Schools

I am often surprised when someone brings up the school system in our district. More and more people are investing in private schooling for their children rather than government schools. However, now more than ever, it is important for parents to invest in their children.

You get out of it what you put into it. It cannot be stressed enough that getting involved in your child's education, in particular the PTA, can make all the difference. Here is a website that might aid in getting involved. Andrews has been in the news frequently about the caliber of its bands, choruses, debate teams, and AP classes. Stay abreast on the Andrews website as well as the local paper, the High Point Enterprise.

It’s not easy when a Realtor must try to remain unbiased when educating her customers and clients about public schools. However, here are some things to consider when looking at a location for your new home:

Reputations, good and bad, are often exaggerated. However, If you have time, like Steve and I, where your young ones aren’t of school-age or you don’t have a family yet, keep in mind that much can change over the course of a few years. Not only can your district change in this volatile, political environment, but the school itself can also get better or worse.

That being said, there are alternatives offered in Guilford County for government schools that just aren’t cutting the mustard. If your elementary school has not made its AYP for 2 years in a row or more, the system offers two alternative schools at the beginning of the school year. The only “issue” with this is that the alternatives are not revealed until later in the summer, I believe. You are also able to write a letter to your school board requesting a reassignment for your middle or high school. Check with them to confirm this information and find out the specifics: 336-370-8100.

Another worthy alternative is charter school, Phoenix Academy. So very close to our neighborhood, I hear many good things about its academics but don’t forget to do your homework on them. Since their admission is done by lottery (if I am not mistaken) some people claim it is difficult to get in. However, I have several friends who were able to enroll their children with no problem. http://www.pahp.com/

Now that I have talked about how overrated reputations can be, some private schools, locally, that have great reputations are below. Some of you may consider the fact you are going back to work after having children, and you may have placed your child in day care. The costs of some of these private schools are not much different.

High Point Friends
High Point Christian Academy
Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Piedmont School
Tri City Adventist Junior Academy
Wesleyan Christian Academy
Westchester Country Day

Keep in mind, too, the above private schools are a small sampling of those in High Point. There are myriad other private schools in the surrounding areas.

Also check out:

Public Schools Report
Great Schools
NC School Report Cards
NC Association of Independent Schools
NC Directory of Non-Public Schools

Give your child the gift of the best possible education that fits your situation. Invest in your child’s future.