Middle schools in Olive Branch, MS (Hernando: house, to buy, construction)

[TeresaBrosz]

We are moving to the Olive Branch, MS area in December and I am looking for a middle school to put my 6ht grader in. She is in honors Math, Lanaguage Arts, Band, running club and Beta Club. Which middle school has the best academic program as well as extra activities for her.

[brickpatio]

Schooldigger.com ranks several schools in the area among the best in the state, based on test scores. Those are DeSoto Central, Center Hill, Lewisburg, and Hernando. These are all very nice suburban areas more or less right next to each other and more or less equal socioeconomically.

The main difference as far as I know is location. DeSoto Central covers a big area roughly between I-55 and Hwy 78. I would consider this school to be most at the center of the fastest growing suburban areas. And it might be the largest of these schools.

Directly south is Hernando which is a charming small town with a town square that has now become a rapidly growing but well planned suburban area. East of Hernando is Lewisburg, which is on the outer, southern reaches of the metro area (i.e. not yet as developed) but it also happens to have some of the nicest new subdivisions in the county along College Rd.

Lewisburg schools are shiny and new and the brand-new interstate loop around the city is under construction right next to those schools. In other words, this area is likely to be a major center for new development over the next 20 years or so. Lastly, Center Hill schools cover some very nice residential areas along Center Hill Rd several miles south of the city of Olive Branch.

Bottom line is that unless you find someone who knows detailed information on these schools (unique programs), you're likely to do well with any of these schools which are quite similar and thus your decision may be determined more by where you choose to buy a house.

[viverlibre]

In MS your daughter's school will be determined by the address you live at. So if you zero in on a particular school, be sure to buy a house zoned for that school.

All the above mentioned schools will likely have similar programs. There is much tomfoolery involved in school rankings, so be wary. One factor that is a tell-tell sign is the number of students on free or reduced lunch. The higher that number, the more you want to keep your kid out of that school.

[Robert_J]

All schools in the county are under the control of the Desoto County School Board. The difference between schools will be like the difference between GMC, Chevy and Cadillac. 90% the same with one maybe having a little better shine.

As I've said here before, it's not the schools - it's the parents. I graduated from the 5th worst high school in the state of Arkansas. I was honored as the top graduate in my major in college and went on to get an MBA. Since 1992 I've been continuously employed with the exception of 5 days when I was moving here for a new job.