Cheri Riley

The Cheri Riley Group recently brought you a post that highlighted the Top 10 Elementary Schools in Georgia based on 2008 – 2009 CRCT Data. Today we’ll bring you another informative piece that this time focuses on Georgia Middle Schools that are making headlines with their outstanding CRCT results, among other noteworthy accomplishments.

In order to learn more about top ranking middle schools in Georgia, we performed a search that looked at English/Language Arts and Math Results from the 2008 – 2009 CRCT. We were able to find detailed information about the best middle schools in Georgia, out of 462 total schools. Statistics such as the total number of students, average CRCT scores, and student teacher ratios were readily available from this report.

We were excited to see that many of the schools that were included within the top rankings are schools where our clients are purchasing luxury homes, in counties such as Cobb and Gwinnett, and in cities like Marietta. Among the top performing schools are Dickerson Middle School in Maritetta, Georgia, Hightower Trail Middle School, also in Marietta, Georgia, and Alton C. Crews Middle School in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

As a reminder, these ranking do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cheri Riley Group. SchoolDigger.com is an excellent resource for learning valuable information about Georgia schools, and we also recommend utilizing other methods to learn more during your school search. Some suggestions include visiting schools’ websites, touring a wide variety of schools, and talking to other parents that send their children to schools in the area in order to learn more.

The Cheri Riley Group would love to work with you as you take the next step in purchasing a luxury home in Georgia. We look forward to bringing you more information about other outstanding schools in Georgia, including high schools, in the near future. We can be reached at cheririley@atlantafinehomes.com or at 404.944.9992.

The Cheri Riley Group recently brought you a post that highlighted the Top 10 Elementary Schools in Georgia based on 2008 – 2009 CRCT Data. Today we’ll bring you another informative piece that this time focuses on Georgia Middle Schools that are making headlines with their outstanding CRCT results, among other noteworthy accomplishments.

In order to learn more about top ranking middle schools in Georgia, we performed a search that looked at English/Language Arts and Math Results from the 2008 – 2009 CRCT. We were able to find detailed information about the best middle schools in Georgia, out of 462 total schools. Statistics such as the total number of students, average CRCT scores, and student teacher ratios were readily available from this report.

We were excited to see that many of the schools that were included within the top rankings are schools where our clients are purchasing luxury homes, in counties such as Cobb and Gwinnett, and in cities like Marietta. Among the top performing schools are Dickerson Middle School in Maritetta, Georgia, Hightower Trail Middle School, also in Marietta, Georgia, and Alton C. Crews Middle School in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

As a reminder, these ranking do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cheri Riley Group. SchoolDigger.com is an excellent resource for learning valuable information about Georgia schools, and we also recommend utilizing other methods to learn more during your school search. Some suggestions include visiting schools’ websites, touring a wide variety of schools, and talking to other parents that send their children to schools in the area in order to learn more.

The Cheri Riley Group would love to work with you as you take the next step in purchasing a luxury home in Georgia. We look forward to bringing you more information about other outstanding schools in Georgia, including high schools, in the near future. We can be reached at cheririley@atlantafinehomes.com or at 404.944.9992.

The Cheri Riley Group, Atlanta's top real estate luxury group, is committed to bringing you a wide variety of resources and information that will assist you in your next decision to buy a home. We've provided you with several posts about local area schools and their many accomplishments, including Sarah Smith Elementary, Walton High School, and many more. Today we're pleased to bring you information via SchoolDigger.com, a valuable website that allows you to compare schools, districts, and cities and perform customized searches utilizing criteria that are important to you and your family.

One search that we found to be particularly useful was a comprehensive list of the top elementary schools throughout the state of Georgia. Utilizing scores from the 2008 - 2009 Criterion Referenced Competency Test, or CRCT, in English Language Arts and Math, SchoolDigger provided us with detailed information, including student teacher ratios, average CRCT scores, and changes from the previous year. The search can be modified to look at additional information, such as Reading CRCT scores.

