Moving to Decatur-need some advice (Atlanta: fit in, living in, transport)

[bryantm3]

you're seriously telling the OP to live in a place with a 1 hour+ commute to her job? this is what's wrong with ATL.

[Amarachi]

Originally Posted by jeoff

I believe that the schools that Avondale Estates is zoned for are Avondale Elementary, Druid Hills Middle, and Druid Hills High. Which generally have very poor, poor, and so-so test scores, respectively. There is the also the Museum School Charter--which is public, but is difficult to get into, and the School of the Arts that I think is a magnet school, which entry to is not garrunteed.

it is sad how families have to compete to get into a good public school system. I am a firm believer that public school can deliver a good education, and good education should be available for all children. My two older children went through the NJ public school and got admitted to Princeton and University of Virginia. I'm not worried about the competitiveness of charter or magnet schools for my remaining 2 children but what about those who are not academically gifted, the ones who need the most help?

[Amarachi]

Originally Posted by aries4118

The Druid Hills Cluster, Lakeside Cluster, the City of Decatur, and Parkview/Brookwood are all good/decent schools.

Based on your criteria and needs, here is my recommendation:

*1. The Parkview High Cluster in Gwinnett County. Excellent schools and stable. Beautiful homes and neighborhoods. Great newer homes in your price range. Decent commute for you. Perfect area for families--especially large families.

2. The Brookwood High Cluster of Gwinnett County. Same attributes as the Parkview Cluster, but slightly further away. That's why it's number 2 (but still a good choice).

3. The City of Decatur. Excellent schools. You can afford some homes in CoD, but you will have more trouble finding a home to meet your family's needs. You have a big family.



* --> In my opinion, your best option!



Here are some helpful links:


GCPS Cluster Boundaries

Parkview Cluster

https://maps.google.com.br/maps?sadd...ra=ls&t=m&z=12

Brookwood Cluster

Home

http://www.csdecatur.net/


I hope this helps some. Good Luck.

This is by far the most comprehensive list I got. Thank you so much! Yes I have a big Family but the Older 2 children are own thier own and come home only on holidays. GSMST is an excellent school, 3rd best in country!

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by Amarachi

it is sad how families have to compete to get into a good public school system. I am a firm believer that public school can deliver a good education, and good education should be available for all children. My two older children went through the NJ public school and got admitted to Princeton and University of Virginia. I'm not worried about the competitiveness of charter or magnet schools for my remaining 2 children but what about those who are not academically gifted, the ones who need the most help?

The difficulty into getting into the charter has mostly to do with demand. There are a few spaces, and many want in. I think a lottery determines entry, with first preference going to those zoned for Avondale elementary. I don't think it is an academic competition to get into the Museum school. Academics/special abilities probably plays a role in getting into the School of the Arts--but I am unsure to what extent.

[jeoff]

A couple of more things to consider for the School of the Arts-
1) I think it draws countywide. So you could live in the Lakeside cluster, and try to get in-- even if you didn't you would still be zoned for one of the best school clusters (in a struggling school system).--not sure how transportation would work, though.
2) I could be wrong, but... I think that The School of the Arts only uses a fraction of the campus that used to house , the now closed, Avondale High--so it is probably expensive to maintain, in a county that is already has financial troubles--I would always worry that they could close the place.

[Amarachi]

Originally Posted by jeoff

The difficulty into getting into the charter has mostly to do with demand. There are a few spaces, and many want in. I think a lottery determines entry, with first preference going to those zoned for Avondale elementary. I don't think it is an academic competition to get into the Museum school. Academics/special abilities probably plays a role in getting into the School of the Arts--but I am unsure to what extent.

Of course every parents want the best education for their children without paying 50K/yr boarding school. I think a little raise on the property tax will certainly improve GA public school system. I was astonished on how low the property tax is, My property tax here in NJ is higher than a 1.5 million dollar home in Atlanta. As high as it is, at least families with school children don't have to go through lottery system to get a good public school education.

[atlantamoi]

Originally Posted by Amarachi

Of course every parents want the best education for their children without paying 50K/yr boarding school. I think a little raise on the property tax will certainly improve GA public school system. I was astonished on how low the property tax is, My property tax here in NJ is higher than a 1.5 million dollar home in Atlanta. As high as it is, at least families with school children don't have to go through lottery system to get a good public school education.

It is frustrating. My wife is from another country and doesn't understand why it's this way. We chose our home a decade ago to be near family and have a short commute with the intention of leaving this horrible school district when having kids. Thankfully the Museum School charter started, we got in and now will stay.
Two years ago we basically had a 50/50 chance of getting in and I'm guessing it's even more difficult now. If you were to choose city of Decatur schools you'd pretty much be set and also be living in a desirable area most likely. I know in NJ houses are radically more expensive, but it still amazes me that 700k might not quite get what you want. 700k in the burbs here would get a ridiculously large house.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Amarachi

Of course every parents want the best education for their children without paying 50K/yr boarding school. I think a little raise on the property tax will certainly improve GA public school system. I was astonished on how low the property tax is, My property tax here in NJ is higher than a 1.5 million dollar home in Atlanta. As high as it is, at least families with school children don't have to go through lottery system to get a good public school education.

You do not have to do this in Atlanta as well.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Amarachi

This is by far the most comprehensive list I got. Thank you so much! Yes I have a big Family but the Older 2 children are own thier own and come home only on holidays. GSMST is an excellent school, 3rd best in country!

Amarachi--first of all, you do not have to focus on a charter or a magnet school here. Actually, it is better if you don't. Just concentrate on getting into a good school district and system.


Since your older two children only come for visits/holidays, then the City Schools of Decatur should move up higher on your primary search list (along with Parkview and Brookwood).


Also, based on your criteria and needs (and further explanation about your family/kids), I would like to add another area to my recommendations:

4. The Grady High Cluster in the City of Atlanta--in the Springdale Park, Mary Lin, and Morningside elementary school districts. Excellent schools. Close commute. Housing search will be similar to the City of Decatur that I mentioned above.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Amarachi

This is by far the most comprehensive list I got. Thank you so much!

...

Thanks and you're welcome.

A lot of people on here make quick recommendations without much background knowledge and thought...and their recommendations are sometimes based on hearsay and little stats from news briefs that they may see in passing. Be careful--and wise.