Which schools are good Fulton/Forsyth County ? (private school, live in)

[deeptikapoor]

My son will be going to kindergarten next year and we are in the process of searching for good schools. Right now we are opting for either Shakerag Elementary in Fulton County or Johnscreek Elementary in Forsyth County.
Does any one know which school has a better rating and education system from either of these schools? Or if any other schools are better than these two in these counties.

Any feedback/response is much appreciated.

[DeaconJ]

I'm pretty sure that the difference in the two schools is negligible. I would recommend choosing one of the schools, then meeting the different Kindergarten teachers so you can decide which one you think would be best for your child. THAT'S where the biggest differences lie rather than with the overall schools.

[Tresninas]

Originally Posted by DeaconJ

I'm pretty sure that the difference in the two schools is negligible. I would recommend choosing one of the schools, then meeting the different Kindergarten teachers so you can decide which one you think would be best for your child. THAT'S where the biggest difference lie rather than with the overall schools.

This is correct. Academically, they're essentially the same. I have friends with kids at Johns Creek Elementary who are very happy. My own kids go to Shakerag and we love it.

If it is important to you, Shakerag has a very ethnically diverse population. Well over 70% of the kids have roots in South Asia or East Asia. (Ignore the statistics you see on school websites regarding the ethnic makeup-- the figures are low.) There are also several families (and more every year) from African and European countries. Most kids speak multiple languages, many are non-Christian. It's like going to an international school.

Also, the Fulton County system is becoming a charter system this fall. As a result, Shakerag will be implementing a new leadership program for students and begin shifting its curriculum so that there is more emphasis on critical thinking. (Our heads of school are fantastic. They took a survey of what parents wanted most, and are adjusting the curriculum to reflect parents' wishes.) Take a look at the Fulton county schools website, and the Shakerag elementary website for more details.

I think visiting the schools will give you a sense of what place is best for your child. But really, you can't go wrong.

[mrpanda]

Both are excellent schools. The only major difference is the ethnic diversity. Johns Creek Elementary is still majority white with about 20% of the kids with South Asians / East Asian roots. Tresninas is not joking around about diversity with Shakerag. We i got a tour with Sharkerag literally 70% of the students were South or East Asian. I would say about half of the 70% were indian students.

The interesting thing is that Johns Creek Elementary and Shakerag is literally only 5 minutes away from each other.

[deeptikapoor]

Thanks all. I guess diversity is good to have as it will also lead to healthy competition. I am also confused if I should send to a private school such as Woodward Academy.

Can anyone please provide some insights?

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by deeptikapoor

Thanks all. I guess diversity is good to have as it will also lead to healthy competition. I am also confused if I should send to a private school such as Woodward Academy.

Can anyone please provide some insights?

Woodward is very far from the area you are looking at.

[FromGA]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

Woodward is very far from the area you are looking at.

There is a Johns Creek location for Windward.

I think the North Fulton schools are top notch. Hard to justify going private if you live in this area.

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by FromGA

There is a Johns Creek location for Windward.

I think the North Fulton schools are top notch. Hard to justify going private if you live in this area.

Agreed. That is what I have heard, and paying for something K-6 is really hard to justify because high school and jr. high school is usually where the system starts to show issues.

[FromGA]

Originally Posted by deeptikapoor

Thanks all. I guess diversity is good to have as it will also lead to healthy competition. I am also confused if I should send to a private school such as Woodward Academy.

Can anyone please provide some insights?

Many (I think atleast 7) North Fulton elem schools have over 20% Asian population. For me, a 30% Indian (60% Asian) setup is not a healthy arrangement (from a long term point of view). I am Asian Indian, but I have lived in the US many many years. It depends on what you are comfortable with.

[RandyWatson13]

Does anyone actually research things anymore?