Plano vs. Richardson vs North Dallas Schools, etc... moving dilemmas! (Irving: houses, transfer to)

[Samiam100]

Due to a work transfer to Irving, we're moving to Dallas in the near future, and have to make difficult decisions about trying to meet the needs of everyone in our family. Although we liked the areas of Southlake and Colleyville to live... we have two kids who will be attending either JPII or Jesuit next year, and it seems like an awfully long daily commute (either for me to take them, or when they are new drivers).

To further complicate the situation, we also have a 9th grader who is very smart (AP classes, G/T identified, etc.) but also has HFA (formerly called Aspergers) and currently is mainstreamed in our local high school with an IEP. When we toured schools in Southlake, Colleyville and Coppell, we felt Coppell might possibly be the best fit, but it too is pretty far from both of the Catholic high schools.

So...we're looking in Plano, Richardson and North Dallas to try to find an appropriate high school with high academic standards, that also knows how work with 2e students (GT/HFA). Obviously Plano Sr. High and Plano West Sr. High are on the list, though our son is not athletic and couldn't care less about football. We're also looking at Richardson High (with its science magnet), Pearce and possibly Richland Collegiate High Math/Sci/Eng School? Does anyone have any experience with any of these schools?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations about neighborhoods in Plano and/or Richardson? From the little time we spent there, Plano's 'style' is closer to what we're used to, but it seems Richardson has more renovated ranch-style houses with bigger yards (which also could be nice)?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[numbersguy100]

It feels like the first step is figuring out whether education considerations will be the primary driver or whether they will be a secondary consideration (that isn't meant to be condescending/judgmental - I fully believe in segregating the decision of how to school your children from where you want to live from a home and location perspective).
Others might know more but I thought Pearce was the stronger of the RISD high schools. Have you ruled out private for your 9th grader? There are lots of options for kids with different needs than traditional classroom.

[ChristieP]

Richardson to Irving will be a very long commute.

[UnfairPark]

I think North Dallas with Plano ISD would be a good location for someone who works in Irving and needs good public schools not too far from good private schools. Richardson or Far West Plano near PGBTP may work as well.