Location advice for good high school (Plano, Carrollton: salons, renting, neighborhoods)

[Pintea]

I haven't visited here in a long time. Used to live in Plano, but have been overseas for a while now.

We may return to the area next year. Our daughter is in high school. She is a very good student, but I don't think I can apply on time for magnet schools.

We can choose where to move based on the school. Would prefer a more urban setting. Looking at renting, to keep things simple for now.

[JTC Mom]

There are tons of great public high schools. There are not a lot of urban settings. Highland Park is a really good school, close to downtown and walkable to lots of of shops and restaurants. Socially I think it would be hard to start there in high school with no other connection to the the area. But some kids are pretty good at fitting in, especially if she excels at a sport or other activity it can be easier to find your "people".

Woodrow Wilson High School is also somewhat urban. Some people think it's fabulous. Others do not. I don't really know.

I'm sure others can weigh in on other good public high schools...there are a lot of them. I'm not that familiar with which other ones may have a more urban/walkable feel.

[Pintea]

Thank you. Having lived overseas we would appreciate a more diverse setting. I know that diversity, walkable neighborhood and good school usually don't go together in the US. I will have to find balance somehow.

I like Highland Park. I do worry about fitting in, especially at this age. She will be coming into 10th grade.

[GigiTer]

Originally Posted by Pintea

Thank you. Having lived overseas we would appreciate a more diverse setting. I know that diversity, walkable neighborhood and good school usually don't go together in the US. I will have to find balance somehow.

I like Highland Park. I do worry about fitting in, especially at this age. She will be coming into 10th grade.

Highland Park is SO NOT diverse. Plano schools are much more diverse along with many other suburban schools than HP.

Personally coming from a more suburban rural area we find cities like Plano, Frisco, Carrollton etc.. very urban and as walkable as the city itself. Frisco especially has many walkable schools including high schools if that is what you are after plus diversity.

[tcualum]

Back when my older son was a toddler we considered moving to HP. The lack of diversity was one key factor keeping us from doing so.

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by JTC Mom

There are tons of great public high schools. There are not a lot of urban settings. Highland Park is a really good school, close to downtown and walkable to lots of of shops and restaurants. Socially I think it would be hard to start there in high school with no other connection to the the area. But some kids are pretty good at fitting in, especially if she excels at a sport or other activity it can be easier to find your "people".

Woodrow Wilson High School is also somewhat urban. Some people think it's fabulous. Others do not. I don't really know.

I'm sure others can weigh in on other good public high schools...there are a lot of them. I'm not that familiar with which other ones may have a more urban/walkable feel.

Woodrow Wilson High School has an International Baccalaureate program.

[ChristieP]

What’s your budget for housing? Highland Park is ultra expensive.
Where will you be commuting to for work? Long commutes take away from your family time.

[Pintea]

I will also look more into Woodrow Wilson. I didn't mention this, but AP classes or the IB program are important. As a ninth grader she's taking an AP class already.

It looks like Woodrow Wilson or Highland Park would be a better fit. She's a bit of an introvert, but excels at sports. That could help to make friends and adjust overall. Does anyone have direct experience with either one of these schools?

[Soccernerd]

Lake Highlands could be another option.

DFW is the fourth largest metro in the US, but it’s not very walkable or urban except for Downtown, Uptown, or surrounding neighborhoods.

[UnfairPark]

There is no such combo available in DFW as great public high school with safe walkable urban setting. However, some suburban schools like Highland Park High and Plano West are pretty walkable for suburban setting.

Plano has evolved a lot since last decade and you can walk from Plano West Senior High to almost everything you need, including but not limited to, restaurants, grocery, theater, recreation center, park, Walmart, Target, salons, bank, medical/dental/optician offices, Starbucks etc. You may find it pleasantly surprising. Shops at Legacy and Shops at Willow bend as well as Park/Preston shopping area has lots of attractions adding to an urban-suburban fusion feel.

It’s a big and diverse school with dozens of clubs, sports and activities so very easy for a new student to find like minded friends. They are arguably the best academically among DFW’s public schools so no worries there either.