Alamo Heights, Boerne and private schools questions (Houston, Kerrville: environment, rental)

[Houstonmommy]

I was reading an old thread and someone mentioned that you can pay out of district tuition to go to Alamo Heights schools. Is that accurate? Is it for any school or for one specific school in the district?

We are looking at moving to SA from Houston and we're pretty much set on private school for our kids if we stay in Houston, BUT maybe SA schools are vastly different from Houston schools. As far as schools I'm mostly concerned a/b class size. My kids thrive in smaller environments and all but shut down when there are tons of other kids in the room so I want to respect their need.

Is there such a thing as no more than 20 kids per class in SA public schools?

I hear a lot of good things about the Boerne school district but nothing specific. Any experiences in BISD?

Last question is what schools are considered good Catholic schools (elementary and up)?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate any answers and I know I need to do lots more research on my own but thought this would be a good place to start!

[Chaka]

I can't answer your questions but I want to ask another - are Catholic schools here or in Houston that small in terms of class size?

Where I'm from in California (and where 2 sisters now teach), the Catholic schools tend to have 30+ kids in them at least. Often more than 40.

[Houstonmommy]

Chaka, my experience with private school in Houston (I went to an all girl's Catholic school) is that there were no more than 20 kids per class, period. Gym class was different of course. Getting into the school wasn't easy, so I guess that's how they limited class size.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Houstonmommy

Chaka, my experience with private school in Houston (I went to an all girl's Catholic school) is that there were no more than 20 kids per class, period. Gym class was different of course. Getting into the school wasn't easy, so I guess that's how they limited class size.

Interesting. I don't know how the SA schools are, only the ones I knew in CA - and though they had very strict rules for getting in and there were long waiting lists (had to pass a test, certain level of parental involvement, for elementary - had to be members of the parish) they're still packed!

[irishmom2]

We are new here, too! We had inquired as to paying public tuition at the new Boerne elementary school-Cibolo Creek and they were very happy to accommodate us-they are still a growing school. The cost was $10 per day-I didn't think that was too bad! The schools probably allow it if they have openings. I can't speak to catholic school class size but my kids attend the new NISD school -Aue Elem. and my 5th grader has 22 in her class and my second grader has 17. We are coming from Michigan in a district with outstanding schools but 30-33 kiddos per class-including kindergarten! There are lots of options-almost too many! Good luck!

[Houstonmommy]

Thanks Chaka and Irishmom! I didn't know a/b Boerne tuition, that's pretty cool too.

We're kind of torn on where we'd like to live so we're centering our decision around schools (I guess), we also want to live close to a Catholic church.

Also, my in-laws live in Kerrville so Boerne seems like a good "halfway point" between them and my husband's job. But Alamo Heights is maybe half a mile from his office so my husband would loooove that too.

We really liked a couple of spots in Bulverde, 5 acre lots, nice homes, gorgeous trees, etc. but the traffic was nightmarish around Stone Oak so that option is out.