Any opinions on one of these 2 schools? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: sale, foreclosures)

[TNKY]

Hello. I am going to use this time, one of my few days off and it's a total snowfall nightmare day yet again, to ask if any of you are familiar with either Grace Baptist Academy or Silverdale Baptist Academy. With my transfer to either Chattanooga or Knoxville almost a done deal, depending on the sale of our house, we are checking out christian schools. My transfer would land me by Hamilton Place Mall and we really like some of the housing in the 37421 zip code area. Since we hope to keep our kids in christian schools, these 2 looks the best to us. Any insight? Or, is there another nearby school we should consider? Thank you.

[VKOLADE]

Hi - have you made progress with your move?
I think Grace will be the most direct to the mall.
What grades will your children be starting in?
(I've made a first visit to Grace but not to Silverdale)

[Jon F Moss]

our friend was a teacher at SBA for years - she always spoke highly of the school

[wilsonmom3]

there is another christian school you might look into that several friends send their kids to and are really happy with..it is Boyd Buchanan.

[TNKY]

Originally Posted by VKOLADE

Hi - have you made progress with your move?
I think Grace will be the most direct to the mall.
What grades will your children be starting in?
(I've made a first visit to Grace but not to Silverdale)

No progress whatsoever since houses are not selling in MI. So many foreclosures and houses being sold for dirt-cheap prices, we simply cannot compete w/o losing everything we've worked for. It breaks our heart, but what can ya do other than hope for a miracle.

We did like Grace when we visited the school back in April. Our kids would be going in to 9th, 7th and 2nd grade.

[VKOLADE]

Originally Posted by TNKY

No progress whatsoever since houses are not selling in MI. So many foreclosures and houses being sold for dirt-cheap prices, we simply cannot compete w/o losing everything we've worked for. It breaks our heart, but what can ya do other than hope for a miracle.

We did like Grace when we visited the school back in April. Our kids would be going in to 9th, 7th and 2nd grade.

A co-worker of mine sold in 9 days in another difficult place to move here, so miracles are happening - hope to hear when yours comes!

[TNKY]

Originally Posted by VKOLADE

A co-worker of mine sold in 9 days in another difficult place to move here, so miracles are happening - hope to hear when yours comes!

I do appreciate it. Granted, we're not holding our breath but maybe our miracle will also happen. Thanks.

[FrecklesRNinTN]

I live very close to the mall, and Grace is so close to my home as well. Since this is a public site, I would prefer to not disclose too much of my personal info on he forum. But if yo would like to send me a personal message, maybe we coulkd discuss the schools, area, etc. My husband and I have lived near the mall for approximately 4 years, and we LOVE it!

[TNKY]

Thanks, FrecklesRNinTN. Tell ya what, if our miracle happens I'll be in touch. However, for every person moving to this awful place, 20 are leaving. My grandma's house sold recently, it was on the market for 5 years almost to the day. Thanks though.

[kro130]

Silverdale is the better of the two. There is another great little private school close by...Hickory Valley Christian School. It's just down the road from Hamilton Place Mall off Shalllowford Rd. It's smaller than Silverdale and only goes to 8th grade, but it has an excellent principal and a fantastic reputation. Kids get to work at their own pace....meaning if your child reads at a higher grade level, he is encouraged to read to his ability rather than having to wait around while the class catches up. Likewise with math. It also works in reverse so if a child has trouble with a subject, they are helped along individually. Great, great concept that prevents boredom in the classroom. Most kids go there thru 5th grade and then move on to one of the pricey private prep schools. That being said, if you prefer a larger school that runs K-12, my vote would absolutely go to Silverdale. But if you prefer a smaller type environment for your child/children, I would recommend touring Hickory Valley Christian as well. Good luck to you, and welcome to Chattanooga. Say good-bye to the snow, though! We only get a few inches per year. (p.s. I'm in no way affiliated with Hickory Valley, even though it sure sounds like I am ! I just know several families who have attended there and 2 pediatricians and a child psychologist in town who have all consistently said how wonderful it is.)