What makes City of Decatur schools better? (Atlanta, Druid Hills: home, buying)

[aishacs]

That's awesome [and congratulations on your wedding!] Do you think that CoD will stay as it has been?? We're looking at a house zoned in Oakhurst. I looked on school digger and the free/reduced lunch has plummeted dramatically.

[red92s]

Originally Posted by aishacs

That's awesome [and congratulations on your wedding!] Do you think that CoD will stay as it has been?? We're looking at a house zoned in Oakhurst. I looked on school digger and the free/reduced lunch has plummeted dramatically.

There was a big shake-up of the Elementary schools in the late 90's and early 2000's when CoD adopted a new strategic plan. There used to be 7 elementary schools. Some were transformed to the 4/5 academy, or administrative offices. It caused quite a bit of controversy at the time the plan was adopted. So, I don't think there is another massive reorganization coming, as I think they've sort of implemented the model they set out to over a decade ago.

Home values in Decatur are still increasing. The schools are a primary reason why. I don't foresee a huge reversal in either of those things on the time-scales you are considering.

[gtech1997]

A few comments to add:

- CoD schools use the expeditionary learning system which is gaining in popularity. There is plenty about this system on the internet but basically the concept is to have learning expeditions that are interdisciplinary and interactive. An example might be that they have an expedition (which last say 4 months) about My Community for 1st graders. In that expedition they would of course study social studies about they community, they might teach math by teaching about money, teach reading by reading books about firemen, policeman, etc and typically they would take several field trips.

- CoD schools test scores may not be as high as some other schools because of the large economic diversity (a key factor in test scores) of the students attending the schools (particularly highschool and middle school). I believe the elementary schools are a little less diverse. But the fact that CoD schools score as well as they do despite the large economic diversity of its students is a testament to the school system.

[oakhurstlauren]

Originally Posted by gtech1997

A few comments to add:


- CoD schools test scores may not be as high as some other schools because of the large economic diversity (a key factor in test scores) of the students attending the schools (particularly highschool and middle school). I believe the elementary schools are a little less diverse. But the fact that CoD schools score as well as they do despite the large economic diversity of its students is a testament to the school system.

Yes, COD was more diverse with the older kids and now is becoming less an less diverse by the day at the Elementary level.
All these kids go to 5th ave in 4th grade and on to Renfroe and DHS, which, in my opinion, is the most overlooked factor as to why Decatur schools are so amazing. The same kids from 4th grade to high school lends a more tight knit learning and social community. All the schools are very small compared to most as well so that also helps. When change is needed, it happens very quickly with the size and charter status.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by gtech1997

- CoD schools test scores may not be as high as some other schools because of the large economic diversity (a key factor in test scores) of the students attending the schools (particularly highschool and middle school). I believe the elementary schools are a little less diverse. But the fact that CoD schools score as well as they do despite the large economic diversity of its students is a testament to the school system.

How much "economic diversity" can there be in a town where you can't buy a teardown-ready bungalow for under $200k? It's not as if there are kids from te projects in CoD schools. Or are you talking about the diversity between the kids who have parents making $200k/year, and those making $500k/year?

[oakhurstlauren]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

How much "economic diversity" can there be in a town where you can't buy a teardown-ready bungalow for under $200k? It's not as if there are kids from te projects in CoD schools. Or are you talking about the diversity between the kids who have parents making $200k/year, and those making $500k/year?

There are kids that live in Section 8 housing, mostly a diverse immigrant population, not that it will be a significant majority in the future. But a main complex has actually just been rebuilt. You also have to factor in the people that bought homes in Oakhurst/Winnona before roughly 4 years ago. People tend to stick around here and do have homes that cost them significantly less than 200k then. Now, no way.

[Bearwithme]

Hi there. I had a question regarding amenities for those families enrolled in City of Decatur schools.

What kind of access do you have to varied sports such as hockey, lacrosse and soccer? If so, at what levels? Elementary, middle and/or high school? In the community?

I know that many schools state and nationwide are opting out of instrumental instruction due to budget cuts. Do City of Decatur schools offer band/orchestra at the elementary school level? If not when? If not at all, any community access to instrumental instruction?

Just wondering if the intown schools have the same access to these types of amenities in comparison to suburban living. Would love to hear positive feedback from COD families.

Why is this area just as good as OTP (not including commute times) for families? If someone such as my family worked from home or traveled via Hartsfield, why would we choose this option when schools OTP have majority of their students 'exceeding' the standards (as a few people have told me)? What are your honest opinions of expeditionary learning? Sounds like this type of learning utilizes more of critical thinking rather than 'teaching to the test.'

I know that many families OTP use tutors for varied reasons. Are there tutorial services in and around COD?

As you can read from former posts, my family is considering a move OTP, specifically Johns Creek, but want to seriously consider intown living. We love how you have access to various museums, botanical gardens, the zoo, aquarium, Piedmont Park, festivals, local pools and a walkable community. What other aspects do you like about living here? This as you know, isn't an easy decision and we'd like to weigh all the pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.
Bearwithme:

[Bearwithme]

P.S. Feel free to send a pm.

[red92s]

Originally Posted by Bearwithme

Hi there. I had a question regarding amenities for those families enrolled in City of Decatur schools.

Bearwithme:

Replied via PM

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

I am going to agree with the others, that part of the appeal of CoD schools is the location and the much higher quality than surrounding systems. The system is a million times more stable than DeKalb or Atlanta and that alone improves the schools.

City of Decatur schools are great but surely the better schools in the city of Atlanta and the surrounding counties are just as good, aren't they?