schools in university heights (Shaker Heights, Beachwood: renting, neighborhood, middle school)

[new_to_NEO]

I keep hearing that schools are better in Beachwood or Shaker Heights, but I can't see why just looking at the school web pages. We are moving to the area this summer with a 10-year old gifted child and a 2-year-old. The UH/CH schools appear to have a nice gifted program and preschool. Also, the middle school kids get laptops and there appear to be many extracurricular opportunities and involved parents. I am coming from a state where these things are unheard of. I guess I just can't figure out where the reputation that these schools aren't as good comes from. Any help?

I will be working in UH and would like to be able to walk to work. I would be willing to live in another area if I could take a bus to work, but I'm not sure how easy that would be. I have searched the transit site, and many places would require two buses to get where I need to go.

I would really appreciate any insight into the area for people with kids. We are planning on renting for a year before we commit to a neighborhood, but we are accustomed to walking a good deal and only have one car for a family of 4. I would love to stay a one-car family, although I realize that may not be possible.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!