Anyone from Sevierville area? Help please! (Knoxville, Johnson City: best schools, law, club)

[momof2boys]

Hi there, my family and I are moving to East Tenn. this summer from Seattle, Wa area (I know, big move!). We just got back from driving cross country to see what TN was all about, and fell in love with E. Tenn. We checked out Maryville, which was nice, but didn't quite do it for us. We stayed in Pigeon Forge for a week, and I actually like the area. Housing is actually quite reasonable as well. My question is, I have 2 boys (will be in 5th and 8th grade) and schools are so important! I know Maryville has great schools, but how are the schools in Pigeon Forge/ Sevierville? ANY info would be great on the area or schools. I've heard traffic is a bear, hopefully some back roads are a possibility? Thanks so much, I'm just a worried mom wanting to make sure I'm doing the best for my kids!

[firepower]

Originally Posted by momof2boys

Hi there, my family and I are moving to East Tenn. this summer from Seattle, Wa area (I know, big move!). We just got back from driving cross country to see what TN was all about, and fell in love with E. Tenn. We checked out Maryville, which was nice, but didn't quite do it for us. We stayed in Pigeon Forge for a week, and I actually like the area. Housing is actually quite reasonable as well. My question is, I have 2 boys (will be in 5th and 8th grade) and schools are so important! I know Maryville has great schools, but how are the schools in Pigeon Forge/ Sevierville? ANY info would be great on the area or schools. I've heard traffic is a bear, hopefully some back roads are a possibility? Thanks so much, I'm just a worried mom wanting to make sure I'm doing the best for my kids!

Don't know much about the back roads,as we've only been there many times on vacation.We're from the Cookeville(TN)area. I do know that Sevier County schools are supposed to be absolutely top notch.
Welcome to Tennessee!


firepower

[momof2boys]

Thank you so much firepower, it's so scary making a big move like this with kids, we've actually never done this before, and any info helps. That makes me feel good about the schools, I actually spoke with someone when we were there, and both her kids go to the Pigeon Forge schools, and she said they were great. So thanks, the more info the better!

[momof2boys]

OK, anybody else out there from the area? There must be somebody from Sevierville/Pigeon Forge??

[lldcgray]

I know just what your going through, I moved to East Tn to raise my 2 children from Florida. Just from experience, my son and daughter now 23 and 20 tell me that the education level here is far inferior to other parts of the country. My son had a rude awakening when he was accepted into law school in new york city. He constantly tells me that his early education here some what lapsed in just basic things. Even though he attended one of the best schools in the area. Even so! They have both excelled in there education(he made Law Review) and are doing extremely well, (so it couldn't have been that bad). Also I would trade a safe environment, moral values, and truly friendly people any day for a few lapses in grammar! As far as Piegon Forge area schools you might want to ck out local realtor sites, they list schools and you can find there ranking in the state. By the way I am in the Tri-City area about 45 mins east in Johnson City. Good Luck!

[marykins]

We have recently moved to Maryville from MI and know that the Maryville city school system is top-notch, while some of the Blount county schools are not. Back roads can be a real problem around here because of the mountains - there may not be a 'straight path' to where you are headed. A suggestion: stay in Pigeon Forge during the tourist time ! you may think twice, maybe even three times, before you call it home. You will love the 4 seasons of TN and the beauty of the mountains - we certainly do!

[momof2boys]

Thank you both for the info! lldcgray- that was so interesting what you said about your kids and their education, it really makes me nervous. I actually went to check the school test scores in Johnson City, and they seem comparible to many other schools in Seiver county. I don't know how else to compare, I want to find a website with state rankings. Maybe that will help with figuring out WA schools vs.TN. Marykins- thanks for the heads up on traffic, that's why my husband suggested Sevierville, and closer to the freeway, and hopefully that would help. I was told as long as you are in Sevier County, you can pick and choose schools. I thought that was interesting!

[NealPT]

Traffic is a nightmare around Sevierville if you move to where you have to battle all the tourist(especially during the summer). Most of the tourist come in from I-40 exit 417 which is the SR66 and then hit 441 in Sevierville. If you have to battle that traffic I hope you're a patient person. I really like the small town of Townsend which is in that general area. When we go down for vacation we always stay over there rather than in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.

[turninghawk]

Don't worry about the heavy traffic. My wife and I spend several months a year in the Sevierville/PF area. We got a Rand-McNally spiral-bound map of the Knoxville area (which includes Sevierville/PF/and Gatlinburg). Bought it at Wal-Mart. Spent some time exploring backroads, and found we can ALWAYS avoid the heavy traffic, while enjoying a relaxing and serene backroad drive. Enjoy horses, cows, and pastoral beauty? If so, you'll thoroughly enjoy the backroads around here!

[jpbklb]

Hi, I have visted the Sevier Co. several times,had a chance to move there and I am moving there this summer. I have a 10 year son I raise so I can relate to your school issues. I have heard good things about New Center school and New Market. There is also a boys and girls club which givews kids alot of activites and is cheaper than a babysitter. When are you moving? If there is anything I can help you with, please email me or let me know on here.