50/50 Custody - Please Help Us Choose Between These 2 Elementary Schools

[Anonymous]

We have a shared 50/50 custody schedule (equal time split between mom and dad's house). We have both just moved to new homes and don't really know much about the school districts that we now feed into.

If you had to choose between these 2 schools for your 9 & 11 year old children, which school would you choose?

Hampton Oaks Elementary
Stafford VA
Large Suburb Setting
More diversity
Us News write-up about the school: https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/virginia/hampton-oaks-elementary-215827
Larger school
Similar but lower test scores
Ranked # 602 in Virginia Elementary Schools

Robert E Lee Elementary
Spotsylvania VA
Fringe rural setting
Less Diversity
Us News write-up about the school: https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/virginia/robert-e-lee-elementary-222352
Smaller School
Similar but higher test scores
Ranked # 691 in Virginia Elementary Schools

We need to register our kids soon and are having a hard time deciding so I'm hoping that your input will help us to make the right decision.

[Anonymous]

I would look at more than the elementary schools (Is your 11yo going into 5th?) since middle school is on the horizon.

[Anonymous]

When I was house hunting, I looked at high schools and then went backwards. Compare the high schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look at more than the elementary schools (Is your 11yo going into 5th?) since middle school is on the horizon.

Yes, going into 5th and will be in Middle School next year.

The Stafford County Middle School is Heim Middle:
Stafford VA
Large Suburb Setting
More diversity
Larger school (but almost equal population wise)
Similar but higher test scores
Ranked #210 in Virginia Schools
Ranked #5 in Stafford County Public schools
Us News write-up about the school: https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/virginia/shirley-c-heim-middle-268283
Note: The parent located in Stafford is renting and has a 1 year lease. May not renew lease next year.


The Spotsylvania County Middle School is Spotsylvania Middle:
Spotsylvania VA
Mid-size suburb setting
Less diversity but still diverse
Smaller school (but almost equal population wise)
Similar but lower test scores
Ranked #298
Ranked #3 in Spotsylvania County Public schools
Us News write-up about the school:https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/virginia/spotsylvania-middle-268647
Note: The parent located in Spotsylvania owns the home and plans to stay put for at least the next few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was house hunting, I looked at high schools and then went backwards. Compare the high schools.

The Stafford County High School is Brooke Point High:
Ranked #133 in Virginia Schools
Ranked #4 in Stafford County Public schools
Us News write-up about the school: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/stafford-county-public-schools/brooke-point-high-school-20637

The Spotsylvania County High School is Spotsylvania High
Ranked #252 in Virginia Schools
Ranked #5 in Stafford County Public schools
Us News write-up about the school: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/spotsylvania-county-public-schools/spotsylvania-high-school-20632

[Anonymous]

I'd go with where the parent owns and intends to stay for a few years. The differences between the schools are not dramatic.

[Anonymous]

OP do a search about the Spotsylvania County School Board and their actions over the past couple of years:

- threats to burn books
- firing the superintendent without going through the proper steps
- attending conferences tied to political action committees, paid by taxpayers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd go with where the parent owns and intends to stay for a few years. The differences between the schools are not dramatic.

I was going to say that diversity was important, but for kids dealing with a divorce and two new houses, I think stability wins out.

Definitely school #2, unless parent 1 has a plan for staying in the same neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

What is your custody schedule? I would go with the school closest to where they sleep most school nights. If your schedule has them splitting the school nights, I would adjust the schedule.

It is unreasonable to be 20+ miles away from one’s school on a regular basis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is your custody schedule? I would go with the school closest to where they sleep most school nights. If your schedule has them splitting the school nights, I would adjust the schedule.

It is unreasonable to be 20+ miles away from one’s school on a regular basis.

I just google mapped this. That's not a sustainable distance. Those poor kids. Hopefully the parents will realize their mistake and figure out a solution.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your custody schedule? I would go with the school closest to where they sleep most school nights. If your schedule has them splitting the school nights, I would adjust the schedule.

It is unreasonable to be 20+ miles away from one’s school on a regular basis.

I just google mapped this. That's not a sustainable distance. Those poor kids. Hopefully the parents will realize their mistake and figure out a solution.

I used to live in Fredericksburg and am familiar with both of these areas. I agree with this. Too far.