Good Private schools In North/ North West side?? (Austin, Alamo: top school, university)

[Jody84]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good private christian school?? `My daugher won't start kindergarden for another 3 years but I want to start looking for a good school now.

Thanks

[Jody84]

No one? Wow does everyone send their children to public schools....??

[bornandraisedSA]

I've only lived in SA and from what I have heard from others in other areas, SA is low on private schools. That being said, I've done some private school research and these are some in the NW area that I would strongly consider and research further if I were going to go that route.....

Judson Montessori
St George Episcopal
St Thomas Episcopal
Concordia Lutheran
Geneva School
St Matthews Catholic

I've had several friends who have had their children at at least one of these schools and really liked it....

The public schools are pretty highly regarded, and I am sure, given what they are, they are probably right (I am a former public school teacher) . But you can't change the fact that Public schools have high class sizes and focus on teaching the test, something that most private schools won't do - and of course there is the religious component you can't get in PS.


HTH a little

[Jody84]

Originally Posted by bornandraisedSA

I've only lived in SA and from what I have heard from others in other areas, SA is low on private schools. That being said, I've done some private school research and these are some in the NW area that I would strongly consider and research further if I were going to go that route.....

Judson Montessori
St George Episcopal
St Thomas Episcopal
Concordia Lutheran
Geneva School
St Matthews Catholic

I've had several friends who have had their children at at least one of these schools and really liked it....

The public schools are pretty highly regarded, and I am sure, given what they are, they are probably right (I am a former public school teacher) . But you can't change the fact that Public schools have high class sizes and focus on teaching the test, something that most private schools won't do - and of course there is the religious component you can't get in PS.


HTH a little

Thanks for the info!

I agree. I, on the other hand have lived here all my life, and went to the public schools on the northside (NISD )and still saw many things I shouldn't have, plus a high student to teacher ratio and such. I would really perfer my daughter go to a private school even if I have to drive outta my way.

We by no means are "rich" but we save everything we can so she can go. We even have saved all her income tax money in a mutual fund so we can afford her private schooling and college.


Have you heard good things about Cornerstone?

[neddy]

My son went to St. George and loved the place but alas we moved to Austin. Also heard very good things about Trinity United methodist school very small but very good.

[5thGenSATX]

I would look into St. Mary's Hall (private, scholarships available to gifted students) or Alamo Heights (public, but a top school with small class size, can pay out of district tuition) Cornerstone is NOT known for its academics. I guess you need to decide if you think getting a good education (and going to a top national university) is more important than going to a "Christian" school or vice versa. Good luck.

[ilmd]

Haven't been able to get in touch with a friend- phone tag. Talked to a neighbor, and she mentioned two schools that friends of hers had kids going to and liked them. Atonement on the norwest side, and Concordia Lutheren on Huebner. I don't know anything about the academics/sports/religion myself.

[chud]

Originally Posted by ilmd

Haven't been able to get in touch with a friend- phone tag. Talked to a neighbor, and she mentioned two schools that friends of hers had kids going to and liked them. Atonement on the norwest side, and Concordia Lutheren on Huebner. I don't know anything about the academics/sports/religion myself.

Atonement is supposed to be pretty good, I have friends who used to send their kids there. Rolling Hills Academy in Stone Oak is good, both my boys have gone there for Pre-K. Holy Spirit School at Blanco & Ramsey is very good, my niece goes there and my boys will next year (all these schools are Catholic, btw).

Btw, I'm new to the forum. Hi everyone!

[Jody84]

Thanks I will looking in to all of these!!

[bornandraisedSA]

Hey Jody,

I've lived in SA too all my life - went to NEISD. But I've taught in NISD for 5 years (Bandera ISD the other 4). So I guess what I'm saying is that take my opinion for a grain of salt because I have no basis of comparison outside of SA and those three districts (and then of course had differing perspectives being a STUDENT at NEISD and a teacher at NISD and BISD)

I am totally with you on "seeing things I shouldn't have" and high class sizes - and this is coming from that teaching/adult perspective. I definitely think NO place is perfect, but I agree with you in that I would drive out of my way to go to Private. That being said, we are going to give public a try (daughter starts kinder next year) because it will be a brand new school and living so far out, it makes sense logistically. Plus I know there are some GREAT teachers out there who offer quality instruction even despite the negatives in Public School. I will be determined to find them!

If all else fails, we will go the private route (and also work hard to get the right teachers.) I want a positive school environment for my children and even though I know I cant protect them from everything, I can do my due diligence to find the best place for them.

As far as Atonement, I met with the headmaster and toured the school and was NOT impressed at all. I know several who love it, so it's really about what you are looking for, but for me, it was NOT a good fit. (I can give you more details about my impression if you want, just DM me)

If it were me, TODAY, I would look at St. Thomas and St. George. A friend loves St Matthews, but the class sizes are not "small". I also toured Trinity United Methodist and it was a charming little school. They pay their teachers VERY VERY Low (less than half public schools!) though, so that's a factor to consider. The principal was super nice though and the first grade class that year had SIX kids in it!!!! The rooms looked fully stocked and they were well versed on curriculum and implementation. Location is the killer for me (distance wise) on that one, otherwise it would likely be in my top 3 to look into further.

Of course you also got some great suggestions (St Mary's, Alamo Heights, etc) but those are not NW, and I've not looked into those, so can't comment specifically - but have heard others speak very highly of them. Keystone is another one that is great (but another deal killer location-wise for me)

Sorry this got so long!


HTH a little more