snobby, but kids I’ve noticed that have switched from Hazen or Renton definitely noticed that change...and how both students and parents act.

[Heiwos]

Originally Posted by seamama

Heiwos- I would consider this but my hubby never wants to move again (after this time and in fact, he really doesn't even want to move this time).

I felt the same way before I moved about a year ago. I did everything I could to move only once, but it didn't work out. My house sold, I had no other place bought, or even rented until the last moment, and I had to move twice in short order. It sucked, although luckily it did save a ton of money.

[mchllshdd9]

Hi Seamama; so glad I'm not the only one with this dilemna! We just moved from NM and bought our home in the neighborhood Liberty Ridge. Our oldest also starts kindergarten at Bryn Mawr next year.

To be honest, I was worried about the WASL scores, but have decided to try the school out (yeah, I said that with out mentioning how much $ we'd lose now if we tried to sell ;-)). Anyway, the bottom line for us is that we are very involved parents who do everything in our power to make sure our girls suceed. So if there are problems at the school, we're willing to step up to the plate to change things. As a side note, I also started thinking, "How much of edge will our daughters really get by going to a 'better' elementary?" As long as we're reading, writing, etc. at home, they'll be great!

And with parents like you and I banding together, how can we go wrong? :-)

[seamama]

mchllshdd9: Thanks for your post... So I actually did go and visit the school and I really can't come up w/ anything horrible to say about it. I was very impressed w/ the principal, who met me personally and took me on a tour. I totally agree (and research bears this out) that parent involvement is HUGE and of course, we plan to be involved. I do still worry that the environment itself (lots of kids needing lots of attention/help) will bring down the overall expectations in the classroom. Of course a really great teacher can and does manage varying levels of student ability but why go somewhere where you have to hope the teacher can and will do that for your kid? This is my dilemma. That being said, now that I've visited the school, I'm a lot less concerned about things and feel that at least for Kindergarten, I'm not going to freak out. We are still trying to figure out if it's even feasible for us to move now, though. I'd just really like to be start the kids in the place where we ultimately plan for them to be (i.e., by middle school and HS). Now I might change my mind after visiting (as I did w/ Bryn Mawr) but I'm not too keen on Dimmit or Renton High (all based on rumor and test scores, I admit) so for sure by then we'd want to be moved to Issaquah schools...

Anyway, I just sent you a message through this system here, not really sure how that works but hopefully you can pick it up...

[mchllshdd9]

I hear you (and replied to your regular email). We have discussed the five-year plan about being out before middle school. ;-)