Schools in Odessa and Midland? Which are better? (Howe, Vega: house, high schools)

[lthomas9]

Can anyone tell me about the schools in Odessa and Midland we are moving there and I need so information on which schools are better I have 2 young children. Please nothing about the fact that the movie Friday night lights was based on the Permian High school.

[Westerner92]

Well, Friday Night Lights does give a peer into some of the mentality that can exist there, that athletics can often take precedence over academics. Midland schools are the only ones worth attending. From what I can tell, Midland High and Midland Lee and their corresponding feeder schools aren't noticeably different in quality.

[lthomas9]

Thank you

[SVTRay]

Midland schools in my opinion are slightly better. Santa Rita is a good school in particular for younger kids K-6. Abel and San Jacinto are probably your better options for 7-8 grade. Freshman is another story, you got two options and I really don't like either one...although I would stick with Midland Freshman. As for high schools, Midland High was more noted for academics in my day while Lee had a better football team. Midland also has a very good junior college that actually has started some BA degrees! UTPA is a stone throw away in Odessa as well.

[hgsummerville]

If you're not from Texas it doesn't matter where you go, you will bate it. Texas schools in general and Midland/Odessa in particular are struggling to accommodate all the new arrivals.

My advice is get a house wherever you can and then go in and talk to the office ladies, and join the PTA. That way your kids will have a roof over their head (which helps) and you can make the schools better for everyone.

My kids have excelled with lousy teachers or with great ones, they've been in small class rooms and large. The difference that makes in negligible. They are going to get a good education, if for no other reason then because the teachers and the school KNOW you.

(Also, if you are coming from out of state: elementary students are given actual grades and they will have homework. Be forewarned.)

Good luck!

[hgsummerville]

Originally Posted by lthomas9

Please nothing about the fact that the movie Friday night lights was based on the Permian High school.

The only lesson that should be learner from FNL is to save 10% of every paycheck. Oil towns boom and then bust.

[SVTRay]

Originally Posted by hgsummerville

The only lesson that should be learner from FNL is to save 10% of every paycheck. Oil towns boom and then bust.

Only 10%? I would put back 25%.

[Texas Liberal]

Originally Posted by hgsummerville

The only lesson that should be learner from FNL is to save 10% of every paycheck. Oil towns boom and then bust.

True, but not just oil towns, look at Detroit and Las Vegas. People should be put money back and be ready for bust in every town.

[Westerntraveler]

I went to Scharbauer Elementary, Washington Magnet,Abell Junior High,and Lee High School in Midland and I had positive experiences with them.I graduated in 2009.However, we do not have good freshman schools in Midland. I reccomend living in Midland over Odessa.