Neighborhoods, high schools and St. Elias? (Anchorage: school district, college, living in) - Alaska (AK) - City-Data Forum

bthorn31 · 10-14-2010, 08:21 AM

Hi all -

Looks like I am going to be another RN relocating to Anchorage. I actually will be joining my husband who has been in Alaska for a year, but he was living in Juneau until just a week or two ago. I'm so excited over this new adventure!

I have been interviewing with St. Elias. The offer hasn't come yet, but I am trying to be proactive. I am moving without my car, but don't mind taking public transportation (will probably get the car next summer). What I am most concerned about is the high school my son will be attending. I am looking up as much information online as I can. I guess my question is this; is the bus line such that will take me around the city - or is it spotty in areas? and does anyone have a high school recommendation? My son likes music - band, choir... sports are more secondary. I, of course, am worried about the course offerings and number of students going on to college, etc.

Thoughts, anyone? Any and all input would be appreciated.

stiffnecked · 10-14-2010, 10:52 AM

What do you do on the days they shut down bus service? That has happened and probably will again. If I were you I'd get some kind of vehicle.

bthorn31 · 10-14-2010, 12:57 PM

Oh - ok... thanks for the input. That's exactly the type of information I need. That doesn't usually show up anywhere on the official websites. We do have one 4wd vehicle that will be up there with us, and I'm sure if the bus isn't running we can make alternate travel arrangements. If I was moving during a different season then late fall/winter, I would bring my jeep. But I'm not comfortable making the trip solo in November/December.

Thanks again for that tip. Any others?

stiffnecked · 10-14-2010, 02:23 PM

They only shut down bus service a couple of times last year. And if my memory is correct that was for "cost cutting" measures. It's not that bad of a drive in Nov/Dec but if you don't feel comfortable doing then you shouldn't. A 4 wheel drive vehicle is not a requirement for getting around in Anchorage unless you live in some of the Hillside neighborhoods. Trying to depend on one vehicle when 2 adults are working and a child is in school is gonna be a challange. Anchorage is a pretty spread out town.

bongo · 10-14-2010, 07:52 PM

You can go to ASD Online -- The website of the Anchorage School District to click on any of the high schools & then look at their report cards of proficiency on standardized tests, demographic data, etc. South High is considered one of the best, as are the neighborhoods in that school zone surrounding it; however, it could be very challenging there without a vehicle.

bthorn31 · 10-15-2010, 08:59 AM

Thanks again for all the input. Moving 3000 miles to a place I've never been to is a bit of a challenge - but we'll make it work.

Stiffnecked - its not the driving around town in the winter that bothers me, its the 3000 mile drive from here in the midwest to Anchorage through the Canadian Rockies in Nov or Dec, maybe even January that bothers me.

Bongo - thanks for the advice on the school website. I've got it tucked away so I can peruse it a little more thoroughly when there is some down time.

I know that making it work with 1 car for a while will be a challenge. But I will work 3 nights/wk, and my husband has a little more flex to his schedule then I do. Next spring/summer I will drive my car back to Alaska. So it will really only be an inconvenience for a few months.

Again, thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

stiffnecked · 10-15-2010, 09:12 AM

The 3000 mile trip is very doable during those time frames. They keep these roads plowed and cleared. Many, many people will make this trip during that same period. The only thing that you have to do is adjust your driving for the road conditions. If your vehicle is in good shape and your prepared it's not a big deal.

bthorn31 · 10-23-2010, 09:13 AM

thanks again for all the input. I think I will fly up, get the suburban from Juneau in January (I believe there is a ferry running sometime that month) and wait until summer to make the trip with my son. Mainly because I don't want to do the drive this time of year by myself, and also, I think it would be a trip he would appreciate being on.

Thanks again.