Top High Schools in Houston Area? (public schools, education, teaching)

[revive]

How do Houston public schools compare vs. private schools? If money isn't an issue, would you choose a private school over a public school?

Which private schools are better than public schools in Sugar Land?

[Topaz]

Property taxes are so high in Texas, it seems a shame to pay them and then pay for private school unless you live in a school district where the school is a problem. Most of the public schools in Sugar Land are excellent so no need to pay for private school.

[icon7]

In Sugar Land there is such a large population of professionals (engineers, doctors, medical, and Tech people) that they demand that the school push their kids! Also there is a large population of Chinese and Indian families in Sugar Land where high grades and education are only second to food & health...in most cases, kids that go to these excellent schools usually have no problem getting into their first or second choice of colleges and are much better prepared for adjusting to college than student is most of the HISD.

[revive]

Originally Posted by icon7

In Sugar Land there is such a large population of professionals (engineers, doctors, medical, and Tech people) that they demand that the school push their kids! Also there is a large population of Chinese and Indian families in Sugar Land where high grades and education are only second to food & health...in most cases, kids that go to these excellent schools usually have no problem getting into their first or second choice of colleges and are much better prepared for adjusting to college than student is most of the HISD.

Great points. I asked primarily because I'm building in Telfair where the elementary school is new (hence quality/rating is unknown), and it's currently zoned to Kempner HS, which ranks below Clements/Austin/Dulles/Elkins. Should I worry about these?

Btw, do you know how likely is the Telfair HS going to be built? I was told that it's been proposed, but so far there's no positive decision yet.

[icon7]

I am in the same boat as you...don't have kids yet... but would be real upset if they do not build the HS. Or at the least rezone to Clements. I don't care for Kempner HS...too far out and not up to par with Clements or Austin. When I talked to the folks at the community Center, they said FBISD has the option to purchase the land for both the elementary and HS (cheap) by the end of the summer.

Originally Posted by revive

Great points.
Btw, do you know how likely is the Telfair HS going to be built? I was told that it's been proposed, but so far there's no positive decision yet.

[revive]

Originally Posted by icon7

When I talked to the folks at the community Center, they said FBISD has the option to purchase the land for both the elementary and HS (cheap) by the end of the summer.

So does that mean the decision for the HS will be made this summer?

Btw, what do you mean by FBISD potentially purchasing land for elementary? Didn't they buy land to build Cornerstone, or are they thinking of building another elementary?

[icon7]

That is what I was told or it would become residential. Maybe they will extend the period to have FBISD purchase the land.
There are plans to build a second elementary on the NE area of Telfair too.

Originally Posted by revive

So does that mean the decision for the HS will be made this summer?

Btw, what do you mean by FBISD potentially purchasing land for elementary? Didn't they buy land to build Cornerstone, or are they thinking of building another elementary?

[revive]

Icon7,

Thanks for the info. Btw, I've sent you a private message.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by icon7

In Sugar Land there is such a large population of professionals (engineers, doctors, medical, and Tech people) that they demand that the school push their kids! Also there is a large population of Chinese and Indian families in Sugar Land where high grades and education are only second to food & health...

Seriously. My son is in PRESCHOOL in Sugar Land and he came home last week talking about how he has to earn A's because B's aren't good. I was aghast. I'm not sure if he learned this from the teacher or from other children. It seems a bit young for grade anxiety to be starting!

[713chmba]

If money isn't an object and your kids are really smart, the best private schools in Houston are Kinkaid and St. John's. Episcopal is third. Also, Second Baptist, St. Thomas, Strake Jesuit, Audy International, Duschene, St. Agnes, are very good. I probably forgot some.

The top tier public schools in the city are generally considered to be Bellaire, Lamar, and Memorial. Clements and the suburb schools are generally better than the city schools. The top kids at Bellaire can go wherever they want to college.