HOW ARE THE SCHOOLS RANKED ON JOHN'S ISLAND?

Like other areas in Charleston, there are both public and private schools on Johns Island. However, in terms of "ranking," I assume you are referring to performance of schools on standardized tests, which would restrict our conversation to public schools. On Johns Island, those would be Johns Island High School, Haut Gap Middle School and Mt. Zion Elementary. As the other agents have already indicated, information about those schools can be found on the web. But, let me caution you as to how much credence you give to such scores in terms of equating rank with how good the school might be.

The key is what one means by "good" schools. Typically, folks cite standardized test scores which bring a list of communities like Summerville, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant or school found in Berkeley or Dorchester counties. But, these are aggregate scores and do not, for example, take into consideration the pool of students which they are getting to begin with. Simply stated how much DIFFERENCE do specific schools really make in improving, enhancing, and advancing students cognitive abilities? If students are, on average, already good readers, etc before entering schools then, compared to those schools whose students do not come from such privileged backgrounds, the schools will appear to be "better." Committed and experienced teachers, not test scores, are the measure. This is the true litmus test for great schools--and a school that can best serve the needs of your individual child may be different from mine, because my child is different from yours.

There is also the question of whether you are interested in various charter schools or private schools, which bring us to other considerations, which I won't detail here.

What I recommend is that you look at the variety of Johns Island neighborhoods (e.g., Whitney Lake, Villages at St. Johns in the Woods, Gift Plantation as well as nearby Seabrook and Kiawah) based on a variety of factors (e.g., median housing price, location, appreciation rates and prospects for appreciation, commercial and recreational amenities). This real estate information can be found on my website. Then you can begin to investigate some of the specific schools--both public and private--which should not simply be looking at test scores; connect with educators/parents in those schools.

Before entering real estate, I taught for 25 years in South Carolina and have written extensively about education. It is really critical to look at the micro-level (what is best for YOUR child/children) rather than at the macro-level. One school, for example, may have a tremendous music and art programs. If you select a school district based on aggregate test scores (which do not at all include the arts in their measure), then have you really matched your child with the right school? My point, of course, can be extended to other areas as well.

Thinking strategically about the right school for your child is just as important as thinking in detail about the right house/neighborhood for your residence. One size does not fit all! As an Accredited Buyer Representative and South Carolina Realtor, my primary job is not to sell a home to a customer but to help clients find the best home to match their specific needs--including the educational needs of their children!

You could go the the Charleston County Schools website, however, http://www.schooldigger.com is an excellent website with valuable information. Johns Island is a rural community, although a beautiful place. I actually live on Johns Island.

Let me know if you find the information you are looking for. If you need something in particular, I would be happy to assist you.

Mike

http://www.ccsdschools.com/districts.cfm?subject_id=2&district=9#9

Gary,

The above website will direct you to the Charleston County website that will show you the Johns Island schools.

Please let me know if I can help you.
http://www.LauraSargent.com

My best,

Laura Sargent
lsargent@carolina.com
843-509-2375

Hi Gary,

Here is a link to the Johns Island Ratings