Money not being a constraint which is the ideal place for us to live Dunwoody or Buckhead. (Atlanta: 2013, houses)

[np7980]

My husband got a job in Atlanta (office is in Dunwoody) We have to move here asap. I have a 3 year old and I was looking for a well regarded school for her in buckhead. The problem is most of the big schools like Paedia, Trinity, Galloway do not have seats to accomodate her in this year. Also the public schools start from Pre k at age 4 so they are not an option as daughter is 3 yrs old. Since we were not able to find any good schools that would admit my daughter we are now looking for schools around Dunwoody. Could someone please suggest private schools of good repute in Dunwoody. Are the Dunwoody schools at par with Buckhead ones in terms of quality of education? I have heard that Dunwoody is better for raising families than Buckhead, is it true? If so Why? Money not being a constraint which is the better place for us to live Dunwoody or Buckhead.

[roxyrn]

I would add Sandy Springs to the mix. If money is no object you can afford both a super home and private school tuition.

My guess is that between Buckhead and Dunwoody, the better place for you is Buckhead.

[CMMom]

Mt. Vernon and Wesleyan are both an easy drive from Dunwoody. Mt. Vernon, in particular, might have openings this year. You can get an amazing house on the river in the Dunwoody Panhandle (30350) if money is no object. Although 30350 is Fulton and, therefore, Sandy Springs, those who live there really consider ourselves more aligned with Dunwoody than with Sandy Springs. Look at houses on Brandon Hall Dr., Jett Ferry Rd., Spalding Dr. ($1M+).

[AtlJan]

For preschool, starting this year, try the Suzuki School, Buckhead Prep or Trinity Presbyterian--those are a couple of places that may be able to take you right now. Peachtree Presbyterian is so large that they may be able to fit you in, but I would be surprised.

If money is no object, Buckhead. Buckhead will keep you out of the traffic bc you are in the center of things (I mean Buckhead south of Lenox Square--the Lenox area is killer for traffic, if you ask me). Choose Buckhead if you are thinking Pace, Westminster, Lovett, AIS, Atlanta Girls School.


Sandy Springs would be great if you want to send your child to Holy Innocents, Galloway, or Mt Vernon Presbyterian. And you would have a public option in Riverwood.

Of course, keep in mind you really don't know which private school until the acceptance letters roll in, but it's
better to be closer to school than to work, since one must drive to school and back, school and back--2x every single day, instead of just to work and back.

[roxyrn]

OP should check out old threads regarding private school applications/accepts. And having a decent public school for a back-up is always a good thing.

[np7980]

Thanks for the replies. How is Atlanta International school - that's the only school which is accepting students in their 3k program for 2013. Trinity I did like but there are no openings. Suzuki I am considering but I read read mixed reviews about the school. AIS has seats available but its a full immersion in foreign language for the first two years ( 3yr and 4 yr olds). I haven't seen any reviews about this program so can't decide. I looked up Mt. Vernon and Wesleyan both begin at kindergarten so not an option for us.

If we do choose to live in Buckhead - would we find enough activities to engage my child, I mean things like dance classes , piano lessons, gymnastics etc?

[lastminutemom]

Buckhead will have plenty of activities. would you consider a church or synagogue based preschool program?

In fact, I think Buckhead has more to offer than Dunwoody in some ways (no gymnastics places for example).

AIS' preschool program is fairly new. Are you interested in that kind of education k-12?

Frankly, finding a preschool spot this time of year is tough regardless of where you live.

[LovelySummer]

What do you want to know about AIS preschool and Suzuki. Search for old threads too. I'm in Buckhead With toddler so I looked at these. DM me.

Originally Posted by np7980

Thanks for the replies. How is Atlanta International school - that's the only school which is accepting students in their 3k program for 2013. Trinity I did like but there are no openings. Suzuki I am considering but I read read mixed reviews about the school. AIS has seats available but its a full immersion in foreign language for the first two years ( 3yr and 4 yr olds). I haven't seen any reviews about this program so can't decide. I looked up Mt. Vernon and Wesleyan both begin at kindergarten so not an option for us.

If we do choose to live in Buckhead - would we find enough activities to engage my child, I mean things like dance classes , piano lessons, gymnastics etc?

[CMMom]

Mt. Vernon does have preschool.

Welcome

[ATLTJL]

Both are great areas and it really comes down to personal preference. I agree to add Sandy Springs to the mix.

I wouldn't worry so much about this year, as has been mentioned, it's just timing that makes things difficult. Don't make an entire lifestyle decision based on some pre-k timing that was tough to work through one year. It'll all settle out soon and you don't want to have to move.

If money is no object, just hire a nanny to cart your kid to whatever school you find and live where you want.