Heights Versus Garden Oaks Versus Shepherd Park (Houston, West: houses, neighborhoods)

[Summash]

My husband, 2 year old, & I (am expecting too) are moving to Houston in a few weeks. Though we'd love to live in West U, its too pricey. Thus, we are considering the Heights, Garden Oaks, and Shepherd Park. Any input would be appreciated. Schools are an issue and with the high property tax, would definitely want to take advantage of the public. Does anyone know about Vanguard and how easy it is to enroll outside of zone? Thanks so much.

[Poltracker]

All are nice neighborhoods. Have you considered Timbergrove or Lazybrook? Those neighborhoods are also real nice and in the same area.

[carolineb]

Below is info from the hisd website about Vanguard programs:

HISD's Vanguard programs serve students who have been identified as potentially gifted or talented in intellectual ability, creativity, or leadership. Vanguard offers a differentiated curriculum that is both accelerated and enriched. Students typically study interdisciplinary units that emphasize higher-level thinking skills, problem-solving, and creativity. The Vanguard program requires testing, and parents should use the Vanguard application.

[ayannaaaliyah]

Vanguard is difficult to get into whether you're in or out of the zone. More difficult if you reside outside of the zone because there are so many children who reside within the zone trying to get in. There are only approx. 11 elementary vanguard programs, 8 middle school, and 1 high school. This was 2 years ago and my daughter tested, passed however she was on a waiting list and the students who resided in HISD were first priority. They may have more space now with the program being so popular, check out the districts site for more up-to-date info HISD Connect - Home
Good Luck!

[Summash]

Just curious, ayannaaaliyah, if y'all lived in HISD & whether you tried magnet as well as Vanguard. Thanks!

[gwensyz]

Originally Posted by Summash

Just curious, ayannaaaliyah, if y'all lived in HISD & whether you tried magnet as well as Vanguard. Thanks!

We go to a Math Science and Technology Magnet in the Heights (Harvard) and live in Garden Oaks. Garden Oaks is a great area, the school is pretty good too, but we chose Harvard for its innovative programs like Robotics and its intensive focus on Math and Science. The instructors in the Magnet focus areas are degreed in those areas (not Gen Ed.). Vanguard schools are just GT schoools. While some are very good, GT services are available at all schools and many have a sizable GT population. Both of my kids are Vanguard/GT and the programs are challenging. Good luck!

[modster]

I think Garden Oaks is the prettiest. Shepherd Park Plaza has larger homes but Heights and Garden Oaks houses are more interesting IMO.

[AGGIEZ]

Garden Oaks hands down. The others are nice, but I think GO is a great investment now and is by far the prettiest neighborhood (although the Heights has some very nice areas too).

Garden Oaks Section 1 pics
Garden Oaks - Houston, TX - a set on Flickr