I don't think I'm in the minority when I say that I'd like to see more challenging programs and activities added to the curriculum at most public schools in Charleston, but especially on John's Island.  For instance, with recent school updates and renovations, the high school has an amazing look and feel to it, but their ratings are very poor.  Most of the new families on the island choose to send their children to private schools and other alternative schools not governed by the school board. Many families I know would slowly come around and begin sending their kids to the public schools on the Island, if in fact the school offered an advanced curriculum that aggressively sought out other children and families who were also interested in the same curriculum. For instance, the magnet programs have done very well in the county, until former Superintendent Maria Goodloe put a stop to any additional schools going "magnet".  My children currently attend a public magnet school which has turned itself  around in the past few years to become a very popular, thriving school with excellent ratings. But it took the support of caring families looking for a challenging program for their children as an alternative option to schools performing at sub-standard levels.  I am not willing to place my children into a school with high poverty levels and at sub-standard educational performance unless that school implements a program to challenge my children, and at the same time reach out to other families who desire the same thing.  Perhaps it's time to take another look at the benefits that magnet programs have brought schools all over the county, to alleviate the problem of poorly-performing schools wondering why there are not more academically gifted students to add to their rosters.   Property values and existing home sales would also be boosted with better educational options.  As I see it, that is John's Island's #1 problem to longer - than - average home sale listing times.  And John's Island is just one city with the problem.  There are many other areas in Charleston County experiencing the same issue. I'm bringing it up because I live on John's Island and this very thing is always the talk of the neighborhood.

Lisa Rourk

Tide Marsh Real Estate

www.tidemarsh.com

Charleston, SC

John's Island, SC