Hi my husband is posted to Holloman in the summer and we were wondering about the schools and how people rate them? We have 3 children who will be 6, 4 & 8 months when we arrive in July/August.
As we are coming from the UK we understand the school system is quite different, for example will my 6 yr old and 4 yr old enrol at the same school?
Any advice and recommendations would be greatfully received!
Many thanks 

Well, the 4 and 6 yr old will be at the same school, if you live on base and they attend school on base. Well, Im not sure about the 4 yr old, I don't even know what grade that is ... my kid is older and in middle school. Any way, the school isn't that great ... my son has a lot of frustration there because we came from overseas and the school program there was just great. Seems as though they are a bit behind here. My son was about average overseas and here he's just advanced. He gets frustrated with the work they give out here, and he actually got into trouble for finishing his work early. Yep, he sat there after he was done and the teacher got on him for "showing off". And I have some words I'd like to say about the teachers there, but I won't ... let's just say some are pretty stupid and inconsiderate.

However, I have talked to some parents and they have raved about the teachers and the program ... my opinion is it sucks ... but what the hell can I do about it. I just keep my son busy with extra stuff at home ... sorry to burst any hopes you may have ... but there are far better places than this. Again, this is just MY OPINION ... 

Children cannot start school here until they are 5. If they turn 5 after September 1, they have to wait for the next school year unless you enroll them in a private school. We live in town and have High Schoolers, so I cannot tell you about the other schools. 

My daughter goes to the school on base. She is in the first grade and she was also there for kindergarten. We have never had any problems with them I have friends that also go there and the kids enjoy the school. They do have Pre K on base for 4 year olds but it for kids that are a little behind. Your child will be tested to see what level they are on. The building is right next to the first grade building,what I like about the school is the doors are lock and the staff are the ones that have the keys. So no one can just walk in they have to go to the office first to sign in. Hope this helps let me know if you have any questions 

Schools in New Mexico are not good. However, in my opinion, the schools on base are the best here. I have heard some good things about the private schools here, and they might be a good option for you since your children are young. The private schools are very small, but seem to have higher enrollment in the younger grades. Our daughter is in middle school, and the enrollment in the private schools is very low for middle and high school levels, and they don't have much to offer for extra curricular activities. So we chose to send her to the middle school on base.

I agree with some of the previous comments in that New Mexico schools are behind, and it's no secret that they are at the bottom of the list in national rankings. However, I feel that in the base schools they try to keep the students moving forward by placing them in advanced classes when necessary. With what they have to work with, I think they do a good job. The schools on base are part of the local school district. They are not DoD, nor their own district. And that's the challenge. So, like I said, I think they do a good job with placing kids in advanced classes in order to keep moving forward in their education. Our daughter is in advanced classes, and she also, like mentioned above, even in these classes, is not challenged with the work. So, we also give her extra at home. Our biggest concern here is the high school. We're not sure what we're going to do then. We've heard good and bad. With the age of your children, you probably won't have to worry about that, though. 

Wow Thank you for your comments, there's a lot to think about! I am concerned about the schools being the lowest ranking in the States and children not being challenged enough, my eldest has already started school in UK and is learning at a fast pace and loving all the work! Will need to find out if we are entitled to private schools to see if they are worth a look. Many thanks again, I may be in touch again nearer the time! 

One of the private schools in Alamogordo cost $400 a month. 

Our children aren't school age yet......but I have heard that quite a few people in the area choose to drive their kids either to Cloudcroft or Las Cruces to go to school. I hope we are out of here by that time, but if not, I think I would actually consider doing that for high school. For elementary and middle school, I would probably choose to send our kids to school on base. 

This is my son's first year at Alamogordo High School. We thought there would be problems too but so far everything is fine. 

So far Barb, so far. 

Get a life Carol 

kindly deleted :-) 

Yeah I pick him up. He has to go to work at 4:00pm and at 14, he doesn't drive yet.

I heard you drove your children AWAY Carol. 

Eau contraire Mein Fuehress. On the contrary. I am blessed to have two wonderful children, both professionals and doing well. But, as you know NOTHING of my family, you speak through your AZZ as usual.
As for your boy working... NM requires that the age limit is 15, and the employer must have state approval. Does his employer have a document which states this? I must research his place of employment, and knowing people you know, this wont be difficult. Hope you have all your P's and Q's dotted dear. 

I understand today is the anniversary of your husband's death. Get some counseling for your grief CAROL.

My son is working on an internship so don't you fret your crippled, grey head. 

Hahahahaha, is that what they call it now?
I wasnt aware food service workers require an internship.
Hahahahahaha. 

