Arden or Hendersonville?? (Asheville: middle schools, to live, move)

[Staiti]

My family is considering a relocation from NJ to Asheville. We have young children. While one is in grammar school, our other child is soon to be entering middle school. We have middle schools and high schools on our radar at this point. I am seeking opinions on the differences between TC Roberson High School, West Henderson, and AC Reynolds. Cane Creek and Rugby seem like both good middle school options. Please advise on the differences between schools, academics, athletics and areas in general.
I would love detailed opinions and advice on different areas (I know one is Henderson County and one is Buncombe).
Thanks for your time.

[cooperwx]

West Henderson (and the Henderson county schools) are WAY smaller than Reynolds and Roberson. The academics probably aren't that different, but West Henderson is a AA school for athletics, while Reynolds is 4-A (largest classification) and Roberson will be as well at the next re-classification.

Cane Creek and Valley Springs MS are both very good; Cane Creek is only about five years old. My only complaint with Cane Creek is that half the students go on to Reynolds and the others go to Roberson. So some friendships may be broken as the kids move on to HS. I don't know much about Rugby other than it is growing quickly as families are attracted to northern Henderson county.

I should also note that Henderson county is at least experimenting with year-round schooling. Hendersonville Elementary has gone to the year-round calendar, and there is a significant waiting list to get in. The popularity of the program may lead to the county converting another school or two in the coming years.

[meredith71402]

You are comparing great schools! They are all great .. and somewhat comparable... as far as academics. I think you will find that the biggest difference is just the feel of them. I graduated from TC Roberson, and know first hand that education level there is excellent as well as being among the top in sports. I will say that TC Roberson is located in a more expensive area of Buncombe County, so there is somewhat of a steriotype there as well as lot of the "clique" feeling (speaking from a former student there). But, the students excell. The other schools you mentioned are great also, but more of a small town feel to them. I would suggest pinpointing where you want to live and then doing research online for test scores and such... visit the schools website. Moderator cut: TOS Violation