Old Orchard schools? (Franklin, Ottawa Hills, Ottawa: neighborhood, school district, university)

[steph410]

can anyone tell me about the school district in the Old Orchard area? are the schools good? are there any other good points/bad points to living in the Old Orchard area that you may be able to tell me?

we are considering old orchard or ottawa hills to move to. thanks!

[SonnyDaze]

Living in Old Orchard = TPS schools. So most likely- Old Orchard Elementary (not too good from what I've heard), DeVeaux Middle School and Start High School (both of these are "okay"). If you can afford to live in Ottawa Hills, the public schools are much better- it is one of the best districts in the state.

[Tobias C]

I've heard mixed reviews of Deveaux Jr and Start. Start would have to be one of the better TPS high schools though. While I have nothing to back up my assumption, I can imagine Old Orchard Elementary being okay, definitely not bad, but not up to par with the affluence of it's neighborhood either. I've always noticed a lot of the graduate yard signs in Old Orchard and I would say at least 75-80% of them are from the main catholic schools, so I figure the majority of Old Orchards children probably go to private schools leaving the public elementary the students of lesser affluence, so to speak. I'm sure it's perfectly fine though if your intent on public schools. And like Cincy said, Ottawa Hills schools are top notch, so if you can afford O.H. and it suits your tastes, it's for sure a great option.

I honestly don't think there's that many bad points to Old Orchard. It's a great area. I didn't live in the distinct Old Orchard area but I lived directly across Central from it for a time and always loved going for walks down the narrow streets with their huge old trees, even at night time, as it's very safe. The university campus is at the southern end and everything going on around there is within easy walking or biking distance. And the Westgate area is at the Northwest corner of the neighborhood and has Starbucks and Bigbys Coffee, Barry Bagels, Five Guys Burgers, Chipotle, Fresh Market and Churchills (both upscale groceries), Calvinos (Italian/winebar) and a lot of other happening places that are all an easy enough walk or bike ride away if you desired. Also, Franklin Park mall is pretty close to the northwest. Even downtown is only like a 10 min drive away.