Many of the schools listed within the top ten ranking of elementary schools in Georgia based on ELA/Math CRCT scores are areas in which we have a wide variety of fine luxury homes. Cobb County Schools, along with Atlanta Public Schools, were some of the schools recognized for their high achievements. Mount Bethel Elementary in Marietta, Timber Ridge Elementary, also in Marietta, and Jackson Elementary, in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, ranked second, fourth, and tenth on the list, respectively.

Please note that these rankings do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cheri Riley Group. We suggest utilizing sites such as SchoolDigger, along with other methods, such as visiting prospective schools, meeting with teachers, and so on, when making an important decision such as purchasing a home and choosing a school for your child.

The Cheri Riley Group is available to assist you in your next search for an incredible luxury home in Atlanta, Georgia. We can be reached at cheririley@atlantafinehomes.com or 404.944.9992. We look forward to bringing you more information in the near future about other outstanding schools, including middle and high schools, in the Atlanta area.

Yesterday the Cheri Riley Group brought you a post about one of our most incredible properties, Chinquapin Plantation, located in Thomasville, Georgia. Today we’re excited to bring to you more information about Thomasville and what makes it such a remarkable town!

The city of Thomasville is located in the southernmost part of Georgia near the Florida border, just west of I-75, north of I-10, and is situated conveniently between Valdosta and Tallahassee.

Thomasville’s downtown has long been called “a shopper’s dream come true“. It was named a Great American Main Street City in 1998, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Thomasville as one of the top twelve places to visit in 1999. The CBS News/Early Show called Thomasville “outstanding in terms of climate, housing prices and entertainment opportunities“. The list of accolades truly goes on and on.

Residents and visitors alike thoroughly enjoy the wide range of choices downtown, including antique shopping, eclectic dining, spa options, and much more. You’ll also love the many family friendly activities that the city of Thomasville hosts. Events include the Thomasville Annual Rose Festival, an annual event that dates back to the 1920’s, the annual Pinewoods Bird Festival, a weekly downtown market, cultural events such as concerts, and so on.

As we mentioned yesterday, Chinquapin Plantation’s original builder, John F. Archbold, built the residence as a winter retreat. Thomasville is well known for its pleasant climate, with brief and mild winters, and warm and inviting spring, summer, and fall seasons. If you’re looking for a small-town feel, combined with all the modern conveniences of a thriving setting, then Thomasville, Georgia certainly is the place for you! Thomasville’s Chamber of Commerce has additional resources and information on moving to this great destination, and why it is the perfect place to raise a family, work, or even retire.

The Cheri Riley Group at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is excited about the possibilities that Chinquapin and the unique town of Thomasville, Georgia hold for you! In order to learn more, or to schedule a tour, please contact us at cheririley@atlantafinehomes.com or 404.944.9992.

Did you know that you may be eligible for up to $8,000 now that Congress has extended and expanded the Homebuyer Tax Credit? If you have questions about the Hombuyer Tax Credit Changes, the National Association of Realtors is a great resource to turn to in order to learn more. Many luxury home buyers in the Atlanta area, as well as across the nation, are taking advantage of this great opportunity, and want to know more.

The first document we'd like to share with you is a PDF entitled NAR Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes. This file includes an easy to read table which highlights the differences of the credit prior to its original expiration date of November 2009, versus the expanded and extended version, which continues through April 30, 2010. One of the changes that was made focuses on income limits. As you can see, prior to December 1, the credit included individuals making up to $75,000, and couples earning $150,000, with an additional $20,000 phase out. Now, the limits have been raised to $125,00 for people who are single, and $225,000 for those who are married, with an additional $20,000 phase out remaining the same.

The next resource is another PDF file, NAR FAQ Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes, which provides answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about the Homebuyer Tax Credit. It answers useful questions such as whether or not existing homeowners need to purchase a home that costs more than their current home to earn the $6500 credit, and meet all the eligibility requirements (to which the answer is no, a resident can move to a home which costs less than their current home).

The Cheri Riley Group is here to work with you as you purchase your next Atlanta Fine Home. We will be glad to answer any questions you have about the Homebuyer Tax Credit, as well as introduce you to reputable lenders that can further help you throughout the process.