Non-Faith Based Private School Reccommendations Lakewood/Lake Highlands (Dallas, Franklin: magnet schools, college)

[Lostinspace78]

Thanks for all the insight. It looks like some deeper research is in order on our part. Due to our timeline we were prepared to let our son finish this year out and if need be an extra year at Hexter since we knew we would be applying to schools late. I personally have no issue with a Catholic school as I’m a product of Catholic schools. However, my wife has personally not had good experiences with them so i’m willing to keep the peace on that point. Ultimately, the best education and fit for our son is the goal.

In regards to Hexter we have not been there long enough to foster an honest opinion. Everyone we’ve met has been nice. What we liked about our previous private school was the very early focus on programming, robotics, and entrepreneurship. The school had a student run coffee shop that all grade levels had a hand in running.

[debtex]

Originally Posted by 75214Dad

I bet you've never set foot on any of these campuses. I have, and I know people that attended all of them. The kids with a Hexter background have far better college matriculation and life outcomes. Plain and simple.

You would lose that bet my friend.

[debtex]

Originally Posted by CMC_TX

Might I recommend St. John’s? I know you said no faith based, but they accept students of all faith backgrounds & you mentioned academically rigorous. The only academically rigorous schools in that part of town are Catholic or Episcopalian. Otherwise, you will need to drive outside that part of town for what I’d consider an “excellent” private.

We sent ours to SJES, it's a great school. The ties with the church are real, though...it depends on how agnostic you want your kid's experience to be. They don't take religion most years...in the lower school they do a kind of ethical/moral class that has a religious component a couple if days a week but that was all over by middle school. The kids do go to chapel every day though and the clergy are active in the school. It's actually pretty sweet and lovely IMO.

ETA - The Catholic schools seem to have a stronger religious component to the kid's experience. Full mass weekly and religion class every year. "Health" class in middle school is in keeping with the church's weirdness regarding sex.

[cordata]

Look at Lakehill first - it's close to what you want and it is generally easier to get in than others . . so there is potential for the 2019-2020 school year. If it doesn't fit the bill you can start the same grind that everyone else goes thru ...

[75214Dad]

Originally Posted by EDS_

Samples of 1 or 2 are often misleading.

True, but 40 years worth are not

[75214Dad]

Originally Posted by Lostinspace78

Thanks for all the insight. It looks like some deeper research is in order on our part. Due to our timeline we were prepared to let our son finish this year out and if need be an extra year at Hexter since we knew we would be applying to schools late. I personally have no issue with a Catholic school as I’m a product of Catholic schools. However, my wife has personally not had good experiences with them so i’m willing to keep the peace on that point. Ultimately, the best education and fit for our son is the goal.

In regards to Hexter we have not been there long enough to foster an honest opinion. Everyone we’ve met has been nice. What we liked about our previous private school was the very early focus on programming, robotics, and entrepreneurship. The school had a student run coffee shop that all grade levels had a hand in running.

The only progressive minded independent school in Dallas worth the tuition is Greenhill, everything else is a waste of money. But hey, it's your money!

[Stringzs]

For your area, I would strongly recommend St. John's. Its Episcopalian, and very inclusive. Also a very nurturing school. As long as a school does not strongly impose a religion, I would consider it as an option.

[daltgrmum]

I am not sure if you would consider this an option, but I would recommend taking a look at the magnet schools within the Dallas ISD public school system, as well, to start your child for the 20/21 school year.
My youngest son is currently at Travis Talented and Gifted Vanguard and Academy which is located in Uptown. It is for grades 4-8 and involves a lot of project based learning. They start stronger tech courses in 7th grade and additional electives include math and science competition team.
My older son, who attended Hexter for kindergarten, is currently at Dealey Montessori Vanguard and International Academy which is located in North Dallas, close to Preston Hollow. It is for PK-8. He started in 1st grade (my younger son attended here as well for 1-3 until his teacher recommended he apply for Travis to begin 4th). This is my older son's last year at Dealey, and he was accepted to the Talented and Gifted Magnet High School at Townview for next year, along with many, many of his classmates. You can find information about the TAG High School online, it is consistently ranked one of the top public high schools in the country by US News and World Reports, and probably other sources as well.
There are also a few other magnet schools that start in either elementary or middle school, like Spence and Harry Stone. I don't have personal experience there to actually recommend, except my older son shadowed at Spence for a day as a consideration for middle school, but after his shadowing day, he did not want to apply there.
FYI the district provides transportation to and from school from your local elementary, middle, or high school. The only inconvenience for us is during parent teacher meetings or performances when we have to travel to the schools. But we are sort of located between these two magnets, as I assume you are as well since your child attends Hexter. Really, the inconvenience wouldn't be as bad if they weren't each at a different one that are in opposite directions from where we live.

[numbersguy100]

Originally Posted by 75214Dad

The only progressive minded independent school in Dallas worth the tuition is Greenhill, everything else is a waste of money. But hey, it's your money!

Like several other statements you have made in this thread, not true in the slightest.

You don’t have 40 years worth of data, or even anecdotes, comparing outcomes at Hexter against these schools. This is just more of your virtue signaling.

[camj70]

Definitely check out Lakehill. It should fit your requirements and would not be too far if your child is currently at Hexter. The families I know at St. John's really love it and many of our neighbors have kids who attend St. John's - families who desired the church component but most who wanted some of things that the publics just can't offer (smaller class sizes, more student leadership opportunities, a less test-driven curriculum). Also, I wouldn't rule out Hexter through elementary. We also have friends who drive to the more elite privates from East Dallas, but it's a pain and typically requires a parent that stays at home or an after-school nanny/sitter. Also to keep in mind, after school activities will be tied to the school, so if you do decide to apply to the elites (and get in) you may want to move that direction if it wouldn't make for a lousy job commute. Best of luck and hope you find the right fit for your family!