Transfer into Westlake HS? (Austin, Spring: magnet school, university, camps)

[Austin2016]

We are thinking of buying in a different school district in Austin and apply for transfer due to housing budget.

He has two more years before University so we are trying to find a balance.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by Austin2016

We are thinking of buying in a different school district in Austin and apply for transfer due to housing budget.

He has two more years before University so we are trying to find a balance.

Eanes does allow out-of-district transfers based on available spots. There generally aren't very many of them, and just because a student is accepted one year, doesn't mean they will be accepted the next. One needs to reapply each year, so there's the possibility that he may not get a consistent high school experience. The application deadline is early summer too -- maybe the end of June?

If you're that stuck on Westlake, I'd find a way to live in-disrict even if it meant renting for a while. Otherwise, as others have mentioned, there are many great high schools with strong academic programs and cater to his EC interests and he most certainly can find an environment that will suit his needs. I'd concentrate more on those possibilities rather than the "maybe Westlake even though we won't live there" plan.

[Austin2016]

So I started checking out the schools that you have listed. How do people rate the schools on the forum? Are they based on personal experience, school reputation or test scores?

How do you find out the quality of teaching? Are AP and IB courses taught in a similar way or depends on the school?

Thanks!

[austin-steve]

The only way to get the ultimate answer to your questions is to actually apply for the transfer.
http://www.eanesisd.net/transfers

I transferred my older into Westlake until we moved into the district for her final year and the first three of my younger daughter's. Westlake students are highly sought after by colleges and universities.

Steve

[Austin2016]

Thanks for the information.

[sojourner77]

Rent a duplex off of Spyglass Loop. That's the "back door" into Eanes.

[78745gm]

I'm also interested in this topic. How are the kids treated at this school if they are living in a rented duplex area? I just wonder if the kids become outcasts.

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by Austin2016

So I started checking out the schools that you have listed. How do people rate the schools on the forum? Are they based on personal experience, school reputation or test scores?

How do you find out the quality of teaching? Are AP and IB courses taught in a similar way or depends on the school?

Thanks!

Different people rate (the academics of) schools & school tracks/feeder patterns different ways.

I prefer to look at average SAT scores and the % of kids taking the SAT. Also the number of kids taking AP tests AND their average scores. The quick litmus being the average SAT score.

Good question on how different schools teach AP & IB courses. I have no idea. Given your work location at Bee Caves & Mopac (& your data points)....if money was no object, I would be looking at (in order):

1. Eanes/Westlake
2. AISD/Anderson (with LASA a possibility in AISD)
3. RRISD/Westwood
4. LISD/Vandegrift
5. LTISD/Lake Travis (can someone confirm if LT has IB ??)

So FIVE different school districts and FIVE different HSs. All very good to great (academic) schools. All with pros & cons.

At the school my kid attends, AP courses are harder (sometimes much harder....more material and more advanced material) than "on level" courses. And IB courses are identical to AP courses....but have move "work" (with related projects, group projects, read an extra book & do a report, etc.) IB is more of a time eater, but the actual material learned & tests taken are identical to AP. (not sure how it is elsewhere)

I would draw a 2-4 mile circle around the 360 Bridge & rent something (you'll find townhomes and homes that feed into each of the top 4 schools mentioned above). IMO, the home you "want" today will not be the home you "need" in 2.5 years. & in 6-12 months you'll know a LOT more about Austin than you know now.

Regarding Tennis. Look at Universal Tennis Rating (& type your kid's name in). If he's a 9 or below, he won't make Varsity at WL, WW or LT. (would he be OK with JV?)

I think you should weigh the pros & cons of attending WL vs. Anderson (or WW). My kid attends WW & has lots of friends at WL (& the other 4 schools), but would be a much better fit at WW, Anderson (or Vandy or McNeil) than he would at WL or LT. But each kid is different.

Good luck.

[Austin2016]

hound 109, thank you so much for the detailed information. I am slowly learning the different school districts and neighbourhood names, but I am getting there! Thanks!

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by 78745gm

I'm also interested in this topic. How are the kids treated at this school if they are living in a rented duplex area? I just wonder if the kids become outcasts.

Westlake students are generally extremely cliquish so it could be an issue depending on who your kid is trying to run with.