Public and Private High School Options Palm Beach and Martin County locations (West Palm Beach: transfer)

[aspirewire]

Looking to move to Florida with teenagers and need feedback for those that have or had children go through High Schools both public and private which include:
Martin County HS-Stuart, Jensen Beach HS , and/or Jupiter HS and Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach.

There are sites that provide reviews such as greatschools.com and privateschoolreview.com which were somewhat helpful but not enough parent reviews. I do know that MCHS and JBHS are A rated and Jupiter HS is B rated. Reviews indicate that an A rating doesn't always make a well rounded experience. I also read that Jupiter HS is great but overcrowded.

My teenagers are not focused as much on sports (except attending) as much as dance so any good dance company recommendations would be a plus.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[5FLgirls]

I never attended high school in either area but my brother attended Jupiter HS in the late 90s. My children aren't old enough to attend high school either but I can give you some tips from others. Jupiter has a new high school and it is beautiful. I don't know much about overcrowding. Ratings have to do with testing so it can be subjective. Cardinal Newman is a very nice high school also. A friend's daughter graduated from there last year and is now a freshman at Notre Dame. Martin County has always had excellent reputations as far as their schools go. Friends moved to Martin County for the high school option for their daughter. Keep in mind that they also had to drive their daughter to Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens for her social life activities. As far as dance, West Palm has great dance schools but Atlantic Arts in Jupiter (www.atlanticartsacademy.com) has a good reputation. Good Luck.

[Dave_n_Tenn]

I have/had three boys in South Fork High School and my daughter graduated from John Carroll (private) in Ft. Pierce. Two oldest boys have moved into college and, or the, Marines... and my daughter is a teacher.

They all are receiving or have received a quality education. The youngest is a Jr. in SFHS. No one was involved with dance... but three of the four were involved with band, one plays baseball.

SF has a baccalaureate program which my youngest is enrolled in... it's tough, but he's doing well. His work load (home work) is very high... and with him playing varsity baseball ... he has very little down time. Lucky for him his sister is a physics and chem teacher!

SF does "block" scheduling... so late (transfer) starting students really have a hard time catching up.

[aspirewire]

Thanks you for taking the time to share what you know or have experienced. The information has been helpful. Hopefully more will respond.