Fort Benning

[nsl]

We just got a very surprising RFO for Fort Benning, and know nothing about the area, schools, anything.  After fifteen years I didn't think the Army could still surprise me, but it has today.  Anything anyone can tell me about the base and/or community would be much appreciated!

[pyramidsloth]

Hi! I’m a very infrequent poster (more of a lurker, TBH), but we’re stationed at Benning right now. It’s a VERY family friendly base, and I’ve been very impressed by all of the activities that MWR and the battalions put on for the kids throughout the year. We live in one of the newer housing areas, and we’ve been extremely happy here. Maintenance is fairly prompt, we live by lots of parks, we’re a block away from the community center and the pool (which you’ll be using frequently throughout the Georgia summers. That’s one downside to Benning; it’s hotter than hell here). The elementary schools have a free, half-day, pre-k4 program, and we sent our daughter there this past year. She was at Stowers Elementary, and honestly, we were kind of “meh” about the quality of the school. Our older son went to a Catholic school off base, which we absolutely loved (it’s also where we go to church. We usually send our kids to preK on base, because it’s a half-day program and it’s free, and then they go to Catholic schools for k-12). But, we know other families who were happy with their children’s education at the schools on base, so that’s just my opinion.

Columbus isn’t a bad area. There isn’t a TON to do here, but there are some very nice restaurants downtown, a farmers market every weekend, lots of concerts during the spring and summer, and the infantry museum is absolutely fantastic. The ATL airport is only an hour and a half away, and there’s a shuttle that can take you to and from base to the airport.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me!

[Deleted]

nsl

It was many years ago, but I went through Ft. Benning elementary schools (McBride and Dexter). Then we moved and I went to civilian public schools. I loved school, my teachers, and the community. Of course, things change and it could be completely different now, but the funding back then was insane and I received a really great education. Smart teachers, small classes, additional enrichment. There were things we did in 3rd grade math/science that I didn't see again (once I was in regular public school) until 10th grade.