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I agonized over this while searching for a rental. I couldn't see the logic in a rental if I couldn't live in it for 4-7 years (my kids are in 9th and 6th grades) because I really didn't want them to have to change schools. I chose schools that were top notch with good magnet options.
So I bought a house. I know it goes against the advice of many who suggest I rent first to 'get to know the area'. I did exhaustive research over the course of two years, visited the area many times, etc.
We did the same. We didn't research as long (we just didn't have time), but we thought we'd done our homework, and bam. After 2 years here we get the shaft. I like to think that the 2012-13 year will be better but to be honest, I have absolutely no faith. I'd recommend, if you rent, renting a home ON TOP OF the school you want to live in--as in, across the street or next door or something. Then, make sure the closest middle and high schools are the ones you want, and then talk to as many people in that n'hood as possible to find out "The scoop." If we'd really understood WCPSS when we moved, we would be somewhere else. I love my house, adore my community and town, HATE the school system and the board.
Thanks ALL!
It's quite funny, that no matter how little research I will do regarding which school would be best for my lil tikes....they ALL would probably be a drastic positive change from our sad sad California school system (teacher/child ratio of 30:1).
I still want the best Raleigh has to offer, however. Specifically an arts enthused charter or public school. Know of any?
I wish I had the time to buy now, but renting is the quick and easy option for now.
Now I'm wonderng what the result of everyone's research was, if you don't mind sharing your neighborhood. =)
Or if I can get a list of neighborhoods to tour while I'm down there (3 days). Looking for close parks, small shopping center, good school. Thx!
I can't really share my research since it is in bits and scraps all over the internet.
But in general it sounds like you should start with the WCPSS website and look at living within the zone of the magnet school you are most interested in. Not the magnet area, but the actual neighborhood attendance area. Those are not likely to change since part of the reason the school was magnetized was the neighborhood population is low.
You can try Fuquay Varina in Harnett County. (just south of Raleigh) Harnett County Schools have Orchestra, Chorus and Band.
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