More specific Eden Prairie questions - neighborhoods, schools, etc. (Chanhassen: houses, school district)

[chicksinkneehighs]

After searching for the last 7 weeks, we have settled on a couple of neighborhoods in EP.

While I was hoping for a Chaska/Chanhassen home, it just wasn't in the cards for us, as every home we looked at seemed to have a deal killer, or just wasn't the right house for us. We're at a point where we need to be settled before school starts, and there aren't exactly a bunch of houses popping on the market this time of year.

One of the neighborhoods is due east of the airport, and just N. of the MN river. Cedar Ridge Elementary. I have location concerns of airport noise (should I be?) and river flooding (should I be?). And neighborhood, doesn't seem like there's a lot of life there, in terms of stay at home moms/kids all over the place.

The other is zoned for Prairie View Elementary. the home is not far from Lake Mitchell. According to my husband has more of a family feeling neighborhood (more kids visible). Should I worry about flooding here, near a lake? I've never lived near a water feature, so this is why I'm more nervous about this.




Any insights as to these areas? As a stay at home mom, a neighborhood with parents around, and kids around is appreciated. Good schools a must. My son is described as very bright/above peers by his previous teachers (preschool and k), so schools that have programs for advanced kids would be great, if he is, in fact, advanced (I really think so, but wonder if I have parent-blinders on). It seems Eden Prairie will differentiate/have extension opportunities.



Finally - what about preschools in EP? Not interested in religiously affiliated. A basic 3 days/week, 2.5 hours per day program is what I seek. I see the school district offers this --- any other offerings like park districts? community colleges? Not particularly interested in something like a kindercare preschool program, either.

And, how's the Spanish immersion preschool? That sounds pretty tempting ....

[Annebr]

I'm not exactly sure where these locations are that you mentioned, this might not be that helpful. I'd say if you're anywhere near Flying Cloud airport there will be some airport noise. It's usually small airplanes, but once in a while a small jet. You will notice if they are flying low over your house. On the other hand, you mostly stop noticing it after awhile.

I've never heard of any flooding from the MN river in Eden Prairie.

My kids don't go to any of those schools, but people I know have been happy with them. I know a couple people who've been unhappy with the Spanish Immersion school.

There were two public preschools when my oldest daughter went-Partners and ECFE. Most people I know went to ECFE and were very happy. I think there is also a preschool program at the technical college.

There are very few stay at home parents around where I live. A good way to meet other parents is to join the "Moms Club".

[Camden Northsider]

I'm sitting next to my friend who's a teacher in EP (middle school) right now so asked her. She said she thought both elems were good, cedar ridge might have a little bit of an edge and is considered to be in a more affluent area of EP.