Help with Austin Elementary School (Round Rock, Cedar Park: how much, assess, moving)

[CuriousD]

First time parents - We need help!!!

We are considering moving within Austin to a location that has excellent elementary/middle/high schools. We did go to the AISD, EISD and PISD web sites but can't seem to figure things out. Here's what we're looking for - any advice is much appreciated.

- is there a site that shows which schools (elementary, middle and high) are assigned to which address? (We did go to AISD, EISD and PISD sites but the tool wasn't working well)
- is there one site that lists all ratings for schools? (I believe blue ribbon is the best rating, any other criteria we should be looking for)
- is there a site that lists all schools in Austin/Cedar Park/Leander/Pflugerville/Rollingwood) and provides rankings?
- is there a parent forum we should join?
- any other sources we should be considering as we try to find a good school for our child?

[hoffdano]

How did you choose AISD, Eanes, and Pflugerville?

You should probably add Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, and Lake Travis ISD to your list.

In Texas schools are evaluated annually by the TEA and assigned a rating that includes Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable, and Unacceptable. Other ratings exist but the TEA ratings are uniform across the state. I consider the TEA ratings a useful starting point but should not be the only thing you look at. The ratings assess performance on standardized tests, dropout rates, etc.

Most ISD websites have a link or map that shows attendance zones or attendance boundaries.

2008 ratings can be searched here.

[SF_treat]

Have you tried greatschools.net? When we moved here, that site was a huge help. It contains both subjective and objective data.

[txgolfer130]

Originally Posted by sf_treat

have you tried greatschools.net? When we moved here, that site was a huge help. It contains both subjective and objective data.

+1

[TexasHorseLady]

Definitely try greatschools.net. Also remember that a school that is great for one kid might not be great for another, and vice versa. For example, the school that was wonderful for my son would have been a disaster for my daughter, and the school that was wonderful for my daughter would have driven my son crazy, because of their different personalities and learning styles. If that's the case in one family, how much moreso with children from different families.

Pick some schools, go and visit, talk to the school staff, observe the kids if you can. See what parents on greatschools.net have to say about the schools, and just as important, WHY they say the things they do.

That'll help in finding the best fit for your child.

[CuriousD]

Thanks to all for the great feedback. Very helpful!