Jefferson City Schools in Jackson County Georgia- My own personal experience.

In working with buyers it's typical to have "Good Schools" at the top of the list of things they need with their new home. What makes a good school these days? Good scores? No violence or drugs? Sports programs? Good teachers?

As a Realtor^®, who transferred to Jackson County, specifically the City of Jefferson, GA, within the past three years, let me tell you what I have found regarding school systems in my area.

First of all- no school is perfect. You may not like every single thing the school does or doesn't do or every teacher in the school system. Any school can have problems. Especially since the kids who make up the school's student body are a reflection of the people who live in that community and no community I've ever lived in is without some challenges.

When my husband and I came to Jefferson to start up a new office and new swim/tennis community (Mallards Cove & Mallard's Landing) we had our own two kids to consider. One was going into 11th grade and one 1st grade. (I know- quite a spread, huh?) We knew we wanted to live in the community in which we sold - so we began our research. We visited all the schools and we spoke to all the counselors and took tours. I highly recommend to families who are relocating to any new area to do the same. Make sure to ask about schedules, discipline, transferring credits, drop-out rates (pay attention to this one!) After visiting the county and city schools (elementary through high school) we found the city schools to be more in line with what was the best fit for our children.

Jefferson has 4 schools within the city limits. Jefferson Elementary (K-2), Jefferson Academy (3rd-5th), Jefferson Middle (6th-8th) and Jefferson High (9th-12th).To be guaranteed a spot in the schools you need to live within the city limits. Some families have their children grandfathered in and pay tuition, but as the system grows it is not the best way to ensure admittance. I know many families who have one child in the schools only to find out the younger sibling can't get in.

All the schools are in the same area- basically the same intersection. So the trip to school in the morning is easy and that makes after-school activities easier too. The start times are staggered for families with kids in different schools. Many kids walk- especially in the afternoons when it's warm. They still have crossing guards and traffic officers! I will admit that traffic can get heavy during the morning drop-off, but new turning lanes were just completed and they are working beautifully! It takes me about 10 minutes to get to school and back home in the mornings. The school buses run throughout the city- but most people seem to drive or walk since they live so close.

My daughters first few months at the high school were a little hard. After all, many of these kids grew up together and she was the new kid. High school is tough anyway you cut it. But after a few months, she fit right in. This actually helped her adapt to meeting new kids her first year at college! The school work was more challenging than the school system we came from- so she had her work cut out for her there too. I would be hesitant to move an upcoming senior- but transferring during 11th grade seemed to work out fine. The high school building isn't new although they have recently added on. Parking doesn't seem to be a problem even though many of the kids drive. They have a little over 600 total students in the high school for all four grades. Jefferson High students have opportunities I never had- like visiting Europe and participating in a Scottish Exchange program. The teachers are highly qualified and many attended Jefferson themselves and returned to teach. My daughter admitted after graduating that the move to Jefferson was for the best even though in the beginning she missed her old school a lot. I think she has developed friendships here that will last her a very long time.

My youngest one loved his teachers at the elementary school! There was so much parent involvement here that if the class has a party or a play you will have to park far away and walk! All the parents come! The elementary school is an older building but it is very well maintained and bright and clean inside. The play areas are excellent too.

Today my oldest child is off at college and my youngest attends Jefferson Academy. Academy students wear uniforms- which has been a great experience! Feedback from the teachers say the kids come ready to work and are much better behaved- not to mention not having to argue over inappropriate attire. I have loved the Academy although I do feel the after school program could be a little more fun for the kids who have to stay into the afternoon. My son loves school but didn't like aftercare. Jefferson Academy also has a program which gives the kids attention and rewards for being good! If they "catch" good behavior- it's rewarded. They have character education mixed into their agenda. They have opportunities to participate in community projects. They expect a lot from the kids and they tend to rise to the challenge. Did I mention the Academy is a brand new building? It's very nice and clean.

Now- none of my kids have attended the middle school, but I hear it's pretty good too. Sports are available which is unusual for this age group. We had to get to high school before clubs and sports were offered.

To the best of my knowledge there has-been no major threats of violence at Jefferson schools. If you are wondering if there are drugs I have been told that if someone wants something badly enough they will find it. But I also noticed that in a smaller town- if your kid is doing something they shouldn't be you will hear about it one way or another. The test score for the schools are very high and the high school has some of the highest SAT scores in the state.

I have heard some comments among parents with special needs children that they have to move to a larger school system to get the services their children require. If this is your situation I recommend parents contact the schools directly with any questions.

So if you are looking for "Good Schools" I think I have found some of the best public schools around. If you would like to look for a home in this area, please give me a call. If you would like to comment on your own experineces with Jefferson City Schools feel free to post.

If you have any questions about any schools in my service area, feel free to email me. ginafig@alltel.net The website for Jefferson City schools is www.jeffcityschools.org. I serve Jackson, Barrow and some of North Gwinnett and East Hall Counties, although I live in Jackson County. I offer relocation services, Buyer's Agency, and specialize in new construction. I also market Mallards Landing and Mallards Cove in Jefferson!