Cookeville (Baxter: homes, theater, YMCA)

[Judy J.]

HI everyone! I have been researching where to move in your beautiful state, and have decided on the Cookeville area. There are a few questions I haven't found answers to though.

1. What do teenagers do in this area? Is there a high drop-out average or are the kids pretty stable?

2. How humid is it in the summer? Do you melt?

3. Is there Little League? Places to take Karate?

I'm a single mom with three school age kids and I am concerned about how to keep them busy and in school. I grew up in a small town and about all there was to do there was party. Any help would be appreciated!!

[Tinman313]

Cookeville Chamber

After opening click " New Comers" then "links"...... board of Education........ this may help you.......

[2mares]

1. What do teenagers do in this area? Is there a high drop-out average or are the kids pretty stable?

Its been awhile since mine were teens, so Im not sure. Sports are a big thing here. There is a YMCA. Lots of outdoor type stuff. Fishihg, hiking, 4-wheeling, etc. I have heard there is a high drop-out rate and I have heard Cookeville has some of the best schools in the area.

2. How humid is it in the summer? Do you melt? Its humid to me, but I guess it depends on what area you compare it to. Not as bad as Mississippi. Yes I melt when there is not a good breeze.

3. Is there Little League? Places to take Karate?
Oh yes little league, soccer, boy scouts, and several karate studios.

[JMT]

In addition to the excellent post by 2mares, I would like to add that in much of Tennessee (indeed the South), churches play a huge role in teenagers' social network. Even if your kids don't attend church, they will most likely be invited to go to church activities with their friends from school. Don't be frightened by this, and it doesn't mean that the churches want to convert your kids. It's just a friendly gesture and is a great way to make friends in town.

Cookeville High School is a large school by Tennessee standards (2300 students) and has dozens of student clubs and organizations. It's also a great way for your kids to get involved.

Cookeville is also blessed with an excellent community theater organization and children's theater. Even if your kids aren't theatrical, those organizations always need volunteers to help build sets, play music, make costumes, etc.

Being a college town, Cookeville has a large population of students from very academic families who take their studies very seriously. It's one of only 5 high schools in the state with the very grueling International Baccalaureate Program.

But it's also got its share of students who aren't interested in college and who, therefore, drop out of high school before graduation.

[Judy J.]

Thanks everyone! Lots of great info!!

[Charlette]

I moved here a little over a year ago from FL and have 2 teenagers. It sounds like maybe your kids are outgoing (not shy), if that's the case, then I'm sure there won't be a problem with finding things to be involved in. I have a very shy daughter and the big highschool and being new overwhelmed her. She ended up crying and not wanting to go back, so I took her out and homeschooled her. Maybe if she had started out at the Baxter High School, she wouldn't of been so overwhelmed. But my 19 year old son who is already graduated and not shy has found friends through getting involved in bands and work. But his first comment after being here and being shown around by some highschoolers was that it was boring with nothing to do. There are plenty of drugs and partying here, just as there was where we came from. If your kids are into that, they will find it here. But if they haven't gotten into that, there are plenty of other kids who aren't either. And agreeing with the other poster, church youth groups are another way for kids to have fun.

As for the heat or humidity, I was surprised that it's at least as hot and possibly hotter on some days then FL. Just get used to taking bottled water with you. I usually didn't remember that in FL and I would go out shopping for the day (alot of times with no air conditioning in my car) and I would come home with a migraine. The heat doesn't make a difference in me liking this place though. It's a beautiful place with nice people.