Going Crazy About Schools- Pl Help

[jodie96]

Thanks to all of you. Appreciate all your input.

[Bridget40K]

I am a substitute teacher currently working in the CISD (Southlake). We, too, had to make the decision about where to live when we were transferred to Texas from NJ. Since we did not know a single soul down here, we had to rely on the internet as well as the realtor in charge of our transfer.

I can tell you without equivocation that your daughter would thrive in the Carroll School District. The school system is excellent, and since that was our primary focus when choosing a place to live, we had to stretch a little as far as the price of our home (and taxes), but I believe it was well worth the effort. My guess is that you'd have to put your daughter into a private school if you did choose Coppell, but that's not only my opinion.

I have 4 children, 3 of whom are currently students here, and all doing extremely well. My youngest child, a 5th grader with a learning disability, started 4th grade here last year. By year's end, with the help of some awesome teachers, my son tested out of his need for an IEP (Individualized Education Program or Resource help). I still cannot believe how far he's come.

As far as drugs/alcohol abuse...my second daughter is now a senior here, and even though we lived in an affluent upper middle class area in NJ, was amazed at the difference in those issues here in Southlake. I believe a big part of that has to do with the emphasis on athletics here (especially football). That's not to say that you won't find some instances of abuse, but it is very very rare. The one thing that impressed me is that the students here do not smoke. I have yet to see one of them with a cigarrette, and I find that very refreshing.

Curriculum-wise, you will be very happy with the CISD. Honors and G&T classes are top notch, and when your daughter gets to high school and is able to maintain an A average or better, she will automatically be accepted to any state school here in Texas without having to take SAT's or ACT's. However, it is extremely competitive, and breaking into the top 10 is no small feat. There are students here with a 108+ average. These are the students who have taken honors classes and have also participated in extracurricular activities all though middle and high school.

If your primary focus is your daughter, I can't think of a better area to raise her. That being said, no place is without it's drawbacks, and as far as we are concerned, it is the tax base in Southlake. There is a Robin Hood Law here, whereby the richer school districts supplement the poorer, and although there has been an ongoing battle to do away with it, we are still paying way too much property taxes city wide. You will be able to find houses in your price range, however, so don't let that hold you back. Depending on what part of Southlake you live in, your taxes can be substantially less than what we pay at the moment (don't ask!!).

I hope this gives you some help. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I sub for grades k-8, and can certainly steer you toward what I consider the better Intermediate schools in the district.

Good Luck!
B. Kelly

[jodie96]

I would like to thank everyone in this forum for their advise. Thanks especially to Skrappile,Vicman,Socketz,Gopadge,Welcome to cophell,Momof2dfw,940 and Bridget40k. Thank you all again for taking the time to suggest. I would like to update you all that we have decided on Plano isd (Rice middle school for now)for my 11 year daughter,just finished inspection today and looking forward to close the house soon in this area.Planning to stay here till she finishes middle school.

Thank you all again
JO

[MaryS80]

All schools are going to have some precentage of the student body who use drugs. Very, very rarely will there problems with students using or selling drugs on campus. Ten years ago there was a huge drug problem among high school students in Plano, so no place is immune. Like socketz said if you taught her right, and she respects you then she won't fall into that pit. Moving while she is in fifth grade will less truamatic then if you waited, but always be there for her to talk to. Changing schools and moving can be hard, being the new kid and trying to fit it. After you all move you might look into some cheer or gymnastics classes for her so she has something fun to do and can meet other girls her age.

John Knox private school comes highly reccomended from a few people I know. It is located in far north Richardson, almost in Plano.

[triciaabr]

Hi Jodie96!

I read about your dilemma and wanted to respond. As a Texas Realtor I hear these questions all the time. The Best website I've found is the one done by TEA (Texas Education Agency). I looked at Carroll ISD (Southlake) and Coppell. Here's the link:
2005 Accountability: List by County

Carroll is in Tarrant County and has MANY Exemplary Schools on this Report. Exemplary is the Best and Recognized is 2nd Best, ...

Coppell is in Dallas County and has a few Exemplary Schools and several Recognized Schools. Until a few years ago these were flip-flopped. There has been shake-up, but I think Coppell is on the road to recovery to getting many back in the Exemplary Status.

As far as the drug issue, I think it's everywhere. The best prevention is a strong set of values from home and religion.

Moderator cut: soliciting

Trish Abramson
Moderator cut: soliciting

[loves2read]

think there are so many variables that nothing can guarantee all positives for your child or any child--plenty of problems in yuppie land Southlake Carroll ISD as well as Grapevine-Colleyville or HEB or Keller ISD or Lewisville or any school district OR any private school whether church-affiliated or not...

your best best is to have a rock-solid relationship with your child before you worry about school...a motivated kid can get a great education at almost any school....Paschal HS in FWISD had more junior national merit semi-finalists than any school in Tarrant co---parents apply to have children transferred there if they live outside the school zone...

you have no idea if you will live in Dallas until your daughter graduates anyway...
I am not saying don't pay attention to school info (and I think you are right about perception of Coppell ISD--it does not have the rep it did 10 years ago) Northwest will probably be one of better rated ISD in next 5 years because of the IB Westlake school and the money is going there....same reason Carroll ISD has stayed strong--the money goes there...

[Lakewooder]

You have to be careful about private schools. Personally I prefer the public education experience. But I have no qualms about the truly prestigious cream-of-the crop private schools (except that your kids are not generally exposed to those of lesser means).

Many private schools around here were formed specifically for White Flight. Be sure to investigate the history of the school and whether or not it has reformed from that mission.

[FarNorthDallas]

My son is in a private school and it's wonderful. Truly amazing. Stunning, in fact. The cost keeps me up at night. It's like having to buy a car every ear.

Years ago he started kindergarten in a different private school and it was horrible. I took him out within weeks. Reasearch, research, research. Public or private.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

You have to be careful about private schools. Personally I prefer the public education experience. But I have no qualms about the truly prestigious cream-of-the crop private schools (except that your kids are not generally exposed to those of lesser means).

Many private schools around here were formed specifically for White Flight. Be sure to investigate the history of the school and whether or not it has reformed from that mission.

Lakewooder. Do you have kids ?