Question about Atholton High & townhouses (Columbia, Ellicott City: rentals, school districts, to live in)

[NicoleJ]

After doing a bit of research, and knowing now that I'd REALLY rather be in Columbia or Elicott City, I've also come to the conclusion that I'd like to have my kids attend Atholton (7th grader, 2nd grader & prek). Great scores and nice diversity. How do I find out which middle & elementary schools feed into it?

Also, I've never been in an area w/ so many townhouses. It would seem like it must be horrible to live in them b/c what if someone on one side is loud? Are the rooms pretty sound proof? Also, it seems that prices really aren't as bad as in VA - looking on Homesdatabase it seems like I can get a decent 3 or 4 bedroom for less than $2k (a lot here in TX but not there). I'd like a basement for the kids to play in. Are most finished? I think we're going to rent for the first 2 - 3 years, so that's why I'm so hung up on these questions.


Thank you in advance for any answers.

[emsgoof]

The area around Atholton doesn't have that many townhouses that I can think of (I grew up in the area, and graduated from Atholton in 1995, parents still live there).
The main feeder schools are Wilde Lake Middle, and I think some are still going to Clarksville Middle also (as long as you're more towards Cedar Lane than you are 108 on the Rt. 32 corridor.)
Elementary Schools, I know Clemens Crossing is the primary elementary school around there. A few may come from Wilde Lake elementary, but that's probably about it.
There are a couple streets that have rental houses (single family) in the Hickory Ridge area (Fair Oaks and Shady Grove are the street names, forget the rental company), but I have no idea what the prices are.

Here's the school locater for Howard County. Plug in your address, and it'll tell you which school districts you'd be in.
http://public.hcpss.org/sl/SYSBUS01.CGI

[Rmx Christina]

My parents live in a townhouse in Ellicott City. I think they are pretty sound proof personally. Atholton is a great school district. Most MLS listings should have what schools your kids would be attending. If homesdatabase isn't as thorough, you can email me the addresses and I can let you know.

[TuborgP]

Much of the population currently at Atholton was redistricted a couple of years ago from River Hill High School. Atholton has a great reputation and faculty. It is fed by both Columbia and Clarksville areas. You may want to look at rentals in Clemens Crossing especially single family homes by Columbia Builders

[bande1102]

I went to Atholton High School and I had attended Hammond Elementary and Hammond Middle. It's been awhile, though, so not sure if those schools are still feeders.

[NicoleJ]

can I just say it's so amazing how nice everyone on these boards are? Thank you so much!