He isn't working food service dipschitz 

It's passed 4 pm. Had your second pill yet Barb, or are the side effects getting too hard to handle?
No problem, Sean will be home from his hard days work, and he will cook dinner.
Make sure you drink lots of water with that medication. It's a requirement.
If you dont, I've heard you will dissapear down the rabbit hole.
Hahahahahaha. 

Did you mourn your husband's death today by bopping that new money pit?? 

You would think she would seek help for this problem, but there is definitely something wrong. She accuses others of taking pills, yet she does so herself. What a shame to see someone this age acting this way. 

How would you know that drinking lots of water is a requirement with taking a certain type of medication Carol? 

Have you been BOPPED today?
Hahahahaha.
And personality #2...... just research. The web is so full of info.
Barb, what was that that funny poined brown hat I saw Ryan wearing?
See you on Topix. I will give you both (ha !!!!! ha) a report on my wonderful day.
Getting anxious hun? No prob, drink some Dasani. You'll be fine.
Baw hahahahahahaha.

Oh and everyone, I'm so important, that Barb and her friends(?) started a whole new thread about me on Alamogordo Daily News Topix page. C'mon over and join the fun. 

Oh and Barb dear.... what did your poor long suffering husband make for dinner tonight? You know, I have it on good authority (USACE)that he dreads coming home. Do you and your other personality(s) know this yet? Noticed the signs yet? 

Right now the High School is in dire straits. We have 3 vice-principals-no principal as the last one "another Barbie" quit after like 4 months. We are suppose to have a new Superintendent, lol I have been waiting for a meeting for over 3 months with him. The High School keeps calling me and saying my daughter is absent when she isn't. They can't keep anything straight. Teachers don't return phone calls or e-mails. I actually had a teacher admit at a conference that she couldn't explain/teach the new math and allowed my son to do it for his friends. Anyone who is not having problems at the High School is not involved with their kids. I have had 4 kids there and in the last 3 years it has gone in the toilet. I am excited we are moving to Florida! 

"Oh and everyone, I'm so important, that Barb and her friends(?) started a whole new thread about me on Alamogordo Daily News Topix page. C'mon over and join the fun."

Oh, you mean the thread you started about yourself? You really aren't all that important. How's that Lexus you are driving running. Did your pipes freeze up in La Luz Canyon? I figured since Pugsley was a member of the high society elite of Alamogordo, you would probably get your pipes fixed sooner than others.

Too bad you really live a crappy little two bedroom house and drive a puke green escort! Too funny Carol. Get a life. Let count how many personalities you have: Senior Person, Carol, genghis khan, Pugsley, cherryhillsnc, and numerous others you trolled around on Topix with. Now have your man pump your gas for you next time. I saw you at Allsups, about time to do your hair again. Your gray roots were starting to show. Good luck on the lottery tickets your man was buying! Maybe you will win and move back to England and wont have to worry about the German Air Force you hate so badly around here. 

You must be stalking some other child Carol. My son doesn't wear a hat. 

BTW, I'm not having problems with the high school and my husband and I are VERY involved with our child and his education. He's an A/B student. We have never had any problems reaching any of his teachers. They always provide a cell phone number and email address at the beginning of the school year. 

I see Barb #2 is getting delusional again. I must take the time out to notify her shrink.
I'm afraid all the facts posted in her message are pure tripe. Dont drive a Lexus(unfortunately) La Luz Canyon? Wheres that? No man, not interested, dont go to Allsupp's, not the least concerned about the German AF.
All fantasy's cooked up by Barb, Raquel, Debbie, Bill, Kathie, Jacky, Jessika, etc. Oh, add Laurie to the list too.
Barb has been obsessed with me since she was known as BLM, then Pink Floyd, now Barb Moore,(cherryhills and Pugsley where her sockpuppets) has been banned from Topix because of her filthy mouth three times, involved with police enquiries, and had a nervous breakdown. Currently was in rehab because of all her flashbacks from her drug days. If I cared, I would be sad for such an unfortunte person, but I couldnt care the least about her. She is one sick puppy who unfortunaly refuses to wake up and face her demons.
Anyway, enough about the Topix Terrorists, I will be posting on ADN shortly, and giving everyone some input into our day up in Cloudcroft yesterday. That way, you'll get all the wonderful facts from me, and not some sick sockpuppet.
Oh Barb dear.... son's pointy hat was McDonalds. DUH. 

You are the one with the sockpuppets Carol. I suspect you have multiple personality disorder.
Everyone on here sees it too.
Please get counseling for your grief. No wonder your doggie ran away and your husband died. Who the hell can stand to be around you?