relocating to Charleston-questions about schools/race...

We are a military family considering relocating to the Charleston area later this year. We do not need to be sold on the area as we have both lived there before and can%26#39;t think of a better place to live. However, we now have two young children so have been doing research on schools. We are aware of the poor reputation of South Carolina schools but have found from looking at stats that Hanahan seems to have a good elementary, middle and high school, and Summerville seems to have a good elementary and high, but not so great middle school. These two areas would suit us as we are looking to buy a single family home in the $250-300,000 range. My question is how good are these schools really and what are the standards? Are educated parents with university degrees sending their kids to these schools or are private schools still the only option in Charleston? We are moving from Maryland where we enjoy the luxury of living in one of the best school districts in the nation. However, as a teacher myself I know only too well that good schools can exist in areas that don%26#39;t look good on paper, just as bad schools can exist in areas that excel.

My second question involves race relations. As a mixed race couple my husband and I raised a few eyebrows in Charleston when we lived there 14 years ago. How far has Charleston really evolved in this area? Personally, I%26#39;m not afraid of what other people think, but I am very protective of my children.........Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions on these matters.

relocating to Charleston-questions about schools/race...

My wife is from that same area of Md. as well. I am a teacher here in Charleston County and am sending my kids to Mt. P. schools. The schools on James Island, and in Mt. P, West Ashley are fine and many a people with college degrees that end in Ph.D are sending their children there. The only reason I can think not to are for religious schools (wh/ we considered), but we feel at the elementary and MS level the rel. schools are inferior. Charleston has made many advances in 14 as has much of the south. I teach many kids with biracial backgrounds and parents and feel that you will not feel out of place in Charleston.