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Can anyone tell me about GWHS? We're thinking of moving to Charleston and GWHS has a 10/10 rating on Greatschools.com, but the community reviews and test scores were....confusing.
For starters, the community reviews mentioned some kind of controversy around a lecture given a year or two back? Does anyone know about this or am I being too vague?
Also, the test scores were extremely poor. A 66% in math, a 55% in science. I don't know if the WV state tests are structured differently , but those scores are alarming, especially for a school rated 10/10. They're much better than the state average but still poor.
Also, there are reviews saying that the community is a bit snobby. I wouldn't be alarmed if it was just one review but there were 3-5 saying that. I know South Hills is the rich area of Charleston, but if we moved there we'd likely rent a house. Would that give us any problems in the community, or is it generally open and accepting like most of WV.
I'm not sure if anyone knows much but any information would be greatly appreciated. The thought of moving to WV was a bit of a shellshock at the beginning but we soon realized that the sterotypes are all rubbish in most parts of the state.
GW always ranks as one of the best schools in the state. I don't know anything about test scores. My kids have been out of school for far too long for me to have that info.
I've never lived in South Hills, but it wouldn't surprise me to find some of the more exclusive addresses a bit snobbish. I would not expect that to be an issue. People move in and out of Charleston all the time. It's not a BIG city, but it's not a little 500 person town either. For the most part, Charleston is a city open to lots of diversity
Find out a little more about this lecture and we'll try to tell you what we know. Who? When? Where? Topic?
I'd agree with what mensa said. George Washington (or G Dub) is always a top performing school, and actually has been nationally recognized before.
South Hills has a few snobs, but for the most part is friendly. The area is definitely "high end" for WV standards and has some nice restaurants and shops right in the community. You will be welcomed there just like any part of WV.
Another part of town that is in Capital's district is parts of Kanawha city. You might want to look into that part of Charleston as it is probably cheaper, and is closer to more stuff.
You've got a good point, Chris. If you live in South Hills, you can get to Lola's and Bridge Road Bistro very quickly. Lola's pizzas and salads are to die for, and the Bistro doesn't know how to make anything that isn't delicious. They both have good selections of beer too.
Thanks very much for the info! One last thing, how is the topography in most of Charleston. My family looked at the houses near GWHS and they were all on big hills. We used to live in a very flat area in Ohio and the larger hills are hard to navigate around. Are most all properties in Charleston on hills or is that just the area around the high school?
Also, how diverse is Charleston? My family are middle-eastern and it would help if there was a community in the area.
WV is called The Mountain State. Hills are pretty much everywhere. They had to cut down 3 hills and level the land to build the airport. Kanawha City and the East End are flat. South Hills is hilly.
I don't see diversity as an issue that needs to concern you in Charleston.
Thanks very much for the info! One last thing, how is the topography in most of Charleston. My family looked at the houses near GWHS and they were all on big hills. We used to live in a very flat area in Ohio and the larger hills are hard to navigate around. Are most all properties in Charleston on hills or is that just the area around the high school?
Also, how diverse is Charleston? My family are middle-eastern and it would help if there was a community in the area.
South Hills is extremely hilly, and for some one who is not use to driving on mountain roads (especially during winter) I'd advise a little caution. With that being said, the roads are taken care of and should not be a problem with a little experience on them. Like stated above, Kanawha City, the East End are good neighborhoods that are flat.
Also like Mensa said, the city isn't NYC, but it is fairly diverse and welcoming of all ethnic and racial groups. I believe there is a good amount of middle eastern residents, with alot of them being in South Hills.
There are a few Middle Eastern places, such as the Middle East Mart on Laidley St., the Sahara restaurant on Summers St., and the Aladdin restaurant across from CAMC Memorial on Chesterfield Ave.
There are few places in the GW school district without hills. I recommend looking at houses off of corridor G toward Logan as they are might not be as hilly. However, you are looking for rental property so your choices will be limited, in my opinion.
Being a middle eastern family in the GW district will not be a problem.
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