Weirton Schools? (Chester, Newell, New Cumberland: house, buyer, catholic schools)

[ams82]

My husband and I are both from Pittsburgh. In 2000, when I turned 18 I followed my heart back to Pittsburgh after being raised in Weirton since I was 7. We're both 26 now and wondering how the schools are back in WV. He has no recollection since he grew up in the suburbs of the 'burgh all his life, but from what I remember it was really declining and the idea of small town life and raising our 2 and 1 year old sons really appeal to me. I always remember doing a lot of things. My graduation year was '00 but still 8 years ago is still a little foggy, and things can surely change in the time frame. The idea of lower property taxes is nice, too and for what you can get there (housing costs) is still considerably lower. My husband wouldn't have to quit his job since he works right in the airport area, so the commute wouldn't be more than 10 minutes what he's driving right now.

Bad? Good? Pros? Cons? I'd love to hear them all.

[scorpy01]

The schools in WV are varied. I prefer Brooke County schools to Hancock county. Part of Weirton is in Brooke county so you could narrow your home search. I wouldn't send my child to Weir Middle school or Weir High. The schools north of Weirton (New Cumberland, Chester, Newell and Oak Glen High School) may be better. I think Hancock county's biggest problem is that the county is divided and that divides the resources. Brooke County is much more unified. By combining their two high schools into Brooke High, the brought the people - and the MONEY - together and that has improved the schools overall.

Also, the private schools in Weirton are excellent. St. Paul and St. Joseph Elementary
Schools are Catholic schools but accept everyone and the tuition is very reasonable, especially compared to Pittsburgh private schools. Madonna high school, also, is an excellent school and affordable, though more focused on college prep than vocational.

And for the record, this is probably a great time to buy a house in Weirton. It's definitely a buyer's market. You can get a lot of house for a decent price.