I need Guidance

[Livi'sMom]

Hi! I know I tend to lurk more than post, but I'm posting today!

We live in NE Ohio and there appears to be a chance that my husband will be asked to relocate to the Orlando area by his company. I love where we live (although living by the Mouse would not be a bad thing!) but absolutely dread the thought of moving.

We have an 8 year old little girl. She's currently in the gifted program at school, participating in reading and math 2 grades above level. She's also on an IEP for mild c.p. and some other physical issues, mainly fine motor skills such as handwriting. She's on a laptop now at school 75% of the time. We're in a school district here that's rated as AAA.

What does this have to do with anything? I have no idea where to start looking for a home!!! Obviously, the school district is a huge thing for us. A safe neighborhood is important, I like amenities...etc... but school is the most important. I'm not opposed to a private school, however, she's always been well accomodated by our district.

So I'm looking for help from the Unplugged. I think there are many on here that could guide me as I do a preliminary search for a home if we end up transferring. Our budget for a home would top out at 300k. I'm also concerned about the housing market in FL since I know the foreclosure rate is so high. I don't want to live in a half empty neighborhood.

I know a lot of people would be excited about a possible move. I'm weird. I love to visit Florida but I really love our home and community. I'd appreciate any guidance. If we end up flying down next month to house hunt I'd like to be well prepared with at least an idea of where I'd like to live!

Thanks!!!

 

[DVCJones]

Sorry I don't have any information for you, but I just wanted to wish you luck on your research.

I am sure you will get a lot of feedback to your questions. There are many Disers who know the Orlando area.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

Go to the county's (school) website. By law somewhere on there they have to list all the schools test scores as well as other important information that you will find invaluable in making your decision.

Also as a teachers husband. Even in the "Bad" schools it's often not the teachers fault. If your daughter shows compassion and determination then the teachers will help your daughter succeed.

 

[LilGMom]

If you want to see how the schools 'graded' through the FCAT testing you can find that on the FCAT website. I will look it up later when I have some time - heading to bed now. Good luck!

 

[Livi'sMom]

Thanks for the input so far. I know that I can get test scores online, but honestly, I know nothing about the area itself other than tourist areas.

Where are decent neighborhoods? Where would you want to live? Which areas offer greater amenities? Where would you want to send your child to school???

 

[safetymom]

I can't help as far as schools but I love Polk County. We are close to the parks but it is like living in the country.

 

[TXYankee]

I moved from NE Ohio to Texas due to my husbands job.

All I say is I was worried, but now I love where I live.

Contact a real estate agent that specializes in relocations. Discuss your needs with her/him and do your research. Make a few visits
and stay in a hotel in the neighborhoods you are considering so you get a feel for the area as a resident. Let the Agent show you around.

If you do move, consider renting for 6 months to a year so you can really explore the area and make the best decision for your family.

Good luck.

 

[HillPete]

We're in a similar position (we're even in NE Ohio!). Let me know what you find out about schools. If you don't move, we can have an NE Ohio DIS meet!

--Hillary

 

[catycatcat4]

IF she has handwriteing problems the writen responces on the fcat (i have hand writing problems) and the fcat writes she might have trouble with and you have to pass that to graduate highschool you have to pass it in 4th grade to move to 5th the fcat is a horrible test.

I can't help as far as schools but I love Polk County. We are close to the parks but it is like living in the country.

The schools here imo suck (and its even wrose for people with an iep ) at least in my school witch is very stuck up. (witch next year im leaving it and homeschooling!)
But the location of polk is nice its close to every thing.

 

[DHS_Flo]

Just sent you a PM

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

IF she has handwriteing problems the writen responces on the fcat (i have hand writing problems) and the fcat writes she might have trouble with and you have to pass that to graduate highschool you have to pass it in 4th grade to move to 5th the fcat is a horrible test.

The schools here imo suck (and its even wrose for people with an iep ) at least in my school witch is very stuck up. (witch next year im leaving it and homeschooling!)
But the location of polk is nice its close to every thing.

Please know that, especially if things are written into your daughter's IEP, they will be honored - including provisions for state-wide testing. As an educator, I can't believe that a state wouldn't allow for a physical disability. A student in our building broke both hands last year - our principal ended up scribing for her on the writing prompt. I know I'm not in Florida, but there are national laws that the state laws have to comply with. Good luck in your search!