I'm happy for you and your kids. We lived in a predominately welfare-druggie area when our kids were little. I checked out the neighborhood school and was shocked at how bad it was. We opted to stay in our "starter home" even with all the issues so we could afford to send our kids to a private school. It was life-changing for them. Years later, they have good jobs. Kids from the neighborhood are in prison, dead, or struggling with life.

The switch to a school that requires work may be difficult for your kids. Encourage them. Let them know hard work now translates into better opportunities.