Wylie and Plano programs - music, art, academics... (Dallas, Murphy: houses, neighborhoods)

[ksusan]

The houses we are looking at go to WISD and East Plano schools.

Does WISD have an orchestra?
Do you know of someone who played strings in WISD? How did it go?

If there isn't an orchestra in WISD what are the options for our son who plays violin?

How is the WISD art program?
How are the advanced academic programs in WISD?

If you had a choice would you send your kids to WISD or EPlano schools and why?

Thanks so much!

[Philip T]

We wound up in Wylie ISD. Not too bad, and further out and more rural than Plano. Neighbor's horses come up in the backyard for breakfast most mornings. Beats the snot of out of South Dallas (our prior) in that regard, where we had wild Pit Bulls coming through the place.

From our perspective, you are sort of comparing two goods, with your Plano v. Wylie. Such a problem. Some folks speak ill of East Plano, but it looks fine to me. Murphy (town in East Plano ISD footprint) seems real nice, with a whole new Plano ISD complex.

As far as your interests -- went to see Annie Jr. done by the Wylie HS last month. I thought it was great. The lead (Annie) was wonderful. If anyone catches this who knows those folks, send our praise. But Plano is good on theater, too.

We are doing private violin for our 3rd Grader. And there is plenty of good private around. Also better than South Dallas. We sort of figure safe, clean, and quality basic education is a pretty good thing, and are happy to have it. If we want more for the kids (and we do) we will pick that up on our own.

[MurphyPl1]

East side of Maxwell Creek (Ranch, Gables, Maxwell Creek neighborhoods) are all zoned WISD as well as some of the streets in S. Murphy.

[JuicePlusMom]

We moved to WISD almost 2 years ago. I can address some of your questions.
I have several kids in advanced academics in the district. 9th grader at WHS in his first true AP class and other pre-AP classes. I cannot compare to another district, but we are pleased.
I agree with others - Theater programs are great that we have seen.
I can speak to the band program as fantastic. Two of my children are in band and loving it. Especially HS marching band, UIL competitions, district and region competitions, band camps.
One of the reasons we chose WHS over Plano East was sheer size of the school and that Plano East is a 2 year school. I like that my Freshman son goes to school with and has band friends that are seniors. As the school is a 4-year, 4A school. He recently competed in an ensemble contest where 2 members were freshman and 2 seniors. It was a great experience.

Alot of other extra-curricular areas are having great success as well - the debate team, academic decathlon team, football team made semi finals for state championship, lots of band and choir all region, all state, etc. I get emails from the district daily on new accomplishments and accolades. And I can help you get connected if you would like. It did take me a year to make connections.

There is not a strings program, yet I did see some stringed instruments at the recent ensemble contest!