Progressive education options in Austin (Round Rock, Leander: credit, home, school districts)

[LisaTH]

We are considering a relocation from Washington D.C. to Austin and have two questions/concerns. 1) Is is possible to remain shielded from the "Other Texas" (i.e., conservative, wealthy) while raising kids in Austin? 2) What are the progressive education options (private likely; perhaps public charter) for K-8 and 9-12? St. Francis (K-8) seems like the best younger option but where do very liberal parents send their kids for high school if seeking a more individualized educational approach (less emphasis on testing) that is preferrably not replete with very wealthy families? Perhaps not possible but any ideas? If you haven't figured it out, we are university/non-profit types with strong leftist politics (our kids are in a Quaker school over here which is perfect for us).

[neddy]

Why would you want to move down here and then shield yourself from all this state has, good or bad? Not sure but with that being the goal for you, that you would be happy here at all if you are going to spend time trying not to interact with the "locals". Not everyone that lives down here has money or is conservative but even the ones that do are pretty darn nice.

[TexasHorseLady]

There's all sorts of educational options here, but you might find St. Francis a bit conservative for your tastes (at least, it was when our daughter attended many years ago). You might want to look into the Austin Waldorf School.

But I do have to second neddy's question.

It sounds like you have preconceived notions of what Texas is like (don't feel bad, lots of people have those and other stereotypes before they come here, and some can't let go of them once they DO get here, which leads to a bit of a disconnect for them), or, for that matter, stereotypes of what "rich" and "conservative" are like, that just don't fit the reality. It also sounds like you'd be moving here with the idea of isolating yourself from anyone who isn't just like you, and that's really not what Texas is like or, for that matter, a good mindset when you're moving anywhere. It leads to such bad behavior as complaining about how where you came from is SO much better than where you've moved to, and trying to change where you moved to into a replica of where you came from, instead of enjoying it for the unique things that make it what it is.

Once you're here (if you do decide to come), you'll find that Texas is less conservative/liberal than live and let live (with some few exceptions, of course, just like everywhere else - we do have our politics addicts just like every place does), as long as you're willing to do the same and not push your views (political or otherwise) on everyone else or try to insist that anyone who doesn't share them must be deficient in some way. You'll find conservatives and liberals (and everything else) living on the same street as neighbors and caring more about how good a neighbor you are than what your leanings are politically. If you can do that, and be happy with it, you'll do fine here.

[Schnaiy]

Have no direct experience with Charter schools in Austin, some are new and so may not have much information about them for you to analyze.

If you are going to be residing in the Austin ISD area you are wise to choose a charter school - there is heavy emphasis on passing the State test for which they do not do well. Great public schools in surrounding school districts: Round Rock ISD has the best reputation for being progressive and high standards (Recognised by the State also). Leander ISD is rapidly expanding with new high schools and performing better than Austin ISD also.
The school district I taught has just been recognized by the state as Exemplary WOOHOO I helped them get there (the top rating) - Lago Vista (it's small and the not progressive, they focus on the test - ultra conservative) unfortunately not progressive and I will not be there this year.

If you wanting more generation information about Texas high schools, 5A (which is the largest) offer more electives for students to choose from. 2A (smallest less than 500 students) have very limited options. All high schools now offer some dual classes which allow the students to earn college credit - again, best to check what is offered before making a decision on a school. Be aware Texas has graduation criteria which will be different from your state and some school districts impose more credits to graduate than the state minimum (the graduation plans vary: minimum - for special ed usually; recommended - most take, two years foreign language; distinguished - requires three years of foreign language. So be sure to have the transcripts and sit down with the school counselor to make sure your student isn't placed into classes they've already passed!

If your child has been taking advanced classes previously or gifted/talented classes, high schools in Texas offer Advanced Placement classes which increase the student GPA due to the rigorous demands of the classes and are usually very progressive and often run more like a college class. They are not to be confused with dual classes, which allow students to gain high school credit and college credit. Hope this helps, I'm happy to give you any more information.

However, this is a great site for you to compare Charters schools in Austin, and then I suggest you visit the school websites to get more information about any you are interested in.

www.greatschools.net/texas/austin/charter/schools/

[traceyr13]

Try looking at St. Andrew's school (k-12, Episcopalian). I'm a New Englander who spent quite a bit of time at both the lower and upper school, and was very impressed. Yes, there is some wealth, but the kids were down to earth and very sweet, and they're committed to trying to build diversity/give scholarships. I wouldn't hesitate to send my kids there (and I'm a Yankee educator).

[capcat]

Some less traditional options to research, visit and see what you think:

Austin Home Base is through grade 6, and is a combination of home school and private school, with part time hours which aren't suitable for everyone. If you have a flexible schedule and want to commit the hours to be involved in and extend your child's education you might want to visit:
About AHB

Ace Academy is for "gifted" (hate to use that word) students, through grade 9:
ACE ACADEMY: Welcome

Griffin School is a high school
GRIFFIN SCHOOL • college preparatory high school in Austin, Texas

Visit your public options, though. Robert E. Lee fits the person profile you stated, but there will be testing. LBJ is a public high school/science academy. McCallum is public, a fine arts academy. Your child will not be sheltered from high SES or low SES in these schools, but then again, they will be exposed to and learn tolerance for a wide variety of people.

[hoffdano]

I must say if you want such an isolationist approach to education for your children you should home school them. Then you can prevent them from hanging out with kids that have iPhones, play football, or drive BMWs in high school

This is rather odd to me. I find it just as narrow minded when I hear people who want their kids to learn in a narrowly focused "Christian" environment. Just as closed minded as what the OP is asking for.

[Jennibc]

Stereotyping people is small-minded no matter from where along the political spectrum one hails. I've met some great people here and I have no idea where they fall politically.

[hoffdano]

BTW - Texas supports the home school crowd quite well. It isn't for me - but I know quite a few people who home school their children.

[mimimomx3]

Progressive in Texas means something very different from Progressive in the NE.

If you really want to be progressive, you'll send your kids to East Austin for some honest to goodness diversity. Unfortunately, many of those schools, according to NCLB standards are rated 'academically unacceptable'. So...you'll need to make some concessions.