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We are moving to the area and still deciding on where to purchase a house. We have 3 girls under the age of 6 and are most interested in opinions about the elementary schools. Based on a talking with a few people in the area there seems to be Shipley and then all the rest. How accurate is this assessment? What sets Shipley apart from the rest? We have been interested in homes in areas covering Driswood, Blue Ridge and Page Jackson. Any opinions about these particular schools? I understand everyone has different preferences and tastes but given that I am not from the area, any thoughts or insights would be much appreciated!
We are moving to the area and still deciding on where to purchase a house. We have 3 girls under the age of 6 and are most interested in opinions about the elementary schools. Based on a talking with a few people in the area there seems to be Shipley and then all the rest. How accurate is this assessment? What sets Shipley apart from the rest? We have been interested in homes in areas covering Driswood, Blue Ridge and Page Jackson. Any opinions about these particular schools? I understand everyone has different preferences and tastes but given that I am not from the area, any thoughts or insights would be much appreciated!
You're on the wrong board. Go to the general WV board to post this. Not many people on the Charleston board will know much about Jefferson County (5 hours away).
However, I do know a thing or two about them as my wife is from there and I happened to see this post. As far as Elementary schools, Shipley is the best but J Co. schools are in general, some of the better schools in the state. Avoid TA Lowery and North Jefferson. But in general, I wouldn't base your decision off of the schools because the rest are all very good schools and as you move up to middle and high schools, the differences between them are negligible.
Edit: Also, because the area is growing as quickly as it is, they keep redistricting so you may not end up being in the same district that you originally picked (people are getting fairly upset by this because of how often it's happening)
I basically agree with 304eer above. I'd have said TA Lowery is good, but it's been about 5 years so maybe things have changed? Driswood was a little spotty but also new, so maybe it's gotten its act together by now.
But like he said, all the schools are decent/good, esp. by WV standards.
I've heard Shepherdstown Elem is the best, and Shep. is a nice city, good community... but that wasn't one of your choices, so...
Anyway, welcome to the area, and if it's allowed, I'll throw in a plug to get your girls playing soccer, JCYSL is a great, friendly rec league. (That's the Jefferson County Youth Soccer League.)
My kids all went through South Jefferson, and we loved it. Ditto spunkydawg's comments on JCYSL soccer - it was a great experience. Welcome to the area!!
I have a child that is currently attending Shipley. It's a good school and we're happy there, but I think the hype around it is overblown. It has it's own issues, just like any other school. I have never heard anything bad about TA and have friends with children there that are very happy. Driswood has some problems and I know a few parents that have pulled their children out. I don't have any personal knowledge of Shepherdstown Elementary, but I believe it gets high marks. I'd skip Blue Ridge and North Jefferson.
As 304eer stated, redistricting is going to come up again in the next year or two so boundaries are likely to change. How they redraw the boundaries doesn't always make sense, so if there is a district you specifically want to avoid make sure you buy far, far away from it.
Mods, can we get an eastern panhandle board yet? There are at least 14 EP posts on the 1st page of the WV forum
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