need some help fast!! (school related)

[JenDaveBrendan]

For any of you that have read some previous threads from me, we are going down to Charlotte, NC tomorrow and I have an appt. with a realtor to show me around. She just called to tell me she will take me to some elementary schools to ask questions too. (my son is in K) In the Mooresville area. So what should I ask?? I am just drawing a blank for some reason.........
thanks!!!
Jen

 

[ktpool]

Teacher endorsements
Full or half time kindergarten
Pupil/teacher ratio
School policy on recess (some schools have elimanated PE)
After school activity or transportation (if that might be important)


Good luck! If you see my Mom in Mooresville, tell her hi

 

[teacherforhi]

Ask if it's Mooresville City Schools or Iredell County Schools...they're two different systems.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

thanks!!

 

[Beth76]

If this applies to you, you may want to ask about attendence policies as pertaining to vacations. Some school districts do not allow vacations as excused absenses. That could be difficult if you wanted to travel during non-peak times.

 

[golfgal]

I would also as about graduation rates from the high school those kids attend and specifically the percent of students going on to a 4 year college after graduation. That tells me the most about the quality of a school and the emphasis other families in the school put on education.

 

[PlutoPony]

For elementary school -
Class size by grade
Absenteeism rate
How often school boundaries change and when last change was
School max capacity and current student enrollment/projection for next few years
% of teachers with masters
Teacher pay - are they well compensated for the area or low/high
Retention rate of teachers at that school
Education requirement of substitutes
Test scores on NC standard tests for appropriate grades
How long is average bus ride
Does this school system have a magnet system and if so get info on that
Try to get a sense of how much parental involvement there is.... are there lots of opportunities for volunteering, role of PTA - active and contributing $$ to specific needs

I'm sure there are a lot more but this is a start
Hope you like what you see!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Kindergarten?

Half Day/Full Day
Class Size
# of students in school
Year built?
bus service to what mileage/area
Nurse on staff?
Cut off for the school district...ie
(what street/neighborhood is the divider for the different schools/district, I find this info valuable when house shopping, cannot rely on realtor, you are responsible for double checking, must make sure this is correct house match with district)
Music/Art/PE classes, ask about their programs...
How many K teachers? How many upper grade teachers?
Middle School and High School....How new? Go do a drive by, at least. See how far it is from your house.

Good Luck!!!!

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

thank you SO much everyone - everyone's posts were all very helpful! I have written it all down - I feel much more prepared now!

Jen

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Ask if it's Mooresville City Schools or Iredell County Schools...they're two different systems.

Jen:

In regards to this (which I've PM'd you about previously), if she takes you to South Elementary, or Park View elementary, you are in the Mooresville Graded School District. Any other elementary school in Mooresville will be the Iredell/Statesville district. Be sure to ask her about the future plans for Mooresville schools...a new bond was just passed, and new schools will be built. My son is in K at one of the Mooresville schools (sorry, I'm not comfortable saying which one on the boards), so if you think of any questions AFTER you've been there, let me know!!

Good luck on your trip! Who knows? If you do move here, we may be neighbors!!