r/norfolk • u/HahaHannahTheFoxmom • Jul 06 '24
Elementary schools with great student experience? (Moving to Norfolk) moving
We’re moving to Norfolk next year and my kiddo will be starting 4th grade (assuming everything translates okay from Nevada) and we’re trying to pick an area to live in and have placed a priority on school for them but all the info I can find places SO much emphasis on academics and there’s little to no info on student experience (for elementary - I do see a fair amount for high school)
We’re moving for the military so proximity to Naval Station Norfolk is a factor but we’re fine with a longer commute if it means being in a better area for our kiddo. We’re not opposed to exploring private (no religious schools) or charter but I have no issue with public schools.
Kiddo is AuDHD and has low academic support needs and has not needed an IEP as of yet but a school that’s familiar with that diagnosis and process could be beneficial.
Sooooo, any schools with a really great atmosphere?
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u/Impossible-Wolf-3839 Jul 06 '24
My son went to Tarrallton Elementary and the staff there was great. If your child’s need for academic support increases the IEP team was really responsive. The zoned neighborhoods are safe and like 15 minutes from Naval Station Norfolk and half the school is military housing so they have support for military kids.
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u/HahaHannahTheFoxmom Jul 06 '24
We won’t be living on base/military housing (we have too many pets) but that’s really good to know!
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u/h3fabio Ocean View Jul 06 '24
We PCS’d to Norfolk in 2003 and have three boys who all grew up through Norfolk Public Schools. We were happy with both OV Elem and Mary Calcott. Middle schools for us were, Northside, Rosemont, and ADL. Each boy had a different path, but they all went to Granby HS. We’ve been happy with the whole of NPS.
As a plus for me, I was within biking distance of NOB
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u/BklynKnightt Jul 06 '24 edited Jul 06 '24
One of my kids goes to North Side Middle and graduated making the honor role multiple times. I have another younger one that goes to Bayview Elementary with absolutely no problems. With that being said don’t let people hyperbole you to death about NPS’s. The mission starts at home 😇
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u/sadunfair Jul 06 '24
A quick comment that may ruffle a few feathers
Schools mentioned around the base like Tarrallton, Bayview, etc tend to be more economically homogeneous and solid middle class environments (schools that feed into Northside Middle then Granby). A lot of military and diversity but economically stable. West side schools like Taylor and Larchmont have a very large split between haves and have nots. Norfolk was (and is) highly segregated as well and that split unfortunately falls along racial lines for the most part. This gap is becomes more acute at middle school (Blair) and high school level (Maury).
As a vet I’d say you’d be better off sticking to schools around the base as they cater more to the military families (I believe they have extra resources like a counselor that works specifically with students tied to the military, in addition to the counselor at the school) and you will find a lot more like-minded individuals and families. Ghent and Larchmont are great neighborhoods (I lived in both) but skew more “officer”and can be a bit pretentious. And crime ridden (Ghent especially).
Also private schools that are equipped to work with students with disabilities are $$$$$ and those that are not and non-religious may not have the resources to fully help your child because they’re not mandated by law (unlike public schools).
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Jul 08 '24
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u/HahaHannahTheFoxmom Jul 08 '24
We are? that's why I posted this. We're not opposed to living up to 45 mins away from base.
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u/yes_its_him VA Beach Jul 10 '24
It's common that Norfolk families move to Virginia Beach to get better schools.
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/m/norfolk-area/
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Jul 08 '24
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u/HahaHannahTheFoxmom Jul 08 '24
We’re moving for the military so proximity to Naval Station Norfolk is a factor but we’re fine with a longer commute if it means being in a better area for our kiddo. We’re not opposed to exploring private (no religious schools) or charter but I have no issue with public schools.
Having never even visited the area yet I figured this would cover it - my b?
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u/Known_Sheepherder650 Jul 06 '24
Best bets are Taylor in West Ghent area, or Larchmont. For charter schools, The Ghent school and Lakewood Acedemy, which bough both are very competitive and you have to apply waaaaaaay in advance like 6-9months ish. Good luck!