Ah.
(My geography is off...I kept thinking Florida...my bad)
There are a few ITA schools down that way. I like the curriculum, not just pure sport but also some Self Defense techniques thrown in, traditional, but not dusty...
Of course it depends on the instructor...
www.itatiger.com
If non is near, I think ATA would be good as well.
But since you are lucky enough to have a choice...see if you can try a few of them out before you commit!