Elementary Schools - Public (Intown or near intown) (floor, kitchen)

[johnscd71]

The most important factor in your child's achievement as it relates to the school environment will be the relationship between your child and the teacher. To that end, the very best way to choose a school is to visit the school, more than once if possible, and talk to the teacher that will be teaching your child. It's also important to meet the principal. Get a feel for the school and the "climate" of the school by walking the halls. Visit more than one school so you can compare each school's offerings, curriculum, etc. Get the facts too - test scores, the school's achievements, view school websites and facebook pages, etc.

Many people will visit 5, 10, 15 and more homes when they are looking to buy a house. They'll even visit a home more than once. Homes are important, but most won't purchase a home just by looking at it on the Internet or going by just what they hear. To that end, I recommend that parents do the same type of due diligence and even more when looking for the right school for their child.

I am familiar with Springdale, Morningside, Mary Lin, Toomer, Kindezi and King Springs. They could all fit your child, though they are each different (and children are different). But be sure to visit schools and also let your child take a look too. I cannot stress how important it is to talk to the teacher and the principal (multiple teachers if possible). Get a tour of the school. And know that the worst teacher in the "best" school or "best" school district, is more than likely not what you want.

Best of luck!

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by johnscd71

The most important factor in your child's achievement as it relates to the school environment will be the relationship between your child and the teacher. To that end, the very best way to choose a school is to visit the school, more than once if possible, and talk to the teacher that will be teaching your child. It's also important to meet the principal. Get a feel for the school and the "climate" of the school by walking the halls. Visit more than one school so you can compare each school's offerings, curriculum, etc. Get the facts too - test scores, the school's achievements, view school websites and facebook pages, etc.

Many people will visit 5, 10, 15 and more homes when they are looking to buy a house. They'll even visit a home more than once. Homes are important, but most won't purchase a home just by looking at it on the Internet or going by just what they hear. To that end, I recommend that parents do the same type of due diligence and even more when looking for the right school for their child.

I am familiar with Springdale, Morningside, Mary Lin, Toomer, Kindezi and King Springs. They could all fit your child, though they are each different (and children are different). But be sure to visit schools and also let your child take a look too. I cannot stress how important it is to talk to the teacher and the principal (multiple teachers if possible). Get a tour of the school. And know that the worst teacher in the "best" school or "best" school district, is more than likely not what you want.

Best of luck!

Great post.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by aries4118

Yes.


Check it out:

King Springs Elementary~Home Page

King Springs Elementary School - Smyrna, Georgia - GA - School overview

Parent Reviews of King Springs Elementary School - Smyrna, Georgia - GA

After King Springs, don't forget to look into homes/neighborhoods in the Nickajack, Brown, and Mableton districts--if need be.

[blakeas]

Wow - Thanks John!

After comparing test scores, data, class size, etc - I have ruled out the smyrna area I beleive unless I go private.

I visited the decatur area yesterday and came away very impressed! to john's point, the next thing I am going to do is call and talk to Oakhurst and Winnona Park. I really cant afford candler park...

I really think the early childhood development center college heights is such a great idea. That would take even more financial burden off of me!

I toured a bunch of homes to get a feel of where my money would take me. I think I have a good idea now.

My next step is touring each school.

Please give me your opinion's on Oakhurst and Winnona Park.

[oakhurstlauren]

Originally Posted by blakeas

Wow - Thanks John!

After comparing test scores, data, class size, etc - I have ruled out the smyrna area I beleive unless I go private.

I visited the decatur area yesterday and came away very impressed! to john's point, the next thing I am going to do is call and talk to Oakhurst and Winnona Park. I really cant afford candler park...

I really think the early childhood development center college heights is such a great idea. That would take even more financial burden off of me!

I toured a bunch of homes to get a feel of where my money would take me. I think I have a good idea now.

My next step is touring each school.

Please give me your opinion's on Oakhurst and Winnona Park.

Both are wonderful, I have emailed you previously so you already know what I think!! Another interesting thing is that starting 2012 school year, the 4th-5th grade academy for all of Decatur City Schools will be 5th Ave in Oakhurst at 5th Ave and Oakview Road. Glennwood Academy has been the 4th and 5th grade school, but will be turned into the 4th K-3 elementary school for Decatur City. Additionally, living in Oakhurst or Winnona Park (College Heights is technically in the Winnona Park district even though it's on the Oakhurst side of Candler and serves all of Decatur City) as opposed to living North of the tracks, gives you easier access to the new 4th/5th grade school, Renfroe Middle and even Decatur High once your children get older. It's the best of both worlds IMO.

[blakeas]

I called college heights and they have a year and a half waiting list for the 0 to 3 program! So I guess i need to find another daycare option if I move there.

Can people give me some other daycare options for my 3 1/2 yr old and my 1 month old? I would like to visit them as well.

also found a home on meade where the elementary school is - Thinking about that one. my tour guide yesterday sold me on this area!

[oakhurstlauren]

Ah Mead Rd. Well, when I first moved to Oakhurst we rented that lil red house directly across the street from Oakhurst Elementary, that's the road that we first fell in love with. So glad to hear you liked the area.

For preschool, you should check out:
» Preschool in Atlanta and Decatur – Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool!
The Phoenix School, Decatur, GA: exceptional childcare for infants - Pre-K
Decatur Montessori School
or even, First Baptist Church Decatur, GA ~ Home this one my son went to afterschool here for about a year and I was very happy with them then, it's been a few years, but they have an all day program as well from what I remember.

Good luck with your search and congrats on your new baby!!

[blakeas]

FYI - The person I talked with who answered the phone at college heights was not very nice... Very gruff with every question...

We are going back down there tomorrow with the whole family to check it out.

My wife is worried about the grocery shopping - is there a good publix close?

I am looking for a 4 bedroom but my price point of 430K wont get very much. Should I target a particular area? Any advice?

[oakhurstlauren]

There are two publix pretty close, one on North Decatur Rd. and then one on Glenwood in East Atlanta. Even better is Dekalb Farmer's Market.

4br should be doable at 430k in Oakhurst or Winnona.

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by blakeas

My wife is worried about the grocery shopping - is there a good publix close?

I go to Your Dekalb Farmers Market - A World Market - Atlanta's Best Source Of Affordable Organic Food The selection is amazing Not to mention the quality and the prices!

It's not far from anywhere in Decatur.