I love my Public School-Palmetto Sr. High!!

I show property in Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay all the time and people wonder why homes jump in price when they cross US 1.   You could say bigger lots and homes in Pinecrest, but the biggest factor is the Public Schools.  Yes, there are wonderful private schools over there too,  (Lord knows I have spent plenty of money in them) but it’s hard to beat free.  My last child is a Senior in Palmetto Sr. High School and I still find it impressive when I go for many reasons.  First safety, I have to show my drivers license to prove my identity to see my child– but they are friendly.  It is easy to park when you are quickly dropping off homework –that she left under the sheets in her bed.  The Pinecrest Police are usually around.  Palmetto locks down the parking lots so the kids cannot sneak out and drive away (we never did that at Gables).  My husband and I went to Senior night this week and the place was packed.  Randy was late and had to sit in another row and we were in the big auditorium.  No apathy there. The administration was not long winded but gave great tips for getting in colleges with lots of handouts with matrixes telling cost, SAT/Act scores, dates of admission, etc.   My daughter came and took notes.  She especially liked telling me it was going to cost about $2000 to participate in all the fun events through out the year.  They gave an outline of the cost for events and made it very clear drinking was not tolerated.  I even talked to her counselor, Mrs. Mallard,  and there was great representation from the school.  I saw friends from business associations, my tennis team and parents of my childs’  friends that I haven’t seen for years.  I must say I was surprised by the turnout.  Maybe the economy makes parents appreciate free public schools and they want to get the most out of it.  Well– they should.  After three kids I have learned there is no perfect school, but a parent can make it better for their child by being involved and getting to know the administration.  The schools are getting less money and they should be depressed but seem to be working just as hard (I am happy to send paper in for A’s).   In the end there is no substitute for involvement from parents who set the precedent for their children, the schools cannot do it all by themselves.

Yes, I sell homes anywhere in Miami but it is  great to be surprised by my own neighborhood-Pinecrest-and impressed by the school my child goes too.  I am so happy to see her excited about her Sr. year and see Palmetto make it special.  This is one of the many reasons when people tell me their price range I am biased for East of the highway.  The economy has a ways to go in the rebound and now is a great time to buy there.   You might pay more for East of the highway, but the resale is better, the parks are great (check out Pinecrest Gardens), and the schools are as good as the parents, teachers and administration put into it.    I see everyone working to make it better for their children and it is a must.  I am looking forward to “back to school night” and Randy and I will not be late. See you there!!