Are you contemplating your child’s first haircut? It feels like such a momentous decision! Should you just cut it at home? Go to a fancy salon and make it an occasion to remember? What about boys? Will you save a lock of hair to commemorate the event?

Chattanooga parents have a new option. Pigtails & Crewcuts is a special salon, just for kids. Of course, they do more than first haircuts, but Brandi Pearl Thompson decided to take her little one, Vivian there for her first trim. She shared the story and some adorable photos with TheNoogaLife!

For a small child, the sight of any kind of hair salon, be it barbershop, spa, or just an average corner hairdresser’s shop can be intimidating. It’s a whole lot of new stuff all at once, and taking in all of that stimulation and being the center of attention is upsetting for many children. No such worries at Pig Tails and Crew Cuts.

Vivian was worried when she and her mom arrived, but she was quickly calmed.

The inside of the salon is brightly colored, with kid-sized everything. The chairs are shaped like fire trucks. The staff has animal crackers and bubbles. Who can cry when there are bubbles and animal crackers in the room?

The next scary thing for most kids – and, again, Vivian was not an exception – is the cape that stylists use to keep the hair off of clothes. Vivian “lost her arm” and had a slight freak out. But, the staff is experienced and quickly came to the rescue!

Lots of children worry that a haircut will hurt, but Vivian was comfortable enough to not be too worried when it came time for the actual cutting.

You may be wondering about the cost of all of this. Brandi Pearl was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is a special First Haircut Package that includes the cut, photos, a frame, and even a lock of hair for the baby book for only $22.95. That is a low price to pay for turning something that could be a horrible experience into a fun memory!

Pigtails & Crewcuts also offers “spa packages” for kids’ birthday parties, and they sell super cute bows and hair baubles! Brandi Pearl and Vivian both highly recommend the experience, for all kids under the age of 10, but especially those who are 6 or younger!

If you have kids, you care about schools. Even if you don’t have kids, you probably still care about schools. This post provides a rundown of educational options in Chattanooga, and links so you can learn more.

Hamilton County Public Schools

The Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE) is by far the largest purveyor of education in the area. With 78 schools and more than 42,000 enrolled students, the HCDE is a large organization. Mr. Rick Smith is the Superintendent and oversees 6,500+ employees.

You can find out registration, zoning, bus services, immunization requirements, and much more at http://www.hcde.org.

In addition to traditional schools Hamilton County is also home to 11 magnet schools. Magnet schools provide specialized programs that focus on particular subject areas such as math, science, and technology, or the creative arts. These schools have more flexible zoning requirements. A percentage of students at each of the magnet schools can live in any zone in Hamilton County. Applications are required, and are due by November 1. Since there are always more applicants than openings, lottery drawings are held in February.

Private School Options

The Chattanooga area is home to a number of private schools, serving every grade level from pre-school to college. The three largest – Girls Preparatory School, Baylor, and McCallie all educate students in middle and high school. They are all also recognized as excellent institutions at an international level.

There are many reasons to consider a private education beyond the prestige. Children with special needs may benefit from a private institution. Students who are pursuing hobbies or particular sports activities at a high level may find a private school a better fit. Regardless of the reason, there is sure to be a school that matches your needs in this area.

Homeschooling

Sometimes, parents decide that the best place for students is at home. There are several homeschooling associations in the area. Most area non-school educational facilities like the Creative Discovery Museum, the Chattanooga Zoo, and the Tennessee Aquarium offer programs for homeschoolers.

Parents of preschoolers generally have a separate list of concerns than those of older children. Keep checking back, as TheNoogaLife plans to provide a separate list of preschool and daycare resources in the near future!