ATL: Where to Live Based on Public Schools? (Atlanta, Decatur: homes, neighborhood) - Georgia (GA) - City-Data Forum

hautemomma · 05-04-2013, 12:13 PM

It looks like we may be moving to Atlanta at some point in the relatively near future. I need some insight into the public school system. I know Atlanta Public Schools are out of the realm of consideration, particularly in light of recent scandals.

I have heard that Cobb County is the best, but also that the public schools in North Fulton and Fayette County are pretty good, too.

Good public schools are critical. Our kids are in elementary now, and we need the assurance of well-ranked, good-performing schools at every level: elementary, middle and high school.

What are some real recommendations from people who live in the Atlanta area?

ATLTJL · 05-04-2013, 12:30 PM

The schools of North Fulton probably have an even better reputation than East Cobb at this point. However, East Cobb has been good for a longer period of time as North Fulton is a newer area.

I think you can't go wrong either place, it just comes down to personal preference as to which area you prefer.

Also know that EAST Cobb county schools are good. There are some crap schools in Cobb county if you pick the wrong area, so don't just think as long as you are in Cobb you are okay! This is true for every area, there is no county that is just universally good. It's all about picking the best schools in the county. As I said, in Cobb county that would be the schools in East Cobb (Walton, etc.) and in Fulton, it would be North Fulton (Northview, Milton, etc.)

lorilove · 05-04-2013, 12:54 PM

Where will you be working - quality of life in Atlanta can greatly be impacted by your commute.

There are excellent schools in many areas of Atlanta so narrow down your options first by telling us where you will be working and what our housing budget is.

Newsboy · 05-04-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

... This is true for every area, there is no county that is just universally good ...

There is not a bad school in Fayette County. Different maybe; bad no.

arjay57 · 05-04-2013, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hautemomma

It looks like we may be moving to Atlanta at some point in the relatively near future. I need some insight into the public school system. I know Atlanta Public Schools are out of the realm of consideration, particularly in light of recent scandals.

Actually, a number of city of Atlanta public schools at the elementary and middle school level are outstanding and considered highly desirable. They were not involved in the cheating scandal. Many families move into those areas because of the schools, which unfortunately tends to make them a bit pricey.

We have grandchildren in APS and they've had a fantastic experience. The only problem has been that the good intown schools are bursting at the seams, so overcrowding has occasionally been an issue.

ATLfromJAX · 05-04-2013, 05:10 PM

Just like any major metro area, there are good school areas and areas with bad schools.

However, you can't dismiss ALL of Atlanta public schools because of the scandals. Some of the top elementary school and middle schools are in Buckhead and Virginia-Highlands. Those are Atlanta public schools. However, the homes in those areas are EXPENSIVE.

And there are some school zones in west and south cobb county that are kind of "hood" and fairly rough.

There are many online resources that sort schools by neighborhood. I would go by that and not the entire school district.

trishga · 05-04-2013, 05:32 PM

City of Decatur. It's 5 miles east of d/t Atl and most importantly ITP. The city is small, schools are small (for the time being) and the schools operate on an IB curriculum.

Downsides (to some): very, very expensive to live here as the schools are very desirable. Also, 98% of the population are Democrats, if you're up for that.