Moving To Fort Lewis - Good Elementary Schools? (Olympia, Lacey: to rent, home)

[alamph_0904]

Hello,

My husband just got his orders to Fort Lewis. We will be moving in July/August. I have a 5 year old that is starting school and was wondering where should I concentrate looking for a place for us to live? Where are the good school districts? Keep in mind we are only an E-4 right now and we have 3 children.

Also - what is base housing like up there? We just changed from Air Force to civilian to Army - so this is all new to me (again). This time we are moving with children though - so any help would be wonderful! We are moving from Utah - so it won't be that far of a drive. I just have never had the opportunity to visit Washington. I am really excited - but very nervous.

[Sandy Nelson]

Alamph,

Congratulations on your relocation to Fort Lewis. Actually, the newer post housing is quite nice. I don't know what the waiting list situation is currently like. You can probably call the housing office and find out if there is any wait time. As far as schools go, The Clover park school district, Fort Lewis falls under, is nothing to brag about. Go to the Washington State Superintendent of Instruction website to compare the local school districts with each other and you'll see what I mean about Clover Park, versus North Thurston, Steilacoom, or Olympia. Washington State Report Card
With an E-4 income, you should be able to find an affordable home to rent or buy in the Lacey area, just 7 miles south of Ft. Lewis.

Good Luck!

Sandy

[soonerfan]

My family and I are also PCSing to Ft. Lewis. We will arrive in June. We are also concerned about schools, especially since we'll have two in elementary and one going to high school. This will be our first move also and needless to say I'm a little overwhelmed by it all. Schools, housing (on post or off). My husband is an E-6, but I am/will be looking for employment. I have an MBA and am currently working in the Energy industry (Oil & Gas), not sure if there is much available in that area of the country in the Energy industry, so I'm also a little nervous about having to do a total career change.


But I am excited about the move....

[2kidsandadog]

Hi everyone! We're Army and moving to Ft. Lewis too, but not until next year. I'm already trying to do my research on the area and get everything figured out WAY in advance! This will be our second move with the Army. I need to find a super school district that will accommodate the needs of our son who has Asperger's Syndrome. I'm looking forward to reading the responses to this post!

We live in NC right now, in Pinehurst, which is about 45 minutes from post, but worth it! This is a great place to raise kids with super schools! I'm hoping to replicate this situation in WA.

[Prple]

Olympia has great schools. Check out this link: Olympia schools - Olympia public schools - Olympia school ratings - Best Olympia schools

This is a good site for looking at other schools/districts as well. I like to read the parent reviews.

[Sandy Nelson]

Another good resource for information on Washington schools is this site:

Washington State Report Card

I like it because it has a feature where one can compare up to three schools with each other.

I hope this is helpful.

Sandy