Starting when I was in the sixth grade, my family was relocated across the country about every two years because of my father’s job. Every time my father brought home the news of our next move, my mom would go into major research mode. The number one priority was always the school systems and then real estate.

If you are a parent contemplating a move to the Lake Norman area I’m sure you are also anxious to learn as much as possible about the various schools before you make a decision if or where to purchase a home. Thanks to the Internet, you can do most of the research from the comfort of you own home.

The first thing you should know is that there are 5 school districts surrounding Lake Norman.

1. Charlotte-Mecklenburg The Charlotte Mecklenburg County School District encompasses the towns of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and south to Charlotte.

2. Iredell-Statesville: The Iredell County School District includes the County area of Mooresville (zip-code 28117) along the east bank of Lake Norman and north up through Troutman and Statesville.

3. Mooresville Graded School District The Town of Mooresville has their own school system. So, if you are looking at real estate in the zipcode 28115 this will most likely be your school district.

4. Lincoln County Schools include the town of Denver and Lincolnton on the south west side of Lake Norman.

5. Catawba County Schools include the communities of Sherrills Ford, Terrell on the northwest side of Lake Norman.

Lake Norman is also home to some great Charter and Private schools as well.  The Charlotte Observer has a comprehensive list:  Lake Norman Private and Charter Schools

A great resource for researching Lake Norman schools in addition to the above school district website is the North Carolina State website: NC School Report Cards. On this site you can search by school system, by a map or even an individual school and it will provide you with:

• School size
• Average class size
• Financial support
• Performance of students in each grade in both reading and math and by gender, ethnicity and other factors
• Individual school’s performance and designations (Honor School of Excellence etc.)
• Quality and qualifications of teachers
• School Safety
• Access to technology

Other websites that rate schools:  Great Schools ,  School Digger, Neighborhood Scout

Helpful pointers on how to pick out a school from Ann Doss Helms, Charlotte Observer education reporter:

• Ask about and visit classes and programs your child is likely to take part in such as electives, special magnet classes and programs for gifted or disabled students.
• Principals are key to a school’s atmosphere. Do administrators make you feel welcome and seem to care about staff and students?
• Use test scores cautiously. Ask the principal to explain scores and ratings and describe what is being done to remedy weaknesses
• North Carolina law requires each school to have a leadership team, made up of parents and staff, and a three-year school improvement plan. Ask to see the plan and talk to those on the team.
• Beginning in 2009, state law will change the current date of October 16th for the cut-off date for children to turn 5 for entering kindergarten to August 31st.

Another great way to learn more about schools is from the Lake Norman moms themselves! The most popular website/blog: Lake Norman Mommies.com is a great way to network with other moms in the area for friendship, support and fun.

The Charlotte Observer publishes regular news on the Education page.

If you find any other or better resources please leave a comment or email me at:  diane@dianeaurit.com.  Thanks!

Learn More About Life in Lake Norman:

10 Things Lake Norman Waterfront Home Buyers Should Know BEFORE buying

Lake Norman Relocation Resources

Relocating to Lake Norman

60 Things You Should Know About Life in Lake Norman, Part 1