I didn’t consider what schools we were zoned for when we moved to Fort Bragg in 2006. Aramis was still a baby and I knew I’d be staying home with him so I wasn’t concerned. Fast forward 7 years later and our guy is in 1st grade this year and guess what? Schools matter! These are some of the things I do when researching schools for my Military children.
Aramis started pre-school in Tampa, while we were stationed at MacDill AFB. We were very lucky to find an amazing private school in South Tampa. Holy Trinity Lutheran School was a blessing to us and is truly a gem hidden in South Tampa. If you have a pre-school aged children go check them out! You won’t be disappointed. The staff is very caring and wonderful. I wish we could go back so Ezra could attend school there.
Back to researching! Ok so, besides word of mouth what are ways to research your child’s school?
Websites
Two great sites I have found and used are Great Schools and School Quest.
Here’s how each site works:
Great Schools
Great schools was one of the first websites I ever looked at while researching schools. The search query is pretty basic. If you have any idea where you are headed it gives you a mile radius to choose from so you don’t miss out.
I love to be able to see a schools rating.
Picture snapped from GreatSchools.com
I worked at Coleman Middle when we were stationed at MacDil AFB. It’s an amazing school!
School Quest
I love that you can search via duty station! Another thing I like about School Quest is that they list important phone numbers. One less thing to Google folks! And they even list the School Liason. How many times have you been in a Facebook group and someone mentions the School Liason but no phone number. There you go! and an EFMP Contact! That’s a true win. Now let’s hope those numbers are up to date.
Picture snap taken from SchoolQuest.org
If you happen to be headed to Fort Gordon next, this is a great screen shot for you.
Word of Mouth
Get a conversation going in a mom’s group. You could be surprised that one of your friends knows someone there or that has had children in the same areas you are looking at. Within our Army community we have come across friends we’ve been stationed with in past duty stations and that has worked in our advantage. You never know when you’ll run into someone again. Ask around, it doesn’t hurt.
Social Media
Working Facebook to your advantage. Have you ever done a search within Facebook? You can search duty stations, and a list of groups available to join will pop up. I joined the Goodfellow AFB pages and have gained so much information. Not only about what’s going on on post but different’ things like what’s the best nail place or hair dresser, along with school information. Use it to your advantage. Join as many groups as you can and if you get anything out of it good and if you don’t, you can always remove yourself from the groups.
Anyone can use these resources for researching schools whether you are Military or Civilian. When it comes to our children, as parents it’s our job to make sure that they are placed where they will thrive. It wasn’t a priority in the past and now as soon as we get word of where we could be headed I am on the hunt. It is likely that our housing decisions will be made once we decide which school fits best for our boys. Ezra will still be pre-school aged, but Aramis will be in the midst of Elementary school. It all matters, take the time to research for your kids sake.
